Kandarp Vyas

RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is a technology that enables the tracking and/or identification of objects and living things.

Unlike bar-code technology, RFID technology does not require contact or line-of-sight for communication.

Interface

TagsAntennas

Readers

Software

RFID System

These are the Major Components of an RFID System

RFID Tags can go on all kinds of objects and even on living beings.

Tags come in many shapes and sizes.

Some Tags are battery powered, some are powered by radio waves and do not require batteries.

RFID Tags are superior to bar codes:

* RFID Tags do not require line-of-sight.

* RFID Tags can store far more information than bar codes.

* Some RFID Tags are writable, so information can be updated as time goes on or as the tag travels to different locations.

* Some RFID Tags have sensors that can record information. For example, a tag on a shipment of frozen foods could record the temperatures that the foods were exposed to.

Very limited memory for numbers Very limited ability for arithmetic

computation

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Antenna

Tag

The Tag sends its info to the Antenna

In some applications, the Antenna also writes data onto the Tag

The Antenna receives the information from the Tag.

Communication between the Tag and the Antenna is wireless, via radio waves and generally does not require line-of-sight.

In some cases, we can use existing Wi-Fi Network antennas for the RFID System, eliminating the need to install RFID antennas.

Antenna

Tag

Reader

The main functions of the Reader are:

o To receive information from the Antennas and convert it to a usable format

o To energize and control the Antennas

Antenna

Tag

Reader

o The Reader sends information to a computer or network which houses interface software known as Middleware.

o Information is now available to users. Depending on the RFID system, the information could include: item’s current location, where it has traveled, how much it has been used, environmental conditions it was exposed to and more.

Reader

Tag Antenna Reader Interface

RFID Tags send pertinent info to the Antennas

The Antennas pick-up the info from the Tags via radio waves, then send that info to the Readers

The Readers interpret the info, organize it, then send it to the Interface Software

The Readers also control the Antennas

The Interface Software (Middleware) formats the info so that it can talk to the user’s computer/network

Tracking Animals“Not Really Mad”

• Passports

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