Radio frequency identification

Radio Frequency Identification

This white paper provides an overview of the numerous application-related and technical aspects of RFID systems. It explores the benefits of deploying RFID procedures and therefore need to combine components to establish comprehensive, stable infrastructures. It also describes briefly Optical & Mobile RFID and also potential challenges involved in RFIDImplementation.

Sydaap Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

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RFID

Radio Frequency Identification
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a system that facilitates the tracking of objects, primarily for inventory tracking, via a three part technology comprised of a reader, a transceiver with decoder and a transponder (RF tag). RFID is a wireless system that works in conjunction with an organization’sinformation technology infrastructure to improve business processes such as inventory management and efficiency in supply chain management. RFID is one of several technologies collectively known as Auto-ID procedures – procedures for identifying objects automatically. Companies are increasingly deploying Auto-ID procedures in their supply chains. RFID is already used in several areas of everyday life,such as in the central locking systems for vehicles. RFID functions are now integrated in passports and will even find their way into health cards. This white paper provides an overview of the technical aspects of RFID systems.

RFID Functionality
RFID tags contain at least two parts. One is an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating aradio-frequency (RF) signal, and other specialized functions. The second is an antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal. There are generally three types of RFID tags: active RFID tags, which contain a battery and can transmit signals autonomously, passive RFID tags, which have no battery and require an external source to provoke signal transmission, and battery assisted passive (BAP) which require anexternal source to wake up but have significant higher forward link capability providing great read range.

The reader emits a radio signal that activates the tag and reads and writes data to it. As products are shipped, received or stored, the information (encoded on a bar code like tag) can be read and received by the reader, which is attached to a computer. RFID has been integrated into theEPC global network and uses the EPC (Electronic Product Code). The EPC is a unique number that identifies a specific item in the supply chain. The EPC is stored on a RFID tag, which combines a silicon chip and a reader. Once the EPC is retrieved from the tag, it can be associated with dynamic data such as the origin of an item or the date of its production. Much like a Global Trade Item Number(GTIN) or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the EPC is the key that unlocks the power of the information systems that are part of the EPC global Network.

Automatic identification (auto ID) technologies help machines or computers identify objects by using automatic data capture. RFID is one type of auto ID technology that uses radio waves to identify, monitor, and manage individual objects asthey move between physical locations. Although there are a variety of methods for identifying objects with RFID, the most common method is by storing a serial number that identifies a product and its related information. RFID devices and software must be supported by an advanced software architecture that enables the collection and distribution of location-based information in real time.

SydaapTechnologies Pvt. Ltd.

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RFID

Tags and Readers
An RFID system consists of tags and readers. RFID tags are small devices containing a chip and an antenna that store the information for object identification. Tags can be applied to containers, pallets, cases, or individual items. With no line-of-sight requirement, the tag transmits information to the reader, and the reader converts the...