RFID is an acronym that stands for “radio frequency identification.” It is a continuously evolving technology that fundamentally is an automatic identification system that facilitates detection of objects. Purchases will be made easier when bar codes are replaced by RFID tags, also called smart labels. RFID tags are intelligent bar codes that can interact with a networked system for tracking every product that has been put in a shopping cart. They come in two types, namely, inductively coupled RFID tags and capacitively coupled RFID tags.
The basic function of an RFID reader is to communicate with an RFID tag by emanating radio waves through its antenna. RFID readers are categorized on the basis of their range, like UHF (ultra high frequency) and HF (high frequency), which are 13.56 MHz and 2.45 GHz. Their prices are also dependent on their ranges, therefore, UHF readers are the costliest, but prices range from $2500 to $3000.
There are three reasons for these readers being so expensive. First, there is no IC (integrated circuit) integration; second, there is a low quantity in production; and third, customized components are not available. However, according to a new calculation by a research company, the cost of UHF readers may go down by the end of 2006 or in 2007 since more and more dealers will invest into this technology. Also, as requirement levels increase, component costs will decrease.
A new analog front-end IC was launched by Colorado-based company, EM Microelectronic, which works for 13.56 MHz RFID readers. RFID Demonstration Reader, called EMDB408, was introduced by this company. It can be utilized as a reference design and development tool kit.
Also, a new antenna from Poynting Antennas was brought for the 860-960 MHz band. This particular range includes both the European Union and the U.S. RFID bands. RFID technology has bright prospects, and it can be beneficial to the mankind.
RFID Technology: A New Revolution
RFID technology brings revolution not only in functionality of tracking systems but in healthcare, libraries and field of manufacturing etc. also. Here I give you a brief description about RFID technology, hope it will be helpful for you.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. An RFID tag is a small object that can be attached to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person. RFID tags contain silicon chips and antennas to enable them to receive and respond to radio-frequency queries from an RFID transceiver. Passive tags require no internal power source, whereas active tags require a power source.
RFID is the abbreviated form of Radio Frequency Identification. RFID is akin to the bar codes but in RFID the electro magnetic coupling is used to transmit signals. The main components of an RFID are silicon chips, an antenna and a transceiver that can be used anytime and anywhere. The passive RFID tags require no power source while active ones with power backup.
There are two types of RFID Systems: Near field and far field. Near-field systems are that in which inductive coupling of the tag employ to thereactive energy circulating around the reader antenna, Far-field systems that couple to the real energy contained in propagating electromagnetic plane waves.
RFID is like a tag in which information and instructions are stored. It can be used in a car manufacturing, into a dog collar etc. An RFID system can range up to 90 feet. Unlike barcode technology, RFID does not require line-of-sight reading on which a bar code depends and RFID scanning can be done at greater distances than bar code scanning.
The reader contains a radio frequency module, a signal processing and micro controller unit, a coupling element and the interface to a host system. There are many different kinds of readers on the market, such as desktop, hand-held, tunnel or gate/gantry style readers. The host system controls the data flow between the readers and tags. It can be as simple as a personal computer connected to the reader by an RS-232 serial cable.
RFID has a plethora of uses. While initially the technology was just confined to tracing or identifying dogs, for a means of permanent identification number, the uses of RFID have simply multiplied over the years. Today RFID technology is seen in almost every field. Be it medicine, education (like library work), shipping, electronic devices automobiles, musical instruments, tracking movements of individuals via their passports etc, everywhere the RFID technology is at work.
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About RFID
We all have of course seen James Bond attaching a small chip on an enemy’s overcoat to track the bad guy enemy. The spy-chip he used was actually the RFID system. RFID means Radio Frequency Identification method. This system uses transponders to store and remotely retrieve stored data. In the RFID method, these transponders are also known as RFID tags. Currently, RFID is used everywhere. From animal tracking to container tracking, and credit cards to library cards, we see the use of RFID. Some of the RFID applications can even remove human intervention completely.
Generally, an RFID system has tags, tag readers, servers and application software. The tags are mobile devices with digital memory chips and unique identification codes that transmit the data, which is then read by the tag reader. Further processing is done by application software according to the need.
Though relatively expensive, RFID provides the advantage of having multiple independent data sources on one chip. And when one thinks of long-term gains, RFID is the future. RFID technology not only provides greater functionality but also greater clarity. But, as every coin has two sides, RFID technology has some side effects too. The use of RFID creates the problems about the privacy of an individual. These concerns mainly rise from the RFID tags attached to products consumers buy.
Thus, great technologies like RFID must be judiciously used to enjoy the benefits from it. Once the negative issues are removed by standardization and by law then RFID will definitely be useful for mankind.
The Relationship Between RFID Technology and ID Cards
The relationship between RFID technology and ID cards is close and personal. While both types of identification work extremely well individually, their efficacy together is amazing. For example, while it is conceivable that even the best ID cards can be forged, or lost and used by unscrupulous individuals, a card using RFID technology offers numerous protections.
If a card is lost, but has an RID tag, it can easily be tracked. While this may not lead to the apprehension of the individual who originally took it, it could lead to the card itself, and any damages could then be reversed.
Another, simpler way that RFID technology helps in the use of ID cards is via readers, the strongest of which can scan information up to thirty meters or more away. This displaces the tedium of a physical reader and allows people in the area to use the system more effectively.
This is especially important in work environments and places like schools with a high volume of people. If people simply have to flash their card at a reader, this speeds up traffic a great deal. Besides work and school environments, RFID technology and ID cards work in many other ways as well.
A scenario that this combination would prove extremely capable at aiding would be traffic crossing tolls on bridges. An ID card could have an RFID tag that would allow for a prepaid toll card. The driver would then flash the card at the reader as they drove by; they would only have to slow down, not stop, and wouldn’t have to fumble for change or money.
In fact, RFID tags are used in this way already, although without the ID card, in the Bay Area as an optional payment method for traffic crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Called the ‘FasTrak’ the tag is mounted in the window and operates on a prepaid system so all the car has to do is slow down to be read and then continue on its way.
RFID : Is Radio Frequency ID the Wave of the Future?
Here’s something you don’t often hear – how are you dealing with ‘rifid’? OR RFID. If you DO often hear it, then this article isn’t for you, it’s far too simplistic. However, if you have never heard of RFID before, read on. It might just change your life, or at least the way you organize it. Radio Frequency Identification or RFID is the use of radio waves to identify objects; in English, the ability to track items without coming into contact with them. This is accomplished by a microchip attached to an antenna called transponders or ‘tags’. The chip transmits ID information to the receiver which converts it to a digital format which is then read by a computer.
RFID isn’t new, its been with us in its current guise since the early 80s, and around since the 1920s – you know the tag that they stick on jackets in the clothes store to stop you stealing them… However, its just grown up; businesses can track products throughout the manufacturing process from start to finish. These items can be tracked while in trucks, on shelves, wherever.
The Benefits of RFID include:
1. The ability to eliminate time consuming bar-coding or other tracking processes. Instead, all data can be collected along the production line. This also helps to lower production costs.
2. Prevention of the distribution of counterfeit products.
3. Elimination or reduction of theft and loss.
4. Reduction of supply chain cost.
5. Elimination of data entry and other tedious manual business process transactions.
6. Increase in order fulfillment time
7. Less time spent in check out lines, as consumers will only have to push their shopping carts in front of the readers.
The predominant downside is the high cost of the RFID hardware. Where tags alone can cost twenty five cents each or more, many retailers won’t get much of a return, if any, on their investment.
It’s hoped that Wal-Mart, the Defense Department and others will start using RFID, which could cause the prices of the tags to drop to five cents each, making it a more affordable solution for many.
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