RFID Tags

Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, refers to a technology where information is transmitted wirelessly over radio waves. RFID tags and labels have 3 main components:

• IC (integrated chip) which executes commands and stores data
• Antenna which absorbs RF waves and helps broadcast the signal
• Substrate (polyester, paper, etc.) which is the material that the chip and antenna are attached

RFID tags work by sending and receiving information through an antenna and an attached microchip or integrated circuit. An RFID reader, a device that can generate and read the information on radio waves, is used to communicate and interact with the RFID tag. These RFID readers can both read and write to the memory on the RFID tag’s microchip. This means different pieces of data (unique identifying numbers, serial numbers, etc.) can be read and written onto the tags, which can be attached to any item or product for easy tagging and tracking. Download our handbook for more.

There are two primary categories of RFID asset tags: tags with batteries and tags without batteries. Tags with batteries are called battery assist or active RFID tags. Battery enabled RF tags incorporate a battery as a power supply or to supplement the power provided by the RFID reader.

Passive RFID asset tags do not use a battery and instead works by using electromagnetic energy transmitted from the RFID reader. When a passive label is read/scanned by an RFID reader it is energized (interrogated) by the radio waves coming from the reading device. The energy received from the radio waves are received via antennas attached to the passive tag’s chip which powers the chip and responds to the reader all in a matter of milliseconds.

An RFID tag is a small electronic device that contains a unique identifier and is used for tracking and identification purposes. The construction of an RFID tag typically consists of three layers. The first layer, known as the substrate, is the material on which information can be printed. This layer provides a surface for the RFID inlay to be attached to.

The second layer is the actual RFID inlay, which contains the electronic components that allow the tag to communicate with RFID readers. This inlay is usually made up of a microchip and an antenna, which work together to transmit and receive data.

The last layer of the RFID tag is the attachment adhesive, which is used to securely attach the tag to an object or surface. This adhesive layer is crucial for ensuring that the tag remains in place and can withstand various environmental conditions.

Overall, the construction of an RFID tag is designed to be durable, reliable, and efficient in order to accurately track and identify items in a variety of applications.

The RFID inlay is a crucial component of the RFID tag, serving as the brain and communication hub of the entire system. It is made up of three main parts: the integrated circuit (IC), antenna, and substrate.

The integrated circuit is where the data is stored and processed, allowing the tag to communicate with RFID readers. The antenna is responsible for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, enabling the tag to be detected and read from a distance. The substrate provides support and protection for the IC and antenna, ensuring the inlay remains durable and functional in various environments.

Together, these components work seamlessly to enable the RFID tag to track and identify items in a wide range of applications, from inventory management to access control.

Passive and active RFID (radio frequency identification) tags are two types of RFID technology used for tracking and identifying objects. There are several differences between the two types of tags. Active RFID asset tags have their own battery which allows them to transmit signals without relying on an external energy source.

Conversely, passive RFID asset tags do not have their own power source. They rely on the energy emitted by the RFID reader to transmit their data. Active RFID tags have a much longer read range than their passive counterpart and typically cost more than passive tags. In addition, active tags are typically larger than passive tags due to the inclusion of their battery. Lastly, active tags have a shorter lifespan due to its battery than passive tags. The choice between passive and active RFID tags should depend on the specific requirements of the application. For more information or to get a quote please contact us at 800-437-5283 or [email protected].

RFID stands for radio frequency identification. The RFID definition is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. These tags contain electronically stored information and can be passive (powered by the reader’s electromagnetic field), active (powered by a battery), or semi-passive (battery-assisted). RFID technology is commonly used in various applications such as inventory management, access control, and asset tracking.

An RFID chip, also known as an RFID tag, is a small electronic device used in Radio-Frequency Identification systems. It consists of three main components:

Microchip: This stores information about the item to which it is attached. It may also contain processing power to handle certain tasks.
Antenna: This allows the radio frequency ID chips to receive and send radio signals to the RFID reader.
Substrate: This is the material that holds the microchip and antenna together.

RFID chips can be passive, active, or semi-passive:

Passive RFID chips: Do not have their own power source and are powered by the electromagnetic energy transmitted from an RFID reader.
Active RFID chips: Have their own power source, such as a battery, and can transmit signals autonomously.
Semi-passive RFID chips: Have their own power source but rely on the RFID reader to generate a response signal.
These chips are used in various applications for tracking and identifying objects, including supply chain management, access control, and asset tracking.

The lifespan of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag varies depending on the type of tag and its usage conditions. Passive RFID tags, which do not have a battery and are powered by the electromagnetic field of the reader, can last for 10-20 years or more, as they have no internal power source that can deplete. Active RFID tags, which contain a battery, typically last between 3-5 years, depending on the battery’s capacity and the frequency of use. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and physical wear can also impact the lifespan of RFID tags. Overall, RFID tags are designed to be durable and long-lasting, with passive tags generally offering the longest lifespan.

An RFID tag is used for the identification and tracking of objects, animals, or people via radio frequency signals. Each tag contains a microchip that stores data and an antenna to transmit this information to an RFID reader. RFID tags are commonly employed in various applications, including inventory management, asset tracking, supply chain logistics, access control, and automated toll collection. Their ability to be read from a distance and without line-of-sight makes them a versatile and efficient tool for improving accuracy, security, and operational efficiency in diverse industries.

Examples of RFID tags include passive RFID tags, active RFID tags, and semi-passive RFID tags. Passive RFID tags, often used in inventory management and retail, rely on the RFID reader for power and have a short read range. Active RFID tags, which contain their own power source, are used for long-range tracking in applications such as vehicle tracking and asset management in large facilities. Semi-passive RFID tags, combining features of both, are used in environments where environmental monitoring is crucial, such as temperature-sensitive supply chains. These various types of RFID tags demonstrate their adaptability for tracking and managing a wide range of items and conditions.