RFID Technology: How It Works, Types, and Applications Explained

RFID (radio frequency identification) is a wireless communication technology that uses electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify an object, animal, or human.

Every RFID system consists of three components: a scanning antenna, a transceiver, and a transponder. An RFIDEAS Reader is the combination of a scanning antenna and a transceiver. RFID readers are classified into two types: stationary and mobile. RFID readers are network-connected devices that can be portable or permanently installed. It utilises radio waves to send impulses that activate the tag. Once engaged, the tag emits a wave back to the antenna, which is converted into data.

What are RFID tags and smart labels?

Majorly, there are two RFID tags types:

Active RFID: An active RFID tag has its own power source, usually a battery.

Passive RFID: The reading antenna generates an electromagnetic wave that produces a current in the RFID tag's antenna, which powers the passive RFID tag.

There are also semi-passive RFID tags, which use a battery to power the electronics while the RFID reader powers the connection.

Every RFID system including USB RFIDEAS reader relies heavily on embedded non-volatile memory with low power consumption. RFID tags generally store less than 2,000 KB of data, which includes a unique identifier/serial number. Tags can be read-only or read-write, allowing the reader to add new data or overwrite current data.

RFID tag read ranges vary depending on parameters such as tag type, reader type, RFID frequency, and interference from the surrounding environment or other RFID tags and readers. Active RFID tags have a longer scan range than passive RFID tags because of their higher power supply.

Smart labels are basic RFID tags. These labels have an RFID tag inserted in an adhesive label and a barcode. They can also be utilised with RFID and barcode scanners. Smart labels may be generated on-demand using desktop printers, but RFID tags require more complex technology.

What are the different types of RFID systems?

Low-frequency RFID systems: These frequencies range from 30-500 kHz, with 125 kHz being the most prevalent. LF RFID has short transmission ranges, ranging from a few inches to less than 6 feet.

A high-frequency RFID system: These span from 3 to 30 MHz, with the usual HF frequency being 13.56 MHz. The usual range varies from a few inches to many feet.

UHF RFID systems: These vary from 300 MHz to 960 MHz, with a typical frequency of 433 MHz, and can be read from distances of 25 feet or more.

Microwave RFID systems: These operate at 2.45 GHz and can be read from more than 30 feet away.

The frequency utilised will vary depending on the RFIDEAS Reader application, and real distances may differ from what is intended.