RFID: THE BASIC YOU NEED TO KNOW

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RFID

This is a post about everything you need to know about RFID.

Have you ever wondered how those magical flashguns the checkout clerk at your local grocery store, work? Yeah, me too. They do not as usual wave a laser beam like light from the gun like something out of a movie, just putting the product that needs to be checked out on a specific position and paid for and voila… job’s done in less than a second! But how? What is this magical technology, and how is it useful? Have no fear the RFID guru is here! ‘What’s that?’ I hear you ask. Allow me to explain to you everything you will need to know before you go out there and make your world more efficient and safer.

The structure of this article is as follows:
Chapter 1: What is RFID
Chapter 2: RFID Chip Frequency
Chapter 3: RFID Tag
Chapter 4: RFID Reader
Chapter 5: RFID Antenna

Here we go…

CONTENT

Chapter One
What is RFID

Chapter Two
RFID Frequency

Chapter Three
RFID Tag

Chapter Four
RFID Reader

Chapter Five
RFID Antenna

Chapter One

What is RFID and How it Works

RFID meaning = Radio Frequency Identification

It is an internal traceability wireless system that uses electromagnetic fields created by radio waves to identify and track anything or anyone who has a ‘tag’ on them. More on this in detail as you read. This smart tracking system can be used for both short-range (proximity) and long-range (vicinity) tracking.

An RFID SYSTEM consists of a tag and a reader, kind of like the game, except this is some seriously useful technology. There are different types of tags and readers. Naturally, the price depends on your solutions. The system has been improved over the years from when it first began.

With RFID, the possibilities are endless. From tracking your pet, child, or cargos (because we live in a crazy world as of today so you always got to be prepared), RFID has got you covered.

HOW RFID WORKS

The reader emits an electromagnetic field created by radio waves from its internal module when activated. When a corresponding tag, from the same set the reader came from, comes in contact with the field, there is an extraction of data from the tag regarding the asset upon which it lies. A device that reads and stores all the information about the asset receives this data.

ADVANTAGES

· Automatic way to read, identify, and track assets
· Assets often do not have to be in the line of sight
· Easy to use once you have understood the setup and how the technology works
· Reduces human error and increases efficiency all at once
· So much work gets done in a short amount of time
· Can prevent collisions by reading traffic in air, water, and land

DISADVANTAGES

· Relatively expensive initial investment. (Think long term, and you will see its worth)
· If two tags overlap each other, it may cancel out the signal or give a false reading.
· Some cannot be repositioned. Take care to position these well to avoid any compromise in the integrity of its function while handling.
· Some systems require a line of sight and a small read range for data transfer.
· Some tags are sensitive to environmental conditions that they are exposed to.

APPLICATIONS

· Business that has logistics and supply chain operations.
· Tracking personnel in banks, hospitals, and other institutions that require accountability and security.
· Libraries use RFID to track books.
· Inventory supply and organization.
· Checkout counters in supermarkets.
· Automobile industry( anti-collision readings, ignitions of vehicles, etc.)
· Attendee tracking at events, conferences, meetings, etc.
· High-security zones that only allow personnel with the right ID cards, which have tags in them that they should use to enter the facility.
· Track your child, pet, or car.
· Track your valuables if they were stolen or lost (now THAT’S a thinker!)

Chapter Two

RFID Frequency

RFID chips are very similar to bar code labels because they are usually used with corresponding scanners or readers. However, RFID chips have significant advantages. Because the RFID chip communicates with the reader through radio waves (not the infrared rays that barcode technology is using), the chip does not have to be directly in front of the reader.

In addition, unlike barcodes that must be very close to reading, some RFID readers can work even if they are a few meters apart. In addition, the barcode label can only be read by one reader at a time, but the RFID chip can transmit data to multiple readers at the same time.

The operating frequency of the chip may also be different. Generally divided into low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF).

RFID Copper Antenna 125khz LF Inlay Sheet

LOW FREQUENCY (LF) 125 kHz

Most widely used tags commercially. They are usually passive. Function well even in the presence of metal blocking or water interference because of its long wavelength. It is not the case in High-frequency and Ultra-high frequency systems. The read range is up to 10cm. It works with inductive coupling technology. This type of tag system cannot read multiple tags at a time.
Some uses:
· Livestock tracking
· Asset tracking
· Laundromats
· Ignition keys in auto vehicles

HIGH-FREQUENCY (HF) 13.56 MHz

Most widely used in infrastructure. This system uses a magnetic influx to communicate with the readers. No anti-collision capabilities but can read multiple tags at a time. More standards have been set in place for this system by the government, so it is more dependable. It experiences faster data transfer. Read range is up to 3 feet.
Some uses:
· Electronic ticketing
· NFC data exchange
· Electronic payment via tagged bank cards
· Baggage claim

ULTRA-HIGH FREQUENCY (UHF) 860-960 MHz

Depending upon the type of tag used (active or passive), the read range can be up to 30 feet or more. Anti-collision capabilities exist with these systems, and they can read multiple tags like in monitoring traffic at signal crossings. The interrogator uses backscatter coupling to communicate with tags. The ones used are usually passive and semi-passive. However, metal and water can affect the signal transfer. Fastest data transfer and can read several hundred tags at a time.
Some uses:
· Anti-collision signaling for land, air and water auto traffic
· Logistics and supply chain operations for package and personnel tracking

Chapter Three

RFID Tag

It is a smart label device that is part of the RFID system. It has smart bar codes that are placed on the product that can be signaled by their RFID reader for identifying and tracking an asset.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The coil in the tag becomes activated when it is in the electromagnetic field created by the reader. This activation is by a voltage produced in the coil that then helps the data to get transferred by either load modulation or backscatter coupling. Most tags are passive and use these methods to transfer data. They are called passive tags because they need to be activated by the voltage produced from the EMF range exposure. Active tags run on battery or electricity.

RFID TAG TYPES

1.Based on charge
-Active tags: They run on electricity and require no activation as they are already active and ready to transfer signals
-Passive: They require signals from the reader to send information. They do not run on battery or electricity but work with their antennae getting signals from electromagnetic fields.

2.Based on frequencies needed for activation
-Low frequency
-High frequency
-Ultra-high frequency

3.Based on the use
-Memory
-Sensor
-Autoclavable
-Embedded

4.Based on mounting
-Glass
-Metal

5.Based on resistance
-Chemical resistance
-Liquid resistance
-Temperature resistance

TIPS FOR CHOOSING RFID TAGS

Two types of tags exist commercially- the inlay and the rugged type. Inlays are thin, delicate, and easy to make. They cost up to a dollar each, generally. Rugged tags are more expensive, costing between 5 – 30 dollars each. They include custom made tags. When choosing which tag to buy, consider the above types as well as the points below:

· Size and shape limitations of the surface that the tag is going to sit on
· The material of the surface being tagged, whether it will eventually disintegrate or react with signals
· Manufacturer and ISO standards
· Environmental conditions the tag will be exposed to (only some tags work well in the presence of water and metal for example)
· Cost
· Material and durability of the tag
· The purpose will determine whether you should buy an active or passive type
· Consider what frequency you need (the read range you prefer)
· Fixed or removable
· Exposed or embedded
· Sensor or memory

Chapter Four

RFID Reader

RFID reader also called interrogator or transceiver, either mobile or stationary. It depends on whether the items or people being monitored are moving or not. These are capable of communicating radio waves to the chips in tags and extract data into a remote storage device like a computer or smart tab for data reference.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Different types of readers work differently. Some are passive, while others are active. Communication to the remote storage device is done either via USB, electric cable, or Bluetooth. Speaking of which, let us explore the types of readers that exist for a better understanding.

TIPS WHEN CHOOSING A RFID READER

· The reader frequency should match the tag you selected
· Check manufacturer and ISO certificate
· Buy readers based on use
· Consider read range
· Consider if the reader is compatible with hardware and software being used especially when buying sled readers
· If the environment is rough and involves vibrations where the reader is fixed, select fixed rugged readers like vehicle-mounted readers.
· Consider cost vs longevity.

RFID READER TYPES:

1.Based on portability
-Handheld readers/Sled (used at checkout counters at supermarkets)
-Stationary portal readers (used in airports at baggage claim and entry and exit doors)
-Continuous monitoring overhead readers (used in jewelry stores to continuously monitor each drawer and showcase filled with jewels)

2.Based on antennae
-Integrated readers (these can accept one more antenna into its unit to increase the strength of the signal. This is usually used in small areas with less traffic to monitor)
-Non-integrated readers (these have multiple ports that can connect up to 30 antennae. Used to observe large spaces like big events where there is more traffic to monitor)

3.Based on activation
-Battery
-Power adaptor

4.Based on connectivity
-Computer monitored devices
-Bluetooth
-Cable

Chapter Five

RFID Antenna

It is a device within the reader and the tag, transmitting radio waves from the reader to the antennae in the tag to collect data from the tag.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Wave oscillation is what it does. Depending on the direction of oscillation, it has two main polarizations-circular and linear. Linear works for those tags that are at the same height in a small area. Circular polarizations are needed to cover a wider area. If ever in doubt, go with circular. Trust and believe you will get a wider read range that way.

If two antennae with the same polarization are facing each other, the waves can nullify the effect of each other’s signals creating a dead zone. That is why it is best to put two oppositely polarized antennae in front of each other.

The grounding and radiating plates within the antennae along with the gain and beamwidth, determine the area and size of the frequency emitted.

Three standard global types of antennae are:
· EU 865-868 MHZ
· US 902-928 MHZ
· GLOBAL 860-960 MHZ

RFID ANTENNA TYPES

1.Based on polarization
-Circular polarization
a) right hand circularly polarized antenna (rotates clockwise)
b) left hand circularly polarized antenna (rotates anticlockwise)
-Linear polarization

2.Based on the direction
-One-directional
-Omnidirectional

3.Based on beamwidth
-Wide
-Narrow

4.Based on gain
-High
-Low

5.Based on read-range
-Far-field
-Near field

TIPS WHEN CHOOSING AN RFID ANTENNA

When deciding between which antennae to invest in, consider the above types and the points listed below, to make an educated decision:

· The antenna should be selected based on the frequency of the application being used. Consider the material of the tag as well as the environment. Some tags reduce the frequency released from the antennae, so in these cases, the antennae need to be adjusted to a frequency that makes up for this lost signal for accurate data exchange.
· Size matters- the bigger the antenna, the larger the read range and vice versa. The size should be considered for use and esthetics.
· Cost- custom made antennae are very expensive. Commercially mass-produced available antennae are usually less expensive but again depends on the size and use.
· Material, manufacturing, and ISO standards. It should be rugged.
· Location and direction. Sometimes a swivel head is needed for the antennae to capture specific data in an area that otherwise cannot be monitored. A high IP rating is needed for outdoor antennae. Check where you are going to place it, indoor or outdoor.
· EU(902-928 Mhz), US(865-868 Mhz), or GLOBAL(860-960 Mhz): Most antennae come under either of these. Select based on what frequency you need.
· Polarization
· Read range
· Gain
· Beamwidth

We must look for helpful technology to make our lives safer and more efficient. Even if initial costs exist, think long term, and all the benefits will outweigh the minor negatives that at the end of the day, can be avoided and overcome.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed my post about RFID.

Now I’d like to hear from you:

Do you already use RFID technology?

Let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

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RFID: THE BASIC YOU NEED TO KNOW

CONTENT

What is RFID and How it Works

RFID Frequency

RFID Tag

RFID Reader

RFID Antenna

Conclusion

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RFID: THE BASIC YOU NEED TO KNOW

CONTENT

What is RFID and How it Works

RFID Frequency

RFID Tag

RFID Reader

RFID Antenna

Conclusion

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ABOUT

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