What is RFID technology?

Carding Forum

Professional
Messages
1,429
Reputation
3
Reaction score
538
Points
113
The abbreviation RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, which translates as radio frequency identification. The technology is based on the use of radio waves that connect chips and a reading device. RFID is versatile, as it can be used in various areas: as a key in hotel complexes, as a pass and means of payment in a sports club or as an identifier in an enterprise, for the acceptance and identification of goods in retail.

How RFID technology works​

RFID technology is a popular and widespread method of automatic identification of objects. It helps to contactlessly read information stored on special chips using radio waves. The chips contain an identifier that can be read and processed using special equipment called a reader.

The main feature of how RFID technology works is the transmission of data between the reading equipment and the chips using radio frequencies. Communication is done using electromagnetic fields. When radio waves are emitted by the RFID reader, a reaction occurs in the RFID chip, which is activated and transmits information back. This data is used to identify the object to which the chip is attached, or the person using the card, like a pass, for example.

Application of RFID technology​

Users may not think about what RFID means, although they encounter the technology every day. The method is used in such industries as logistics, manufacturing, transport, healthcare, access control systems and in various service areas. The method is used for payment services when making contactless payments. It is used to check the authenticity of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. RFID is used in retail to track the movement of goods and other material assets.

By allowing automatic identification and tracking of assets, the technology increases operational efficiency and reduces errors, as well as providing accurate data on the availability of goods in warehouses or controlling access to secure areas.

Main components of RFID system​

If we talk about what RFID is, in simple terms, it is worth noting the components of the technology. Its main elements are considered to be the RFID chip and antenna. The microchip stores data that can be read. The antenna is designed to receive and transmit a radio signal.

The basics of RFID technology are the automatic radio frequency identification of an object. RFID is classified according to its range of information recognition. The radio chip can pick up a signal at a distance of up to 300 m from the reader.

RFID technologies involve the use of such types of chips as passive or active. The former receive energy for operation from the electromagnetic field created by the reader. Active chips have their own power supply. If we talk about what an RFID chip is, it should be noted that it is a device for recording data about an object. It can store information from 1 bit to several hundred kilobits.

RFID readers perform the function of receiving and transmitting data between chips and the system, as well as processing and analyzing information. Readers can be fixed or portable, depending on the area of application. To interact with chips and ensure data transmission, an antenna is built into the devices.

Benefits of RFID technology​

The main advantages of RFID include:
  • speed and accuracy of work
  • chip resistance to negative environmental influences
  • long service life of equipment
  • protection of labels from counterfeiting
The RFID function allows reading data from several objects at once, which is suitable for use in a warehouse inventory system.

Along with obvious advantages, the method has some limitations. Among them: the high cost of introducing effective technology into an enterprise. If the radio chip is damaged, the data becomes unreadable. The equipment is also sensitive to noise and interference.

RFID technology has the potential to develop and improve processes in various fields of activity. This technology is already used for inventory, labeling, access control systems, and the popularity of RFID will grow in the future. The main features include automatic collection and transmission of information.

Source
 
Top