Radio Frequency Identification, RFID for short, is a technology that uses short-range radio frequency signals to identify and track products uniquely. It’s also employed in retail stores for automated inventory control.
Tags are radio transponders that store and transmit electronic identity information to nearby readers. They can be divided into passive and active categories; passive tags are more cost-effective and smaller.
Detection
RFID tag readers transmit an electromagnetic (EM) field with their antennae, inducing a current in the RFID tags within their reading range. It activates the chip attached to the tag’s antenna and modulates an answer (usually its unique ID number) that is transmitted back to the reader.
RAMP-RFIDRFID readers can be fixed or mobile, detecting a single item or an entire pallet of goods. The sensitivity of the reader and its antennas to environmental influences is essential in the detection process.
RFID readers emit an electromagnetic field (EMF) which can be detected by any compatible tag’s antenna (also called an RF transponder). Unlike barcodes or QR codes, which may become damaged due to moisture damage, RFID tags are highly durable and typically last years.
Tags can be constructed of various materials and have varying conductive qualities. When selecting one for your application, ensure it works well in the environment you plan to operate it in and that its antenna has good quality and high gain.
RFID tags come in two varieties: passive and active. Passive tags are more cost-effective as they don’t need a battery to power them; however, they have a shorter read range.
Active tags utilise a battery to amplify the signal and offer a more extended read range than passive tags. They’re typically employed in applications where an asset needs to be tracked regularly or at specific locations.
Tags contain microchips that store product details such as name, manufacture date, destination and sell-by dates. Each tag also includes an Electronic Product Code (EPC) that an RFID reader can read.
An RFID reader is an intelligent device that can sense, identify and communicate with an RFID tag. Depending on the model you purchase, it may offer various features like encryption and data storage capacities. Furthermore, it usually supports different compatible tags and has access to a central server for updating each tag’s data.
Identification
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that tracks and identifies objects by transmitting radio signals between an item and an RFID reader. It enables many things to be scanned without direct contact, line-of-sight requirements or degraded bar code labelling.
An RFID tag is a small electronic device that stores data and requires battery power to communicate with an RFID reader. The reader sends radio waves to the tag, regularly receiving information.
RFID tags store data such as numbers, bar codes, images, text or other types of information that can be encrypted or not.
RAMP-RFIDRFID readers come in two varieties: handheld and fixed. Handheld devices are mobile and can scan ID badges, electronic keys and other tags.
Fixed readers are commonly installed at access points to scan tags as they pass through. It can be an essential security measure for factories, warehouses and retail stores.
RFID tag readers are commonly employed in applications such as inventory and warehouse management to save time and money by tagging stock, providing real-time oversight and control of inventory levels. Additionally, it enables the reordering of depleted products, helping reduce inventory losses.
RFID readers employ algorithms to detect tags within their detection range. It can be either deterministic, which uses the binary code of each tag to determine its identity, or probabilistic, which relies on anti-collision algorithms and random time delays.
No matter which detection algorithm is employed, everyday challenges can affect the speed and precision of RFID reader detection. For instance, the multipath effect or full-cycle blur caused by radio interference can significantly lower reading precision.
Additionally, a wide range of RFID tags and readers available on the market may not always be interoperable. Therefore, you must understand your application and which tags/readers are necessary for it before making a purchasing decision.