Radio Frequency IDentification is commonly known as RFID. The objective of RFID is to track and identify objects or products through tags. The RFID tags are imbibed by a small chip that can receive and transmit information through electromagnetic fields.
RFIDs are frequently used for all sorts of products, from pharmaceuticals to warehouses, clothing, and accessories to transportation and logistics. Though the function of RFID is similar to Barcode, to identify and capture product data, the difference between the two is, the RFID tag does not need to be within the line of sight of the RFID reader. It varies from a range of few centimeters to over 20+ meters.
One of the early uses of RFID can be traced back to World War II. Germany and other nations would use this technology to identify if the aircrafts were friendly or of enemy regions. Later, on January 23, 1973, Mario Cardullo, an American inventor, patented the first RFID tag, which is known to be the start of modern RFID.
Before patenting the RFID technology, the device was demonstrated to the New York Port Authority and many other potential users in 1971. They wanted to show how the RFID device can be useful in multiple industries such as transportation, security, banking, and medical industries.
Since then, technology has been improving every year while making the RFID tag more efficient and affordable.
Radio Frequency IDentification systems (RFID) work by attaching labels or tags to the products or objects. When the tags are attached, a two-way radio transmitter, also known as READERS or INTERROGATORS, sends a signal to the RFID Tags and reads the information through it.
Saying so, RFID Tags consists of three crucial parts:
While talking about RFID Tags, there are mainly three (3) different types of RFID tags:
However, Battery-assisted Passive Tags are used less frequently in comparison to Active Tags and Passive Tags. Thus, let’s see the difference between the two.
| Differences | Active RFID | Passive RFID |
| Power Source | Runs on own Battery | Uses the Tag Reader Energy |
| Readability Range | 30 Meters to 100 Meters | Within Contact to 25 Meters |
| Operations | An Active Tag has its own Battery, thus, always active | A Passive Tag needs to be in the presence of the Reader |
| Battery Life | Maximum Life is upto 5 years | Life Expectancy is Very High. It survives over a Lifetime |
| Storage Capacity | Larger amounts of data can be stored | Data storage is limited to 128 Bytes. |
| Average Cost | Nearly between $25 – $50 | Nearly between $0.10 – $20 |
| Application | Manufacturing Companies, Construction Companies, and Tracking Vehicles | Manufacturing Companies and Tracking Assets or Products |
Well, as discussed above, RFID and RFID Tags are two separate entities. So, allow me to remind you again that there is a difference between RFID and RFID tags.
RFID is a small chip that contains data or information and uses radio frequency to transfer information.
RFID tags are the tags or labels that have the RFID chip installed in it. It is these RFID tags that are attached to products in order to track them.
The RFIDs are majorly divided into three types.
So, let us know the types of frequencies that RFIDs work upon:
Low Frequency RFID
The Low-Frequency RFID tags generally fulfill the following checklist
High Frequency RFID
The High-Frequency RFID tags generally fulfill the following checklist
Ultra High Frequency RFID
The Ultra High-Frequency RFID tags generally fulfill the following checklist
Industries often debate on the functionality of the RFID and Barcode technology. Yet many are puzzled between the better usage of the two. Let us say that both have their own pros and cons, and both are extensively used worldwide. We can surely point out one of the reasons for this debate, as both RFID and Barcode are trying to solve the same problem. They both are trying to bring a quick change in calculating inventory and retrieving data.
Let us see how RFID and Barcode are different from each other.
While we can compare RFID and Barcode Technology all day, let us see a few of the advantages of using an RFID Technology.
While discussing the comparison between RFID and Barcode, we can easily conclude that RFID saves more time. This is because they can read multiple items at a time. For a better understanding, do go through the below video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7NVpebqL4A
The RFID Technology works great from a distance and scans multiple products. Thus, human error reduces exponentially, and a rise in accuracy is seen. Also, it has the advantage of tracking and identifying products during transit.
RFID Tags can survive diverse environmental conditions and roughness. Though the RFID tag endures tough situations, it can still be scanned and retrieve information. It has a life expectancy for a lifetime! Also, it is one of the reasons that RFIDs are used for tracking livestock and in the scientific and pharmaceutical industries.
RFID Technology is best used all across the industries and has a great deal of applications to offer. They can be used from the manufacturing industry to the tracking attendances or from tracking inventory to library operations. They are easy to understand and are simpler, even though it is sophisticated in performance. RFID is based on simple principles, thus, making it highly appropriate for many companies. Moreover, the working process of this technology is such that no matter the working environment, it still yields the best results. Through this guide, I tried to give a thorough explanation, if anything seems to be missed out, please refer to the below-mentioned references.
