What are RFID tags, and how are they used?

RFID tags (radio frequency identification) are becoming an important part of this great technological world. But still, many people are unfamiliar with them.

So, what are the RFID tags? Imagine them as small electronic friends that hold information and talk to other devices using radio waves. These little wonders do all kinds of jobs, such as help tracking things in warehouses or observing animals where animals go.

In our today’s guide, we explore the secrets of RFID Technology. We will see how they work, look at the good and bad parts of using RFID, and discover all the different ways in which these heroes are making a difference in our world. So stay with us to open the mystery of RFID tags and discover how they shape the great technological things surrounding us!

What are RFID Tags?

An RFID tag is like a high-tech tracker that uses smart bar codes to identify things. RFID means “Radio Frequency Identification”, and these tags work with radio waves.

Think about the tag as a messenger sending information to a reader using radio waves. The reader shares this information with a special computer program made for RFID. People often use RFID tags to keep track of products. RFID tags are also great for tracking things like cars, pets and even people.

Another name for an RFID tag is an RFID chip. It’s like a mini superhero that helps us monitor things using radio waves!

How do RFID Tags Work?

RFID technology is like a superhero scanner that uses invisible radio waves. This scanner communicates with the tags attached to objects or people. It’s like a secret code between them.

When the scanner sends its radio waves, the tag receives the message and shares information about the object with which it is attached, such as its size, colour, or weight. Then, the scanner sends this information to a computer program through more radio waves, and people can understand what it is.

The tag can store up to 64 bytes of data, such as a small computer file. Any scanner who speaks the same language can read it. There are different types of scanners, such as special phones or cards, and everyone understands the tax code.

Types of RFID Tags

RFID tags have two types: one with batteries (active) and the other without batteries (passive);

• Active tags: The tags that have batteries are “active tags”. They have a small source of energy on board.
• Passive tags: However, those without batteries are called “passive tags”. They use RFID Reader’s Energy to do their job.

Passive tags have three different frequencies to speak and share information:

• Low frequency (lf) – around 125-134 kHz
• High frequency (HF) – at 13.56 MHz
• Ultra High Frequency (UHF) – from 865 to 960 MHz

(Another great one is named “Near Field Communication” or NFC).

The frequency decides on what range the tag can speak.

When a passive tag meets a reader, the reader sends energy to the tag. It gives power to the chip and the antenna of the tag. The tag then shares information with the reader, passing it to a computer program for people to understand. It’s like a little chat between the tag and the reader!

Passive RFID Tag Types

Passive RFID tags come in two further types, including inlays and hard tags.

• Inlays: Inlays are like super thin stickers that you can put on different things.
• Hard tags: On the other hand, hard tags are tough and made of strong stuff such as plastic or metal.

Now, let’s talk about RFID’s active tags. They use 433 MHz or 915 MHz to send information. Each active tag has three main components: a tag itself, an antenna, and something called an interrogator.

The great part is that the battery on an active RFID tag can last about 3-5 years. But here’s the thing to notice: when the battery is depleted, you have to replace the entire tag because the batteries cannot be swapped. It’s like changing the whole superhero, not just the source of energy!

Active RFID Tag Types

Active RFID tags are of two types: beacon and transponder.

• Beacons are like information stations. They send signals every few seconds, and you can collect their information from about a few hundred feet away. But because they are always chatting, their batteries run out faster.
• Transponders, on the other hand, are like quiet friends. They only share information when a reader is near. The reader says: “Hey, give me the details,” and the transponder replies. Because they do not speak unless someone listens, transponders save a lot of battery energy compared to the beacons. Simply to understand, beacons are always on their phones and chatting, but the transponders only respond when the bell rings!

What are RFID Tags Used for?

RFID tags are like helping hands that we have been using for multiple reasons, including:

• Track products: RFID tags are placed on products to track them. The tag helps to know where the product moves in the big supply chain.
• Open the doors and verify people: RFID tags can work as electronic keys. They leave you in safe places or will help you watch where employees are going.
• Protecting essentials: Essentials such as tools, vehicles, or equipment may have RFID tags to ensure that they are not missed or stolen.
• Tracking animals: for research, farm, or wildlife care, RFID tags help monitor animals.
• Fast and easy payment: RFID tags play a role in contactless payment systems, such as transit fare payment cards or toll collection.
• Healthcare: In medical care, RFID tags help monitor medical equipment, monitor patients’ health, and make sure they are getting the right medication.

In general, these great RFID tags are making life easier by automatic data collection, making things more accurate and safe in many different works and areas.

Examples of RFID Tags

Active RFID tags are like tracking superheroes because they always send signals. They are great for things like tolls and car tracking in real time. Although they are quite expensive, they can track things from a long distance, which is worthwhile, depending on what you do.

On the other hand, passive RFID tags are cheaper compared to Active tags, costing about 20 cents each. They are perfect for supervising supplies, career monitoring, repairing files, and controlling access to places. However, they do not need a direct vision line for the reader and can read from a shorter distance range than active tags. Moreover, passive tags are small, lightweight, and have a long lifetime.

Active tags are like elder brothers of passive labels who are responsible and can do hard jobs. They are more resistant and efficient for tough jobs where things should last, and durability is required. You will find them in toll systems, keeping tabs on cargo and even on devices that will help monitor people.

RFID standards:

Since 1973, RFID technology has made inventory management easier. Different standards, make sure it works properly.

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO):

A global organism in Geneva establishes standards for industries around the world, covering manufacturing, transportation and communications technologies.

• Global Electronics Product Code Incorporated (EPCglobal):

This defines global standards and protocols to oversee, monitor, and prove RFID labels throughout their lives.

• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC):

Establish RFID Tag classes (Class 1 and Class 2) for a variety of applications.

Related standards for RFID frequency include:

• ISO/IEC 14443: Guide how an RFID tag responds to the reader’s commands.
• ISO 15693: Determines how RFID tag stores data when near another tagged object.
• ISO 18000-6C: Determines how UHF RFID tags communicate with nearby devices.

Advantages of Using RFID Tags

RFID tags work like small superheroes for companies. They bring a lot of awesome advantages, including;

• Quick and accurate tracking:

RFID tags help companies monitor things very quickly and accurately. It is like having a quick and reliable assistant to administer inventory.

• No more problems with the vision line:

Unlike normal barcodes, RFID tags do not need to be seen directly. They can share information even when they are hidden, making monitoring more accurate.

• Save money on labour:

RFID tags are like automatic assistants/helpers. They do their work without the need for someone to scan them manually. This saves time and labour costs for companies.

• Enhanced security:

RFID tags can be encrypted and programmed with special locks, which makes it really difficult for false or unauthorized items to sneak into the supply chain. It’s like having a security guard for your products.

• Always know where things are:

With RFID tags, companies can get real updates about their objects, like they can know where their objects are and how they are moving. It’s like having a map for their inventory, helping companies quickly make smart decisions.

• More durable:

Unlike regular barcodes that can be damaged, RFID tags are really durable. They can handle a lot, make them longer, and make sure the companies can rely on them.

All in all, RFID tags provide numerous benefits to companies and businesses, making their supply chain management and inventory more successful.

Disadvantages of RFID Tags

Like everything in the world, RFID also has to face some challenges;

• Security concerns:

A great challenge to RFID tags is security. Unlike other tracking methods, RFID tags have no way to find out who is trying to read them. This means that when the information leaves its original supply chain, almost anyone with a reader can access it. RFID’s portable readers and the long capacity of some labels facilitate scammers to get information without knowing. It increases the risk of unauthorized access.

• Technological issues:

RFID tags also have to face technology problems because there are no global or industry standards. As RFID tags use radiofrequency, that’s why they can sometimes be stuck or interrupted, making them more reliable. This can lead to longer waiting hours and decreased efficiency, especially in places such as retail and store shops.

• Signal Problems: 

Another problem in RFID’s inventory systems is the signal problem. There may be collisions, which occur when many readers’ signals overlap, causing confusion. In addition, interference in metal, water, or other magnetic fields around can interfere with RFID signals.

• Set up Challenges:

Setting up an RFID system can be a real challenge, labour and time-consuming. Companies will have to spend time and effort trying different hardware and label systems to find the best adjustment, which can take a month. In addition to the cost of the RFID system itself (tags and scanners), excessive time and labour mean a lot of costs.

• Privacy concerns:

RFID tags can increase privacy problems, too, as they have also been used to track people without their knowledge or permission. This becomes a problem, especially if RFID tags are integrated with personal items or documents.

• Cost Challenges:

While RFID technology has become more and more reachable over time, initial setup costs can still hinder some companies. The cost of buying RFID tags, readers, and the required implementation infrastructure may be greater than traditional monitoring methods such as barcodes.

• Limited Reading Range:

Despite the long-term readings for some applications, RFID tags may also face limits in terms of reading scope. Some RFID systems may fight with the accurately reading tags packaged and crowded environments, leading to possible data collection mistakes.

• Interference of environment:

The performance of RFID tags can be affected by environmental factors. Interruption of metal, water, and other materials can interfere with signals, making it difficult to maintain reliable and accurate communication between tags and readers.

• Compatibility Problems:

Due to the lack of global protocols, different RFID systems may not be compatible with each other. Lack of uniformity can raise challenges when companies want to integrate RFID technology into their existing systems or cooperate with partners who use different RFID settings.

Undoubtedly, RFID tags can be useful for companies that offer them a lot of good things. But still, before using them, companies should think about the good and not very good points and see if they fit what they need.

Frequencies of RFID Tags:

 RFID tags (both active tags and passive tags) operate on different frequencies; 

• Active tags:

Active tags typically operate on a frequency of around 433 MHz or 915 MHz. 

Active RFID tags have their own battery source and work at a higher frequency range. This allows them to send signals at longer distances, which makes active tags perfect for real-time monitoring applications that require an expanded range.

• Passive tags;

Frequencies for passive tags include;

• Low frequency (LF): their frequency range is between 125 – 134 kHz – Low-frequency passive tags offer a short reading reach and are less sensitive to interruption.
• High frequency (HF): their frequency range is between 13.56 MHz – High-frequency passive tags provide a moderate range to read, suitable for applications with moderate data transfer needs.
• Ultra-high frequency (UHF): their frequency range is between 865 – 960 MHz – ultra High-frequency passive tags offer a long-range reading with high data transfer capabilities but can be affected by interference.

Passive RFID tags, unlike active tags, do not have their own energy source. They rely on the energy of the RFID reader. 

How to choose RFID tags for your business?

Choosing the right RFID tags for your business involves considering some steps to ensure optimal performance. Here are a few steps to keep in mind that will help you make informed decisions:

• Know your needs:

Clearly identify your commercial needs. Find out if you need long-distance monitoring, real-time monitoring or short-range identification. The different RFID tags cater to specific objectives.

• Consider frequency:

Verify the appropriate frequency range for your operations. Low-frequency tags are ideal for short-range applications, while high-frequency and ultra-frequency tags offer extended reading ranges.

• Active or Passive:

Another important decision is to opt between active and passive tags. Active tags have their own energy source, making them appropriate for real-time monitoring. On the other hand, passive tags are based on the reader’s power and are cost-effective for certain applications.

• Access Durability:

Consider the environment that your tags will have to face. If you are going to use them in tough and poor weather conditions, more durable RFID tags should be selected.

• Read and write or read-only:

Find out if you only need reading tags or those allowing data updates. Reading and writing tags undoubtedly offer more durability in data management, but they may not be necessary for all applications.

• Security Characteristics:

Prioritize security. If your application involves confidential data, select RFID tags with advanced security features, such as encryption and authentication, to protect against unauthorized access.

• Consider the integration:

Ensure compatibility with your existing systems. Verify if RFID tags are aligned with your RFID readers, software, and general infrastructure to facilitate the perfect integration.

• Check Cost:

Check the total cost, considering RFID tags, readers, software, and any additional infrastructure. Check the return on investment based on the best efficiency and accuracy that RFID contributes to your operations.

Ultimately, we recommend starting with a small test before a large implementation. This allows you to check how RFID tags will work in your business environment, allowing adjustments as needed. These few steps can help you simplify the process of selecting RFID tags that suit well with the commercial goals of your business.

How much does it cost to buy RFID tags?

The cost of buying RFID tags is widely based on some factors like frequency, quantity, and customization. Passive RFID tags that depend on the reader’s energy can cost from a few cents to a couple of dollars per tag. On the other hand, active tags come with their own power source and are pricier, costing several to over ten dollars each. Moreover, UHF RFID tags are often cost-effective as they have longer reading ranges. Customization, durability, and brand reputation also influence costs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are RFID tags used for?

RFID tags are used to monitor and identify items using radio frequency technology. They store information and communicate with devices through radio waves, helping in inventory management applications, access controls, asset monitoring, animal monitoring, payment systems, medical care, and more.

• Can RFID tags be tracked?

Yes, RFID tags can be monitored. They release signals that RFID readers can collect, which allows monitoring of elements in various processes.

• Can RFID tags be hacked?

There is a potential risk of hacking RFID tags. Security concerns have arisen because RFID tags, sometimes outside the original supply chain, can be read by almost anyone using RFID’s portable readers. This susceptibility has raised concerns about unauthorized access to confidential information.

• Are RFID tags secure against hacking?

RFID labels can be vulnerable to hacking if they are not properly secure. Implementation of encryptions and safe protocols helps reduce this risk.

• Are RFID tags reusable?

Generally, RFID’s passive tags are often not reusable, while RFID’s active tags with replaced batteries can be used again.