RFID Core Technology

RFID CORE TECHNOLOGY

In the simplest terms, RFID is a technology that utilizes radio waves for communication between a transmitter and a receiver. In the case of RFID for business, the receiver is a reader/antenna and the transmitter is a tag. The tag is encoded with a unique identification number. This number is transmitted to the reader anytime the tag is queried. The unique ID number can then be referenced in a database for additional information regarding the tagged item.

Any RFID system is made of two main components: hardware, software/database. The hardware consists of tags, reader and antennas. The software consists of middleware and a database table containing a list of all encoded tags and at least one initial cross reference for the tag.

There are a wide number of tags on the market. Depending on the tag, the operating frequency range will be at 125 khz, 13.56 mhz, 915 mhz, 2.45 ghz or 5.8 ghz. A tag is

designed to work in only one frequency range. Tags are available in a wide range of styles and shapes. Tags also have limited read ranges. Tag type, style and frequency is dictated by structure of the item to be tagged, general environmental conditions in which the tag must operate, and the range at which the tag must be read. Tags can be divided into two main groups: active and passive. While the definition for each group continues to evolve, there is an easy definition which helps to separate the two groups. Active tags have a built-in power source (i.e. Battery) and will broadcast their signal to readers. Passive tags do not have a built in power source. Instead passive tags wait for a reader's signal to reach them and provide power to the tag. The passive tag will then utilize the signal from the reader for powe...

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...would be cross-referenced to a tag ID and database table record. In case level tagging product is shipped to a customer. As the customer receives the product their readers examine and record each tag then reference a database which provides item identification for each tag, as well as purchase information for the tagged item. The receipt of these items is recorded automatically in the customer's ERP system, inventory is updated and purchase orders are updated. All steps are done automatically simply by reading the tag on the case.

SOURCES

www.epcglobalinc.org/ Testing and standards organization

www.rfidjournal.com/ Industry trade journal

www.aimglobal.org/technologies/rfid/ Technical and standards organization

www.symbol.com/products/rfid/rfid.html Hardware Vendor

www.alientechnology.com/ Hardware Vendor

www.ti.com/tiris/ Hardware Vendor