What is RFID ?
Radio Frequency ID(RFID) is a wireless technology that allows objects such as packaging, people, places and things to be identified using RFID Tags.
We are all familiar with the use of barcodes in retail applications. The adoption is widespread because barcodes are generally low cost, can be printed with specialised printers and read using barcode scanners.
Unlike barcodes, RFID Tags can be read without line of sight using radio waves or electromagnetic radiation . Many tags also contain writeable internal memory allowing information to information to travel with the object and be changed as necessary.
Like barcodes, RFID is governed by established standards covering the format of the data on tags and numbering schemes. Numbering schemes can be chosen to allow objects to be identified at a product and individual asset level.
Tags are manufactured in various form factors and can also be designed to withstand harsh environments, such as dirt, high temperature and over painting.
Tags are read using an RFID reader or Interrogators. Readers come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from handheld mobile computer solutions to industrial portals that can track many objects as the pass through a gate or access point.
RFID Frequency
Passive RFID is designed to work at various frequencies in the radio spectrum.
- Low Frequency (LF) Operates at 125kHz/134kHz. They typically have a short range of a few cm. Some well know applications are animal tagging & vehicle immobilisers.
- High Frequency (HF) Operates at 13.56MHz. The range is up to 1 meter, but often in the centimetres. Some typical applications include passports and contactless payment cards.
- Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Operates at 865MHz to 868MHz (in Europe). UHF has a longer range and can be up to a several metres. Typical uses include retail, logistics and industrial applications.
UHF tags are generally lower cost and they are available in many form factors. This can range from thin “smart labels” that can be printed on, to more ruggedised hard tags. UHF has environmental limits in applications with close proximity to liquids or metals. However with technology advances today we are now seeing RFID in washable and on-metal applications.
Selecting the correct technology must consider a number of factors such as read and write range, the amount of information to be stored, the various standards affecting operation and tag coding formats, and the challenges presented by the environment the system needs to work in.
Click here to see the standards for RFID frequencies
RFID Reader
RFID Readers come in various forms.
Fixed readers with fixed postion antennas. These are used for portal type applications, doorways, gateways, industrial dock doors and conveyors. Other uses are for document management, libraries and custom applications.
Handheld readers add RFID read and write capabilities to portable handheld/rugged PDA's.
Accessory readers for connection to a PC providing desktop use for reading and programming RFID tags.
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RFID Standards
There are many standards associated with RFID but they are covered by multiple standards bodies. The main standards bodies are:
- EPCglobal Development of industry-driven standards for the Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) to support the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
- GS1 UK Development and implementation of global data standards and solutions for the supply chain
- ISO (International Organization for Standardization)Developer and publisher of International Standards
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LF |
HF |
UHF |
| Frequency |
9 - 135 kHz |
13.553 - 15.567 MHz |
860 - 930 MHz |
| Standards |
ISO/IEC 18000-2 |
ISO/IEC 18000-3,
ISO 15693,
ISO14443 Parts A&B |
ISO/IEC 18000-6,
EPCglobal Gen2 standards |
External links
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