RFID Technology: The Way It Works And The Primary Parts

Known as intelligent bar codes, RFID tags are the advanced version of bar codes to help businesses keep track of their inventory – in other words, one of its main purposes is being a highly effective asset tracking system.

It is seen across various industries from military, retail to manufacturing. After all, it boasts several advantages that can be used in numerous business environment. For instance, RFID retail helps to simplify the inventory process that is usually time-consuming, manual, and can only be done during prearranged intervals.

However, just understanding the uses of RFID may not suffice – businesses should also comprehend its functionality clearly to put the technology to good use. Hence, why we should understand its main components.

How the RFID system works

First off, an RFID tag works as a beacon that carries information about a product or item. The data is then accessed through the use of a reader, which then interprets this information to the user.

RFID tags have an advantage when compared with barcodes because of their ability to collect mass data as they don’t require a direct line of sight in order to be read by the readers, unlike regular barcodes.

Typically, it is made up of an RFID transponder or tag, a computer, and an antenna. The tags can be read from a comfortable distance of several feet, and the reader has the ability to read different tags at the same time. This helps to save time, especially when dealing with several items.

However, the two primary parts include the RFID tag, which transmits data in the form of radio signals, and the RFID reader, that receives these signals, converts, and stores them as information. Here’s how the RFID process generally functions:

• The RFID tag is first attached to an inventory. Within the tag, there is a circuit for storing relevant information and an antenna for the transmission of data.
• The purpose of the antenna in the tag is to communicate with the reader, where the stored information is transmitted in the form of radio waves.
• After the RFID reader receives the information, it converts the radio waves into usable data.
• The usable data then goes through a communications interface for hosting a computer system, where the information is kept or stored.

Types of RFID tags

Active RFID tags: Best for tracking real-time locations of items as they have their independent power source like a battery, making them able to broadcast signals on a continuous basis. Additionally, they’re larger in size, robust in design, and provide a wider range when it comes to the scanning of assets.

Passive RFID tags: Both compact and economical, this type of tag is more ideal for businesses dealing with small-scale items. It’s also a more viable option for those dealing with a specific budget.

The main components of RFID technology

Tags

Its duty is to both store and transmit information. This is possible with the embedded microchip within the tag that keeps the tag’s ID and programmable information related to the item.

Antennas

Crucial elements of an RFID system, antennas are needed to transfer the RFID tag’s information to the reader. Without it, be it standalone or integrated, the RFID reader will be unable to send and receive signals from RFID tags accurately.

Readers

They’re connected to the antenna and is able to obtain information from the tag itself. It’s through the reader that makes receiving and converting radio waves into digital information on a computer database possible.

The main two types of readers are mobile and fixed readers. A business can either choose to install a mobile reader to take advantage of its portability as it can be carried to any location where it’s required. On the other hand, fixed readers are usually mounted to walls or other kinds of objects – always remaining in a single location to read information stored in a tag.

Computer database

A computer database processes the data found in the tags. It’s capable of managing devices and information, programming tags, hardware configuration, and remote monitoring.

Whether a business is looking for military or aerospace RFID technology, one should first understand how RFID works so that the technology can be applied properly to enhance business operations.