Introduction

Radio Frequency Identification, simply called as RFID, is an automatic identification method, which makes uses of RFID tags. Data is stored and retrieved using RFID tags or transponders. More simply explained an RFID tag is an object or a device that can be attached to a person, animal or a product to identify it with the help of radio waves. Tags and tag readers, transponders, and antenna, middleware or application software are some of the commonly known and broadly used components of an RFID system.

Basically there are two types of RFID tags: 1) Active RFID, and 2) Passive RFID. Also there are chip-based RFID tags, which contain silicon chips and antennas.

RFID System

An RFID system enables a person to transmit certain data via a mobile device, which is called a tag. This tag is read or interpreted by an RFID reader and processed as per the needs of the required application. Data, which is transmitted by this tag, can provide information about a particular product, its date of purchase, date of expiry, etc. the tag enables the user to retrieve information about the products identification or location. The concept of RFID was first introduced and made use of in 1932 to track objects. This ability of RFID to track and identify objects in motion made it widely popular and various ways to gain utmost use of this technology were searched for.

Active RFID Tags and Advantages

Active RFID tags have their own internal power source. It is said that Active RFID tags are much more reliable as compared to Passive RFID tags as there are lesser errors. This advantage is attributed to the Active tags ability to carry out a 'session' with its reader. Active tags have an onboard power supply, due to which they are able to transmit at a higher power level than passive tags. This in turn proves to be an advantage as the tags are more effective in 'RF challenged' surroundings like long distances, metal or vehicles, massive containers, water or surroundings that have humans and/or animals. RFID tags are said to have an average battery life of about 10 years and memories that are larger than those of Passive tags. It also has a bonus advantage of being able to store extra information that is sent by the transceiver. These have around hundreds of meters (300 feet) of range. RFID tags have inclusive of certain sensors like temperature logging that is used to keep tabs on the temperature of perishable goods. Other sensors include light, shock, humidity, vibration, radiation, shock and atmospheric static like ethylene. Active RFID tags have the potential to carry out its own independent monitoring and control. They also have the quality of performing diagnostics and have a better and higher data bandwidth.

Uses

• Many countries including HK are now issuing passports that have RFID tags. In US, such passports were initiated in 2006.
• RFID tags with high frequency are building made use of in library buildings, bookstores, airline baggage tracing, huge apparel stores and boutiques and pharmaceutical article tracking. These have replaced the older used magnetic stripe cards.
• RFID chips created for implanting in animals is now being used in humans as well for tagging.
• Some products available in the US market, allow a carrier of RFID-rendered cards or passports to safeguard their data. The smallest of all active tags are nearly the size of a coin and are sold for a few dollars, thus making it easy for a layman to purchase and use it. US Food and Drug Administration also uses RFID technology for combating counterfeit drugs.

Active RFID are a boon to industries and they have potential to revolutionize the whole manufacturing, assembling, storing, and distribution process.