and Data Capture). RFID systems collect accurate and real-time data and communicate it
via radio waves. A typical RFID system has three components, tags, reader and RF
unit. The RF reader sends out RF waves that are received by the RF tag within the
reader's range. The tag in turn, sends information back to the reader, also in the form of
RF waves. Then the RF reader transfers this information to RF unit.
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RFID tags are in three forms.
01. Passive RFID tags - No battery power
02. Active RFID tags - Battery powered
03. Semi Passive RFID tags
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RFID systems are available in a wide range of frequencies to suit various performance
needs. Frequency is an important factor in transmission range and speed. However,
bandwidth availability is regulated by telecommunications authorities in each country,
and not all frequencies are available for use throughout the world.
Low frequency RFID
Most tags operate at frequencies between 120 to 134 kHz. LF frequencies allow adequate
power levels to be used worldwide and without special licensing. Tags, typically
designed for lifetime use, are more expensive than those at higher frequencies.
High Frequency RFID
The high frequency, which some call intermediate, band encompasses the 10 to 15MHz
range, with 13.56MHz being the most common. Read range with a fixed station reader is
around 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet).
Ultrahigh Frequency (UHF) RFID
Ultrahigh-frequency RFID encompasses the 850 to 950MHz band and is frequently
championed for distribution and logistics applications.
Ex: Wall-Mart
Why RFID instead of barcode?
01. No need of Line of site.
02. Simultaneous tag readability.
03. Re-writable tags.
04. Higher data storage.
05. Fast performance.
06. Higher accuracy. Etc.
Applications of RFID
RFID technology finds its applications in various commercial sectors for example, at
various stages of a supply chain, inventory management in a warehouse, access control
for buildings, tracking passenger baggage in the airline industry, animal tracking. RFID
holds great potential for inventory management for today's supply chains. Inventory
management is an important aspect of supply chain management.
Item vise product tracking in apparel industry
Supply chain management
Inventory management in a warehouse
Access control for buildings
Tracking passenger baggage in the airline industry
Vehicle Access Control
Parking Management etc.
Automotive Industry
Livestock and Farming (animal tracking)
Libraries and Document Archiving
Financial (gas station payment key fobs)
Security and Safety (wireless access control keys)
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals (controlled drug tracking)
Land and Sea Logistics (cargo container and trailer tracking)
Manufacturing (asset and tool tracking)
Military (pallet and container tracking)
Passenger Transport (bus tickets)
Retail (inventory control, anticounterfeiting)