RFID: Radio Frequency Identification

Amanda Di MasoShreya PatelTresit Tarko

What is RFID? Overview

Radio Frequency Identification

Information stored on a tag or chip

Chip sends data over radio waves

Means of transmitting data from a portable device

An improvement over the bar code

Components of an RFID

Tag: microchip, antennae

Reader: case, 1+ antennae, power supply, electronics

Types of RFID Tags

Two Original Kinds – No Longer UsedInductively Coupled RFID tags

Older styleMade of glass, metal coils and an antennaeUsed to track large items shipped over long distancesPowered by a magnetic field from RFID reader

Capacitively Coupled RFID tags

Types of RFID Tags

Two Original Kinds – No Longer UsedInductively Coupled RFID tags

Capacitively Coupled RFID tagsNewer, cheaper versionDisposableConductive carbon ink instead of metal coilPrinted on paper or silicon

Types of RFID Tags

Three New Models- Commonly UsedAll store 2KB of data

Active Tag

Semi-Active Tag

Passive Tag

Types of RFID Tags

Three New Models- Commonly UsedAll store 2KB of data

Active TagBattery operated, cannot operate withoutRange of over 100 ft.Large, expensive, needs long term maintenanceLimited Lifespan (based on battery)

Semi-Active Tag

Passive Tag

Types of RFID Tags

Three New Models- Commonly UsedAll store 2KB of data

Active Tag

Semi-Active TagBattery operated, but uses reader power to

transmit radio wavesLong range, expensive, used for expensive items

Passive Tag

Types of RFID Tags

Three New Models- Commonly UsedAll store 2KB of data

Active Tag

Semi-Active Tag

Passive TagRelies on reader for all powerShorter range, up to 20 ft.Disposable, cheaperInfinite Lifespan

How does it work?

Two frequencies: 125 KHz and 13.56 MHz

Reader sends an electromagnetic signal

Signal received by and activates the tag

Tag powered by battery OR electrical current generated from readerMagnetic signal from reader sent over

metal/conductive coil in tag

Current allows tag to transmit data in form of radio wavesData usually converted to digital formDifferent data corresponds to own frequency

Different antennae on the reader receives radio signal

Interpret data based on the radio frequency

Sends data to a computer source

How does it work?

How does it work?

Data

Carrier

Modulated Signal

Modulations in signal, changes in frequency, are the components which carry the data from the tag to the reader

Carrier is the base frequency being sent by the tag to the reader, any deviations from the carrier frequency consists of the data being transmitted.

Common Applications of RFID

One of first uses: livestock IDTracked populations of cattleUsage increased after mad cow disease

Now common in pet Micro-chippingFour brands

ISO Conformant Full DuplexMost internationalConforms to ISO standards (international

organization for standardization)

Common Applications of RFID

One of first uses: livestock IDTracked populations of cattleUsage increased after mad cow disease

Now common in pet Micro-chippingFour brands

Trovan UniqueQuickly went out of usage due to patent

issues after birth in 1990Recently began distributing again with a

different tag

Common Applications of RFID

One of first uses: livestock IDTracked populations of cattleUsage increased after mad cow disease

Now common in pet Micro-chippingFour brands

FECAVA/DestronMost popular style microchip: HomeAgainUse hexadecimal tag numbers rather than

binary

Common Applications of RFID

One of first uses: livestock IDTracked populations of cattleUsage increased after mad cow disease

Now common in pet Micro-chippingFour brands

AVID microchipHas an encryption aspect to protect owner

information that makes it difficult to read by normal scanners

Still commonly sold

Common Applications of RFIDRetail SalesOn grocery store items such as shampoos

and DVDsAllows provider to know what is being sold

and at what rate

Public TransportationReplaces ticket sales; “smart cards”Allows user to access subway or bus and

have an account billed automaticallyNo contact needed for information

transmission

Common Applications of RFIDToll Road Payments

Allows frequent toll road travelers to bypass manual payment at each toll booth

RFID tag placed near windshieldSlow down, tag is read, toll is billed to an accountEZ Pass common

American brandFast Gas

Mobil SpeedpassPay without credit

Card or cashSwipe personal tag

Common Applications of RFIDThe Human Microchip?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqCxmXgnqKE

Privacy InfringementNew Human “microchip” considered privacy

infringementAccess to personal information and current

whereabouts 24-7

Questions?