What is RFID? RFID description written by MINDWARE~

Published on: 06 Aug, 2022 | 05:27:25 PM

RFID 

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic field to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter. When triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearby RFID reader device, the tag transmits digital data, usually an identifying inventory number, back to the reader. This number can be used to track inventory goods.

Passive tags are powered by energy from the RFID reader's interrogating radio waves. Active tags are powered by a battery and thus can be read at a greater range from the RFID reader, up to hundreds of meters.

Unlike a barcode, the tag does not need to be within the line of sight of the reader, so it may be embedded in the tracked object. RFID is one method of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC).

RFID tags are used in many industries. For example, an RFID tag attached to an automobile during production can be used to track its progress through the assembly line, RFID-tagged pharmaceuticals can be tracked through warehouses, and implanting RFID microchips in livestock and pets enables positive identification of animals. Tags can also be used in shops to expedite checkout, and to prevent theft by customers and employees.

Since RFID tags can be attached to physical money, clothing, and possessions, or implanted in animals and people, the possibility of reading personally-linked information without consent has raised serious privacy concerns. These concerns resulted in standard specifications development addressing privacy and security issues. 

                            How does RFID work?

Every RFID system consists of three components: a scanning antenna, a transceiver and a transponder. When the scanning antenna and transceiver are combined, they are referred to as an RFID reader or interrogator. There are two types of RFID readers -- fixed readers and mobile readers. The RFID reader is a network-connected device that can be portable or permanently attached. It uses radio waves to transmit signals that activate the tag. Once activated, the tag sends a wave back to the antenna, where it is translated into data.  The transponder is in the RFID tag itself. The read range for RFID tags varies based on factors including the type of tag, type of reader, RFID frequency and interference in the surrounding environment or from other RFID tags and readers. Tags that have a stronger power source also have a longer read range.

               Types of RFID systems

Now that you know how a RFID system works, it is time to get to know the different types of RFID systems in the market. Depending on the frequency band they operate, we find different systems: low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF / NFC) and ultra-high frequency (UHF).

There are also two broad categories of systems: passive RFID and active RFID. In the following sections we will see the different frequencies and types of RFID systems.

RFID frequencies

Frequency refers to the size of the wave that is used to communicate the different components of the system. RFID systems that exist in the world operate in low frequency, high frequency or hyper high frequency. Let’s go thoroughly-

Low frequency (LF) RFID

The LF band covers frequencies between 30 KHz to 300Khz. Typical LF RFID systems work with 125 KHz or 134 KHz. This frequency provides a short reading range, about 10 cm, and the reading speed is slow. It is very resistant to external interference. Typical applications of LF are access control and animal control. LF RFID, UHF RFID, and GPS systems are all used in animal management. The specific system selected is usually dependent on the information needed and safety of the animals.

Standard norms for traceability systems for animals are defined in ISO 14223, and ISO / IEC 18000-2. The LF spectrum is not considered a frequency for global applications due to the different frequencies and reading powers that work around the world.

      Low Frequency -MINDWARE Clear Disc Tag

High frequency (HF) RFID

The ranges of the HF frequencies go from 3 to 30 MHz Most RFID HF systems work with 13.56 MHz, with reading ranges between 10cm and 1m. Interferences moderately affect HF systems. HF systems are commonly used for ticketing, payments and data transfer applications.

High Frequency Library Tag (MINDWARE Icode Label)

Ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID

UHF systems cover frequency ranges from 300MHz to 3Ghz. RAIN RFID systems comply with the standard UHF Gen2 standard that uses frequencies 860 to 960 MHz there are differences in variation between regions, most of them operate between 900 and 915 Mhz. UHF RFID reading systems can reach more than 12 meters, have very fast data transmission and are very sensitive to interference. UHF tags are easier and cheaper to manufacture compared to LF and HF.

RAIN RFID UHF systems are used in a wide variety of applications. From store inventories to the identification of medications for protection. Most RFID projects currently use UHF (RAIN RFID) technology, making it the fastest growing market segment. The RFID UHF Jewellery Tag is one of the smallest tag in the UHF family and also most economic Jewellery tag suitable for any small obejcts tagging.

MINDWARE Mini UHF Metal Tag

Differences between RFID Frequencies- LF/HF/UHF/          

                   Passive and active RFID systems

Active RFID - Active RFID systems tags transmit their own signal with the information they have stored on the chip because they have their own power. Normally this power source is batteries. Usually Active RFID systems operate at UHF frequencies and offer a reading range of more than 100 meters. They are usually used on very large objects such as wagons, containers or products that have to be controlled in large spaces.

Passive RFID Tags - Passive RFID uses high-power readers that send out a low-frequency, high-power RF signal to battery-free tags. The antenna in the tag is woken up by the amount of energy flowing to it, which wakes up its circuit. The tag then transmits a coded message back to the reader at a different frequency. 

Uses of RFID-

RFID dates back to the 1940s; however, it was used more frequently in the 1970s. For a long time, the high cost of the tags and readers prohibited widespread commercial use. As hardware costs have decreased, RFID adoption has also increased.

Some Common uses for RFID Applications include:

1. Pet & Livestock tracking using RFID Solution by MINDWARE.

2. Inventory Management

3. Asset tracking and equipment tracking.

4. Inventory control.

5. Cargo and supply chain logistics.

6. Vehicle tracking.

7. Customer service and loss control.

8. Improved visibility and distribution in the supply chain.

9. Access control in security situations.

10. Shipping

11. Healthcare

12. Manufacturing

13. Retail Sales

14. Tap-and-go credit card payments.

                                       MAXIMUM RANGE OF RFID

It depends on the type of RFID solution that you are using. Passive low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) systems have a read range of approximately 3 feet (1 meter). A passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) system has a read range of 10 feet to 25 feet (3 meters to 8 meters) under most conditions, but phased array antennas can read tags from a distance of 100 feet to 600 feet (30 meters to 180 meters) or more. Active RFID systems, on the other hand, can typically be read from 300 feet (90 meters) away, but many can now go up to 1,500 feet (460 meters) or more by employing signal repeaters.

                           RFID Chip

Radio frequency identity (RFID) chips are tiny computer chips connected to miniature antennas that can be placed on or in physical objects. They are used in a wide variety of applications where “contactless” authentication is desired, including toll booths, transit passes, passports, and

Contact less entry keys.

How do you detect an RFID Chip?

In order to detect RFID chips, you must have a RFID chip reader that can send and receive the signals transmitted by the RFID tags.

At first, obtain an RFID chip reader at a specialized online or local electronic retailer.

Secondly, Turn on the RFID chip reader and scan the vicinity of the area you believe RFID chips are present. Although each RFID chip reader is different, RFID chips will generally emit a frequency that will cause the chip reader to produce a beeping noise to indicate the presence of RFID chips.

Thirdly, follow the signal strength with the increase in the series of beeps from the RFID chip reader. If your RFID chip reader has the ability to detect the direction of the frequency, the device will be able to tell you exactly what direction the RFID chip is located.      

 Medical use for RFID Chip-

       Inventory Control

       Equipment Tracking

       Personnel Tracking

     Providing data for electronic medical record system                          

       Monitoring Patients

       Preventing the distribution of drugs 

RFID Inlays, RFID Tags, RFID Labels

When designing an RFID system – a few components typically come to mind, including RFID hardware and software. For hardware, typically RFID Readers, RFID Antennas, & RFID Tags are selected based on the respective use. Other hardware component includes RFID printers and other accessories/ peripherals. 

In regards to an RFID tag, various terminologies are often used including RFID Inlays, RFID Labels & RFID Tags, so here are the differences between – RFID inlays, RFID Tags & RFID labels.         

RFID Inlay:

An RFID Inlay is just the RFID Chip (IC), Tag Antenna and Substrate, typically on a film face. If the substrate has adhesive it’s called a “Wet Inlay”. Otherwise, it’s called a Dry Inlay. 

    Dry Inlay          Wet Inlay

RFID Label:

If an RFID Inlay in embedded into paper label, it is reference to as an RFID Label or Smart Label.

RFID Tag: 

If the RFID Chip and Tag Antenna are encapsulated (to protect the components or for ease of use case), then it’s referenced as an RFID Tag. If we look the components of an RFID Tag, there are typically the following pieces:

• RFID Chip (or Integrated Circuit): Responsible data storage as well as handling processing logic based on the respective protocol.
• Tag Antenna: Responsible for receiving and transmitting the signal from the interrogator (AKA RFID Reader). Typically takes up the largest amount of space.
• Substrate : Holds everything together.

Now! When we package everything together, there are difference terms that may be used.

If you have any questions regarding what RFID Tag would be right for your use Contact MINDWARE. Contact no. +91 9810822688   e-mail: gm@indianbarcode.com   

                 RFID & Barcodes

Barcodes and RFID Tags are regularly being used to track objects through store information, both technologies allow for a wide range of applications which other technologies cannot meet. Below are some of the similarities and the differences between RFID and Barcodes.

 Similarities between RFID and Barcodes –

·      Barcodes and RFID have many similarities including-

·     Barcodes and RFID tags allow you to track objects with ease.

·     Both can store data which can be easily read.

·     You can read information using both fixed and mobile scanners.

However there are many differences between RFID and Barcodes.

Differences between RFID and Barcodes –

ü Barcodes can only be scanned one at a time, unlike RFID which multiple tags can be scanned at once using a single scanner.

ü Barcodes require the scanner to have a direct line – of – sight with code where are RFID is a near field technology, which allows the scanner to read the tags within a range and without a direct line of sight.

Barcodes are typically printed on adhesive labels or on a paper resulting in the barcode being prone to wear and damage which can impact the readability. However, RFID tags are usually embedded with plastic labels or within the object itself, resulting in a more robust which can withstand more damage than barcodes.

ü Barcodes are limited by the type and volume of data that can be store, while RFID allows for up to 2,000 bytes of data to be stored with a single tag.

Now the question is which is good Barcodes or RFID?

It is dependent on your requirement or budget. Barcodes are cheaper and store less information but, RFID can read multiple tags at once at high speed. So, when choosing between barcodes or RFID, it is essential to look at the purpose, environment and potential costs. Not all use case would require RFID tags to be used, some other case will require the technology.

Whether you are looking for Barcodes or RFID you can contact our team (MINDWARE) we will help you choosing the best solution for you as MINDWARE is the biggest consultant for Barcode & RFID Technology.      

Written by MINDWARE~

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