RFID systems

An RFID system consists of three components: a scanning antenna and transceiver (often combined into one reader, also known as an interrogator) and a transponder, the RFID tag. An RFID tag consists of a microchip, memory and antenna.

The RFID reader is a network-connected device that can be permanently attached or portable. It uses radio frequency waves to transmit signals that activate the tag. Once activated, the tag sends a wave back to the antenna, where it is translated into data.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Types of RFID tags

There are two main types of RFID tags: active RFID and passive RFID. An active RFID tag has its own power source, often a battery. A passive RFID tag, on the other hand, does not require batteries; rather it receives its power from the reading antenna, whose electromagnetic wave induces a current in the RFID tag's antenna. There are also semi-passive RFID tags, meaning a battery runs the circuitry while communication is powered by the RFID reader.

RFID tags typically hold less than 2,000 KB of data, including a unique identifier/serial number. Tags can be read-only or read-write, where data can be added by the reader or existing data overwritten.

The read range for RFID tags varies based on factors including type of tag, type of reader, RFID frequency, and interference in the surrounding environment or from other RFID tags and readers. Generally speaking, active RFID tags have a longer read range than passive RFID tags due to the stronger power source.