INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

Table of Contents

Introduction2

Technical aspects2

Tags2

Reader3

System for the processing of data3

Advantages of RFID over bar codes and magnetic stripes5

Applications of RFID6

Passport6

Electronic Ticketing6

Logistics warehouses7

Baby Tagging in Hospitals7

Transport Logistics8

Class or Instance Identification in Industries8

Personal Goods Tracking by Companies9

Attendance and Access Control9

Service and Maintenance10

Libraries - collection and moving of books10

Conclusion10

References12

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge by exploring some relevant and factual information relating to the analysis of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). The technology of radio frequency identification (RFID) is gaining more and more space in our lives every day. It is a powerful and revolutionary technology with numerous applications in various sectors, such as logistics, production, identification of persons or animals, pharmaceuticals, retail, access control, identification of Storage, waste management, the e-passport, etc (Want, 2006). In this study the author will examine how RFIDS are being used to improve the efficiency and quality of organisations, their products and services.

Technical aspects

RFID technology is not new; it was used for the first time during the Second World War by the Royal Air Force for the remote identification of the aircraft. However, it should be noted that this technology raises a lot of concern about the protection of personal information and privacy of citizens. An RFID system generally consists of three components (Miles, 2008):

Tags

The tag, also called transponders or electronic label shall be affixed to or integrated in the object to be identified. The term tag is formed by an electronic chip (integrated circuit chip) and an antenna. The chip is identified by a unique digital address, such as the EPC (Electronic Product Code), and can store a variable amount of data according to the applications. The antenna enables the tag to communicate with the external player, called reader.

Reader

The reader (or interrogator) is the device that allows you to communicate with a tag for inductive coupling or via electromagnetic emissions. It identifies the tag through its antenna and initiates communication as soon as the latter is located at the appropriate distance. It is defined by the specific characteristics of the system, such as power and working frequency. The data stored in the tag is then read, and in the case of more complex systems, the reader can also write new information.

System for the processing of data

The data contained in the tag and picked up by the reader are immediately transmitted to a computer system. It may include inventory control, an access control system or a system of production control.

Figure 1: Principle of operation of the RFID system

RFID systems are distinguished by the fact that the reader and tag communicate through radio waves, i.e. without physical or visual contact. The reader continuously transmits radio signals through its antenna: when a tag passes through its electromagnetic field, it is activated and the data encoded in its own integrated circuit are transmitted to the reader and then reprocessed by the system for the processing of data. Generally the tag draws the energy necessary for the transmission ...