What is RFID and how does it work?

What is RFID (radio frequency identification)?

The use of RFID (radio frequency identification) involves utilizing electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum to distinctly identify an individual, animal, or item.

How does RFID work?

An RFID system typically includes three main parts: a scanning antenna, a transceiver, and a transponder. When the scanning antenna and transceiver are combined, they form an RFID reader or interrogator. RFID readers come in two varieties: fixed or mobile. These readers can be connected to a network and can either be portable or permanently installed. The reader utilizes radio waves to send signals that trigger the tag. Once activated, the tag responds with a wave that is then translated into data by the antenna.

The RFID tag contains the transponder. The read range for RFID tags is affected by the tag type, reader type, RFID frequency, and potential interference from other tags/readers or the surrounding environment. A stronger power source can also extend the read range.

What are RFID tags and smart labels?

-A typical RFID tag consists of an IC, antenna, and substrate, with the RFID inlay serving as the component that stores identification data.

There are two main types of RFID tags:

Active RFID. An active RFID tag has its own power source, often a battery.
Passive RFID. The passive RFID tag is powered by the reading antenna, which produces an electromagnetic wave that generates a current within the RFID tag's antenna.

The product also features semi-passive RFID tags, where a battery powers the circuitry while communication is facilitated by the RFID reader.

Non-volatile memory is a crucial component in any RFID system, with a typical capacity of less than 2,000 KB. Each tag contains a unique identifier/serial number and can be configured as either read-only or read-write, allowing for data addition or modification by the reader.

The read range for RFID tags can differ depending on various factors, including the type of tag, reader, frequency, and potential interference from other RFID tags and readers in the environment. It is important to note that active RFID tags typically have a longer read range compared to passive RFID tags due to their stronger power source.

Smart labels are easy-to-use RFID tags with an embedded RFID tag and a barcode, making them compatible with both RFID and barcode readers. They can be conveniently printed with desktop printers, while RFID tags require more specialized equipment.

What are the types of RFID systems?

Different countries and regions have varying frequencies for RFID systems, including low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and microwave options. As a product or industry expert, it is important to understand these differences and choose the right system for your specific location. Use scientific and objective language, avoiding subjective terms and exclamation points, to maintain a formal and informative tone.

Low-frequency RFID systems. The frequency range for LF RFID technology is typically between 30 KHz to 500 KHz, with a common frequency of 125 KHz. This type of RFID has a shorter transmission range, usually spanning a few inches to less than six feet.
High-frequency RFID system Ranging from 3 MHz to 30 MHz, the standard HF frequency is usually 13.56 MHz, with a typical range of a few inches to several feet.
UHF RFID systems. The frequency range for this product is between 300 MHz and 960 MHz, with a typical frequency of 433 MHz. This allows for reading at a distance of up to 25-plus feet.
Microwave RFID systems.

These devices operate at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and are able to be read from a distance of over 30 feet. The RFID application will dictate the frequency to be used, and the actual obtained distances may differ from expectations. For instance, in the U.S. State,

The Department stated that electronic passports with an RFID chip would only be readable within a distance of approximately 4 inches.

The State Department was presented with evidence that RFID readers could potentially access information from RFID tags at distances well beyond 4 inches, with some cases reaching up to 33 feet.

If longer read ranges are needed, using tags with additional power can boost read ranges to 300-plus feet.

RFID applications and use cases

Despite its origins in the 1940s, RFID technology did not become more widely used until the 1970s. However, due to the high cost of tags and readers, its commercial use was initially limited. But with the decreasing hardware costs, RFID has become increasingly popular and adopted.

Some common uses for RFID applications include:

pet and livestock tracking
inventory management
asset tracking and equipment tracking
inventory control
cargo and supply chain logistics
vehicle tracking
customer service and loss control
improved visibility and distribution in the supply chain
access control in security situations
shipping
healthcare
manufacturing
retail sales
tap-and-go credit card payments

RFID challenges

RFID is prone to two main issues:

Reader collision. Reader collision, when a signal from one RFID reader interferes with a second reader, can be prevented by using an anti-collision protocol to make RFID tags take turns transmitting to their appropriate reader.
Tag collision. Tag collision occurs when too many tags confuse an RFID reader by transmitting data at the same time. Choosing a reader that gathers tag info one at a time will prevent this issue.

RFID security and privacy

Some individuals may have concerns about the security and privacy of RFID technology, as it allows for the reading of tag data by anyone with a compatible reader. This can occur even after an item has left a store or supply chain, and can be done without the user's knowledge through unauthorized readers. In cases where tags have unique serial numbers, this can potentially lead to the association of a consumer with sensitive information. This issue extends beyond personal privacy and can also pose a threat to national security or even a matter of life or death, particularly in military or medical settings.

While RFID tags typically lack the necessary computing capabilities for encryption, there is one exception in the case of passports. In this situation, the chip is able to process and verify encrypted tokens from the reader, providing the necessary access control.

The machine-scanning process of a passport involves using the information printed on it to generate a unique key. This key is derived from three pieces of information: the passport number, the passport holder's birth date, and the passport's expiration date. Additionally, each of these three pieces of information is accompanied by a checksum digit.

According to experts, passports are safeguarded by a password with a significantly lower level of complexity compared to what is typically used in electronic commerce. The key also remains unchanged for the duration of the passport's validity, allowing anyone with access to the printed key information to read the passport, with or without the passport holder's consent, until it expires.

In 2007, the U.S. State Department implemented the BAC system and has since added an anti-skimming material to electronic passports to prevent the unauthorized access of personal information.

RFID standards

Key standards organizations for RFID technology include multiple guidelines and specifications.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Electronics Product Code Global Incorporated (EPCglobal)
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

ISO standards such as 14223, 18000-2, 15693, 14443, and 18000-6C are associated with each radio frequency for LF, HF, and UHF RFID.

Next-generation RFID use

Many businesses are incorporating RFID systems into their internet of things implementations. By combining this technology with smart sensors and/or GPS technology, they can wirelessly transmit sensor data, such as temperature, movement, and location.

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