RFID (radio frequency identification) is a new technology that incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify an object, or person. An RFID system consists of three components: an antenna and transceiver (often combined into one reader) and a transponder (the tag).
The antenna uses radio frequency waves to transmit a signal that activates the transponder. When activated, the tag transmits data back to the antenna. The data is used to notify a programmable logic controller that an action should occur.
The action could be as simple as raising an access gate or as complicated as interfacing with a database to carry out a monetary transaction.
RFID system consists of three components namely transponder (tag), interrogator (reader) and computer containing the database. The interrogator reads the tag data and transmits it to the computer for authentication. The information is processed and upon verification, access is granted. The system offers diverse frequency band ranging from low frequencies to microwave frequencies.
Frequency ranges are measured as:
- Low-Frequency RFID system have short transmission ranges ( 30-500 KHz)
- High-Frequency RFID system Offer longer transmission ranges (850-950 MHz and 2.4-2.5 GHz)
RFID Tags
RFID tags are classified as either active or passive, depending upon the source of electric energy. Active tags use a battery for powering the circuit on the tag and transmit the tag information upon the reader request. Active tags are very expensive and rarely used. On the other hands, passive tags have no battery and the passive tags get energy from the reader to power their circuit.
Passive tags are very cost-effective and most of the applications use them.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID):
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a new technology that incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify an object, animal, or person. There is a wide research and development in this area trying to take maximum advantage of this technology, and in coming years many new applications and research areas will continue to appear.
This massive growth in RFID also brings about some concerns, mainly the security and privacy of those who work with or use tags in their everyday life. RFID technology is much more secure compared to other networks.