What Is RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)?

An RFID system comprises a number of elements:

RFID Reader / Writer: The reader/ writer are used to communicate with the tags. An RFID reader is a device that is used to interrogate an RFID tag. The reader has an antenna that emits radio waves; the tag responds by sending back its data. The writer is used to write the data on RFID tags.

RFID Tags: An RFID tag is a microchip combined with an antenna in a compact package; the packaging is structured to allow the RFID tag to be attached to an object to be tracked. There are two types of RFID tag-

• Active RFID Tags: An RFID tag is an active tag when it is equipped with a battery that can be used as a partial or complete source of power for the tag's circuitry and antenna. Some active tags contain replaceable batteries for years of use; others are sealed units.
• Passive RFID Tags: A passive tag is an RFID tag that does not contain a battery; the power is supplied by the reader. When radio waves from the reader are encountered by a passive RFID tag, the coiled antenna within the tag forms a magnetic field. The tag draws power from it, energizing the circuits in the tag. The tag then sends the information encoded in the tag's memory.

RFID Application Software: RFID systems need application software to run the overall system. With many systems there will be a number of different reader / writers and the data to and from these needs to be coordinated and analyzed. Application software will be required for these.

Although each RFID system will vary according to its requirements, these are the main elements which can be found.

How does a RFID system work?

An RFID system consists of a tag, which is made up of a microchip with an antenna, and an interrogator or reader with an antenna. RFID tags are so small and require so little power that they don’t even need a battery to store information and exchange data with readers. The reader sends out electromagnetic waves. The tag antenna is tuned to receive these waves. A passive RFID tag draws power from field created by the reader and uses it to power the microchip’s circuits. The chip then modulates the waves that the tag sends back to the reader and the reader converts the new waves into digital data.

RFID technology has the capability to both greatly enhance and protect the lives of consumers, and also revolutionize the way companies do business. As the most flexible auto-identification technology, RFID can be used to track and monitor the physical world automatically and with accuracy. RFID can tell you what an object is, where it is, and even its condition. Following are the reason why we use RFID technology -

• The solution does not require a line of sight access to be able to read tags.
• The tag can trigger security alarm systems if removed from its correct location.
• Reader and tag communication are not orientation sensitive.
• Automatic scanning and data logging is possible without human intervention
• Each tag can have a unique product code like standardized Electronic Product Code (EPC-code) and still hold more information in an internal memory bank.
• Each item can individually be labeled.
• Tag internal data can be comprehensive, unique in parts/common in parts, and is compatible with data processing in ERP system.
• System provides a high degree of security and product authentication - a tag is more difficult to counterfeit than a simple barcode.
• The supporting data infrastructure can allow data retrieval and product tracking anywhere provided the reader is close enough to the tag.

Our RFID Solutions -

• UHF RFID Based Automatic Time & Attendance Tracking System with SMS & Email Alerts
• RFID Based Solar PV Module Management System
• Museum Artwork Collection Management Systems
• Fixed Asset Management, Tracking, Inventory & Auditing Software
• RFID Based Laptop & IT Assets Tracking System
• Event Management/Tracking System

Our RFID Services -

• RFID Consultancy Services
• RFID Site Inspection/Survey
• RFID Based Software Application Development
• RFID Integration
• RFID Application Maintenance Services
• RFID Project Support Services
• RFID Education and Training