What is RFID Technology?

The Asset Tracking Blog

Published By: on October 11, 2023
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What is RFID (radio frequency identification)?

RFID stands for radio frequency identification. It’s a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track RFID tags attached to objects.

What is RFID used for?

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is used for a wide range of applications involving the identification, tracking, and management of objects, animals, or people through radio frequency signals. It is commonly utilized in inventory management, supply chain logistics, asset tracking, and access control systems.

In retail, RFID enhances stock visibility and reduces shrinkage by providing real-time inventory data. In healthcare, it tracks medical equipment and patient movement to improve safety and efficiency. It is also used in transportation for automated toll collection and vehicle tracking, and in security for controlling access to restricted areas. Its ability to read multiple tags from a distance and without line-of-sight makes it a versatile and efficient technology across various industries.

When should RFID be used?

RFID should be used in scenarios where efficient, accurate, and real-time tracking and management of assets, inventory, or individuals are crucial. It is particularly beneficial when there is a need to track multiple items simultaneously, without requiring line-of-sight, as in large warehouses, retail environments, or manufacturing facilities.

It is also ideal in environments where items are frequently moved or where manual tracking would be impractical or prone to error, such as in logistics and supply chain management. Additionally, it is effective in enhancing security and access control, tracking high-value or sensitive items, and streamlining processes that require rapid data collection and processing, like automated toll collection or patient monitoring in healthcare settings.

What Is the Difference Between Passive RFID and Active RFID?Active Tags

RFID can be passive, meaning they don’t have a power source and rely on the energy from the reader to transmit data, or active, meaning they have their own power source (battery) and can actively transmit data. Passive RFID has a shorter read range than their active counterparts. Passive RFID is also typically less expensive than active RFID and has a longer lifespan than active RFID due to not having a battery.

RFID technology is used in a wide range of applications, including fixed asset tracking, inventory management in retail, tracking goods in supply chains, access control in buildings and even contactless payment cards and toll booth passes.

What Is the Difference Between Low Frequency (LF) and High Frequency (HF) RFID Tags?

There are different frequencies at which RFID technology operates, which can affect the range and capabilities of the system. Low-frequency (LF) operates at 125-134 KHz and can be read up to 6 inches. Applications for low frequency include access control. High frequency (HF) operates at 13.56 MHz and can be read up to 1-2 feet from the reader. Applications for high frequency RFID include access control and NFC (Near Field Communication) for things like contactless payments.

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What is Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID?

Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) operates at 915-928 MHz and can be read over 20 ft. from the reader. Applications for UHF RFID include asset tracking, supply chain and logistics.

How Does RFID Work?

The RFID systems consist of a tag and a reader. The tag contains a microchip and an antenna. The microchip storesHow Does RFID Work? information about the item it’s attached to.

The reader is a device that emits radio frequency signals. It generates an electromagnetic field that provides the energy for the RFID tag to operate.

When the tag comes into the range of the reader’s electromagnetic field it gets activated. If it’s a passive tag, it uses the energy from the reader’s field to power up.

The reader sends out a signal that activates the tag. The tag then transmits its stored information back to the reader using radio waves. This information can include unique numbers or more detailed data about the object.

The reader captures the data transmitted by the tag and sends it to a computer system for processing. This can be used for various applications such as asset tracking, inventory management, access control and more.

Overall, RFID technology is extremely versatile and plays a crucial role in many industries for tracking and managing assets efficiently.

For more information on what RFID technology is and how it works, please contact Metalcraft at 800-437-5283 or [email protected].

About the Author: Aaron Hobert

Aaron Hobert is our Sales Support Engineer. Hobert joined Metalcraft in September of 1994 as a Litho Press Operator, became the Autograph Team Lead in 1998 and in April 2005 he became the RFID Sales Support Rep. He was named our RFID Technical Specialist in 2008 and then he became our Sales Support Engineer in 2024. Aaron lives outside Charles City with his wife Diane.

Mobile Phone: 641-330-2660
Office Phone: 641-423-9460
Email: [email protected]
Office: 3360 9th St. SW, Mason City, IA 50401

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