Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a wireless use of electromagnetic fields to transfer data, for automating the identification and tracking through tag attached to objects. It transfers digital data onto a tag via radio waves, frequently captures and sends details to a centralized system. The monitoring system will be attached to items to be tracked.
The RFID device serves the same purpose as that of a bar code or a magnetic strip on the back of a credit card or ATM card. A unique identifier is provided for object simplifying information recording and fetching. Software integrated electromagnetic gadget must be scanned to retrieve identifying information as bar code or magnetic strip are done to get information.
RFID Readers
An important component in RFID used to track and gather essential information of objects from tags to which it is being fixed and transfer those details in signal format for further processing.
RFID Software
Technology similar to that of a barcode to analyze objects behaviour is known to be RFID Software. It works better than Barcode to track and transmit information using electromagnetic waves.
RFID Printer
A special device used to print labels is known as RFID printers. It consists of RFID tags, a reader embedded into them to write/ bring out specific information onto the label along with graphics and text.
RFID Tags
Exchange of data with readers gets happened through an electric component called as RFID Tag. It consists of an antenna and Integrated Chip (IC) for processing and storing information captured.
RFID Antennas
RFID antenna transmits electromagnetic signals in order to activate the transponder. Different types of antennas are available to transmit and receive signals from a reader associated with the tracking object.
RFID Labels
An identification system that uses radiofrequency waves to capture information related to an item is called RFID Tagging. This label consists of a chip, memory and antenna for tracking purposes.
How does it work?
Tags are small and placed easily onto substance to be tracked. Integrated circuits (IC) sometimes called chips are attached to an antenna, is used to track and send details to the server system. Radio waves collect details over the reader and send details via tag onto the central system, set up to collect details. Transformed digital information helps to analyze the behaviour of an object and reports are stored for future references.
Working Frequencies
- Low Frequency: It covers a range of around 125 to 130 kHz. A shorter range of area is surrounded by the LF scale.
- High Frequency: About 400 MHz is covered by HF spectrum. It can be implemented to track objects of a certain range in industries.
- Ultra-High Frequency: A very high range of about 800 to 900 MHz is wrapped by UHF. It is used to track a large number of inventories in a company.
- Microwave Frequency: Used for a longer range of distance of around 1.2 GHz. It covers objects over longer distances.
Types
Active RFID
- The active tag consists of its own transmitter and power source i.e. battery used to gather information on microchips associated with it.
- Digital system usually works in ultra high frequency around a range of 100 meters aiming to produce accurate information about the object. It works in a similar way to cell phones in transmitting the information.
Passive RFID
- A passive tag does not contain its own battery rather power is supplied by the reader. These are smaller and are easier to build than an active tag.
- It reflects information covering a huge area of around 10 meters. It actively collects information and stores it in an antenna and sends it to the reader for monitoring the movement of an asset.
Features & Benefits
Speed
Wireless technology senses and delivers details to the stipulated user with greater speed making business users stay updated on relevant information.
Does Multiple Tasks
A single tag can gather data from multiple resources at the same time thereby increasing its efficiency. Multi-tasking platform incorporated to optimize inspection process of various assets and commodities easily.
Automatic Identification
An RFID system consists of a unique identification number to collect and store information automatically without intervention by any other system. By doing so, users can view personalized information at any time with accuracy and at a faster rate.
Durable
Since tags use batteries and own power supply it lasts for the long term making object tracking and monitoring gets easier.
Enables Personal Tracking
High-speed system tracks and monitors not only organizational assets but also tracking personal devices of users simplifying information gathering on assets. It is also useful to track the human and machines of an individual.
Withstand At Every Environment
Tags are designed to stable at crucial climatic conditions. It abides at high temperature and also in cold situations through which its lifetime and service last for the long term.
Efficient Management of Supply Chain
Tags attached to inventories are to be sold to end customers. Tracking of inventory’s supply chain across various areas gets evaluated to stay updated on its location reducing loss. Addition of security towards product during transportation results in delivering quality service by the organization.