What is RFID

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a wireless communication method that uses radio waves to identify objects. RFID can in a way be seen as the concept of barcoding in a new digitized format providing the ability to:

• Uniquely identify each and every individual item beyond its product type
• Identify items without the need of direct line-of-sight
• Identify multiple items (up to 1000pcs) simultaneously
• Identify items within a range of between a few centimeters to several meters

There are four components to an RFID asset management system.

RFID tag or labels

An RFID tag works as a transponder, which is represented by a chip, that, when stimulated, returns a signal or emits its own signal, conveying data from the item to which the chip is attached through radio frequency.

This component is used to identify the object and will contain the relevant information about the equipment in issue. Because all fixed assets must be identified with an RFID tag, this is the manual portion of the procedure.

• Passive Tag

To broadcast its information and be powered internally, this tag must receive a signal from the antenna. They can't communicate on their own because they don't have a battery. They normally have their data saved indefinitely, but some enable rewrites.

They have a longer lifespan and are less expensive because they do not have a battery.

• Semi-Passive Tags

These tags function similarly to passive tags, except they have a battery to power circuits and sensors.

• Active Tags

In this case, the battery not only powers the equipment but also allows for the transmission of radio frequency signals. When compared to prior models, they have a far longer reach radius and operate better in harsh situations.

They are more expensive, and their usable life is limited by battery life; they have more computational complexity, which allows for more data storage, and are thus physically larger.

For the control of fixed assets, many organizations choose RFID tags that are encapsulated with a bar code recording. As a result, they combine the two technologies to generate a functional backup that can be used in the event of a breakdown.

RFID antennas

If tags or labels provide the data required to identify a product, someone must recognize it, and that someone is the RFID antenna. This antenna can be attached to a stationary data collection or to a mobile data collector.

In contrast to a barcode reader, the RFID antenna can identify many tags at the same time. The antenna incorporates a multiple readout system, which increases the process's reliability.

An RFID system consist of readers and tags that communicate with each other through means of radio waves. RFID tags are small and require so little power that they don’t need a battery to store information and exchange data with readers. This way it is very easy and cheap to apply tags to all kinds of items that people want to identify or track.