What is RFID?
This section explains about Radio Frequency Identification, offering an introduction and a brief timeline about the history of RFID. This section will be added to and updated frequently.
Introduction to RFID
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the use of an object (typically referred to as an RFID tag) applied to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification and tracking, using radio waves.
Function
The most basic RFID system contains an IC chip called a TAG (Transponder) with an integrate d antenna and a transceiver called a READER (pictured right). Tags can also be read using handheld PDA devices (pictured left). The tag is activated by a radio signal with preset frequency and sends a signal in return.  The reader (encoder), which acts as a transceiver, can read/write information on the chip. The read/write RFID tag is therefore the smallest client of a client server information system. RFID tags or Data Access Points (DAPs), may be fixed/embedded into virtually any fixed or mobile object and individually identifies that object. Each DAP can store data related to the respective asset and when activated by a reader, communicates with any standard asset management interface. Unique, factory-programmed, unalterable code prevents counterfeiting the tag, a feature missing on barcode systems.
RFID systems being a non line-of-sight technology, overcome the limitations of barcodes, which makes RF systems work effectively in hostile environments, where excessive dirt, dust, moisture and/or poor visibility would normally hamper rapid identification.
RFID Tags
RFID tags can be split into two basic types:
-> Passive tags
Passive tags are powered from the electromagnetic waves sent by the RFID Reader, so do not require their own power source. Advantages of Passive tags are that they are less costly (due to lack of power) and come in smaller and more flexible sizes.
A disadvantage to Passive tags is that they do not have a very good read range, therefore need to be fairly close to the Reader to respond correctly. Passive Readers are also commonly more costly than Active Readers.
-> Active tags
Active tags are larger tags with a much greater read range. They require a power supply as they send their own signals to the Active Reader.
Installation of an RFID project
With a basic understanding of the capabilities of RFID technology and a look at some of the vast range of current implementations in use, it is easy to get carried away with thoughts of how an installation could vastly improve your business processes.
It is vitally important, however, that all potential pitfalls and issues are catered for, to ensure that the potential R.O.I and improvements in business processes are met with the use of a properly installed RFID system.
Only using the correct service provider will ensure that these requirements are met with professional and technical expertise and that all money is spent correctly.
Common Issues with RFID:
- Tag choice and affixing method
- Reader/Tag interaction
- Antenna design and spacing
- Rate of movement and tag quality
- Choice of Middleware
- Integration into database structure
- Integration into back-end management and inventory systems
- Dealing with the sheer quantity of data
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Created in 1948 - Roots in World War II
According to the RFID Journal, during World War II the British Royal Air Force placed transmitters on planes to receive radio signals from radar stations on the ground, identifying whether or not incoming planes were friendly.
The basics of this system employed over 60 years ago are no different today, where an RFID tag - "the transponder", is identified by an RFID reader - "the transmitter", determining factors such as location, time and status of the tag.
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1973 - First Patent & business use for RFID Tag
Mario W. Cardullo claims to have received the first U.S. patent for an active RFID tag with rewritable memory on January 23, 1973. That same year, Charles Walton, a California entrepreneur, received a patent for a passive transponder used to unlock a door without a key.
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1975-85 - U.S Government uses RFID
In the 1970s, Los Alamos National Laboratory was asked by the Energy Department of the U.S Government to develop a system for tracking nuclear materials.
This system was commercialised in the mid-1980s when Los Alamos scientists working on the project left to form a company to develop automated toll payment systems. These systems have become widely used on roads, bridges and tunnels around the world.
At the request of the Agricultural Department, Los Alamos also developed a passive RFID tag to track cows, an advancement still used in modern day.
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Modern day - Embedded in culture
In the decades since; RFID tags have been embedded in police badges to prevent knockoffs, in U.S. passports to identify the traveller and in cat collars to give felines free reign over the neighbourhood. More unusual uses include libraries tracking hiring and usage with RFID tags inserted in book covers and tracking schoolchildren with RFID bracelets.
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At home in industry
In industry, RFID has become a commonplace means for tracking and managing tool and equipment inventory, helping companies save millions, whilst improving operations, productivity and efficiency.
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To learn more about how RFID can help your organisation, this article or absolute products; Contact Us
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