Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, has been around for years and offers a cost-effective way of transferring data wirelessly with nearby devices. But what technology does this system use, and where does it find its applications? This guide will help you understand the main components of RFID technology and its applications.
Components of RFID technology:
RFID technology has four components: RFID tags, antenna, RFID reader, and software.
RFID tags are small devices with a small chip computer chip inside and an antenna. This tiny computer chip holds a unique ID number and an RFID tag.
RFID tags are further divided into three types;
- Active RFID tags: active tags come with their own power source, like a battery. They don’t need power from the reader.
- Passive RFID tags: passive tags don’t have their own power source. They use power from the RFID receiver nearby. They work when the reader is close; there is no need to see them.
- Battery-Assisted Passive Tags: These have a chip using battery power. They need RF signals from the reader to function and to start working.
Antennas:
Let’s talk about the RFID antennas: they are like the matchmakers of the RFID world. They operate at specific frequencies, depending on the work they do. Usually, you find them sitting at the RFID reader, ready to get to the tags and chat.
Now, think about portable devices like your phone. They also have antennas, which are part of the device itself. They come in all shapes and sizes, using different tools for different works. How big or small they are and what they are taking depends on what the device is meant to do and the frequency it uses to do the job. Therefore, these antennas are not just accessories; they are secret agents that ensure that RFID tags and readers can communicate well, adapting to the needs of each unique situation.
RFID Reader:
Let’s discuss something big in the RFID world: RFID’s reader. It is like the superhero of the hardware team in RFID systems. RFID reader reads everything from RFID tags and devices and then does a magic trick by sending that information to the database through the network.
Specification of RFID reader:
RFID reader has a unique feather called “Frequency.” Here’s a quick guide about this;
- LF (low frequency): Low-frequency RFID tags work on the frequency of about 120–150 kHz and can talk to things that are about 10 cm away. Speed? It is not super-fast.
- HF (High frequency): High-frequency RFID tags operate at 13.56 MHz and can chat with objects at 0.1-1 m away. Speed? Low to moderate speed.
- UHF (ultra-high frequency): Ultra-high frequency RFID tags have two versions;-one of 433 MHz (talking with objects at 1-100 m away, at a moderate speed) and another of 865-868 MHz or 902–928 MHz (talking to the stuff that is about 1–12 m away, at moderate to high speeds).
- Microwave: a super speedy communication, it works at 2450–5800 MHz and can chat with objects 1-2 m away at high speed. There is another version at 3.1–10 GHz, which reaches objects up to 200 m away, still at high speed.
In simple terms, the RFID reader is like a translator between the tags and the large database, and its “frequency” is like the language it speaks to do the job.
Software:
Now, let’s talk about the brainy part of RFID technology: its software. It tells the reader RFID when to scan, obtain information from the tags, and decide where to store it – either in a local computer or even the cloud. Imagine this as a director of this digital orchestra who also has a great ability to erase and reuse RFID labels. So, in simple terms, this is the wise leader who ensures that everything in the RFID system works well. In addition, it possesses a unique skill – the ability to wipe and reuse RFID tags, similar to a digital magician with control over its hands.
This software is the invisible force directing the RFID show, ensuring a seamless data dance between the reader, tags, and storage destinations.
Applications of RFID technology:
- Retail and supply chain:
RFID technology has changed how companies manage their supply chains. Retail trade helps with good action management and allows customers to obtain product information or do the auto-checkout. Fashion retailers use RFID for faster payment, reducing the need for additional staff and avoiding theft.
- Access control:
RFID is widely used for access control and safety. It allows different access levels for different groups in offices, hospitals, airports, and more. Companies launch identification badges with RFID for safe access, facilitating remote monitoring.
- Medical and hospital:
In healthcare, RFID monitors the equipment, manages the drug stock, and allows access to medical professionals. RFID wristbands in patients improve efficiency, reduce medication errors, and store important medical data. It also helps guide patients within hospitals.
- Logistics and shipping:
Originally designed for logistics, RFID tags improve efficiency by rapidly registering inventory movements. The RFID doors in the stores monitor the inventory inside and out, updating the databases without any effort.
- Manufacturing automation:
RFID is an important player in smart factories and manufacturing automation stages. RFID readers record registered product movements during manufacturing without manual input. This is especially useful in large-scale production, which avoids errors and time savings compared to manual data entry. Additionally, RFID technology is widely used in several other sectors and industries, showing flexibility and accessibility.