RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a radio wave-based technology for the automatic identification of goods. This technology allows for the simultaneous reading and transmission of a large amount of information. Depending on the type of tag (RFID tag) and the chip it contains, data can be read or written from a distance of a few centimeters to more than 100 meters. RFID technology allows for the simultaneous reading of many different tags that are within range of an RFID reader.
RFID can be used to identify goods by applying RFID tags to them, and then using RFID readers to track the movement of those goods throughout the supply chain. This allows companies to track inventory levels and locations in real time, which can help optimize inventory levels and prevent losses due to theft or loss of goods.
In supply chain management, RFID technology can be used to track the flow of goods from the production floor to the end user. Achieving full transparency can help identify problems and bottlenecks in supply chains and thus support efforts to improve efficiency.
RFID can also be used to improve enterprise security. The technology can be a tool for controlling access to buildings, premises, and segregated areas to prevent unauthorized access.
Application in various industries
Some of the most popular applications of RFID technology in various industries include
Manufacturing - RFID helps automate many processes, identifying products, machines, tools, or materials. This helps to streamline the flow of goods, improve control and increase the efficiency of operations.
Warehousing - RFID helps to increase the speed and accuracy of receiving, picking, and releasing goods. It can support inventory, rotation management, and control of back-packing.
Trade - RFID technology allows, among other things, to significantly speed up inventory and markdown of goods.
RFID tags
RFID tags can be divided into two categories depending on the type of power source:
Active RFID tags have a built-in power source, such as a battery, which allows them to transmit a signal over long distances (even more than 100 meters).
Semi-passive (semi-active) tags are equipped with a battery, but it is used exclusively for its intended purpose, i.e. to power the electronic circuit of the tag and its sensors, and the energy required to establish communication with the reader is obtained from the radio waves generated by the reader. As a result, compared to passive tags, their range is greater.
Passive RFID tags do not have a built-in power source and rely on the energy of the reader to activate and transmit the signal. This limits the transmission range of passive RFID tags to only a few meters. Passive RFID tags are significantly cheaper than active RFID tags, making them the more popular choice for most applications. The operation of a passive RFID tag can be described in three stages:
When an RFID tag enters the range of the reader, the RFID tag's antenna powers it with energy via radio waves,
the tag sends its unique identification code back to the reader;
the reader, connected to a computer, searches for an identification code in the database, which allows access to information about the marked product (for example, the location of the product, history, and other data).
Operating frequency range
RFID systems can operate in a wide range of radio waves. Depending on the wave frequency, RFID systems can be divided into
LF (low-frequency) systems
LF RFID systems can operate in the range of 30 kHz to 500 kHz, but the typical LF frequency is around 125 kHz to 134 kHz. The reading range of a low-frequency system is usually limited to one meter.
HF (high frequency)
HF RFID systems can operate in the range of 3 MHz to 30 MHz, although the typical HF range is 13.56 MHz. The reading range of an HF system is usually up to one meter. High-frequency tags are slightly more expensive than low-frequency tags. The standard has proven itself in the industry due to its resistance to external interference and high data reading speed. HF is used in systems operating according to ISO/IEC 14443 (electronic passports) or ISO 15693 (credit cards).
UHF (ultra-high frequency).
This range extends between 860 and 956 MHz. UHF allows you to read and write data over a distance of more than 100 meters at very high speeds. Support for this frequency is defined by the ISO 18000-6 standard.
RFID technology - advantages and disadvantages
When implementing RFID technology in an enterprise, it should be remembered that in addition to its objective advantages, it also has certain disadvantages and limitations. The most commonly mentioned advantages and disadvantages include the following:
Advantages of RFID
- RFID tags can store much more information than barcodes;
- They are easy to read from a distance, even if the tag is hidden inside the package;
- RFID tags are more resistant to damage and destruction, which makes them very durable;
- RFID tags can be reused repeatedly due to the ability to edit the data contained in them;
- Speed of operation - RFID reader is capable of reading hundreds of tags in one second.
Disadvantages of RFID
- Higher price compared to popular barcodes
- Several different standards for data transfer protocols;
- Confidential data must be encrypted so that it cannot be intercepted by unauthorized persons;
- To achieve high reading reliability, it is necessary to carefully analyze and adapt the operating conditions;
- Building an effective RFID system requires special knowledge and experience in using this technology;
- Too many tags in close proximity can lead to reading errors;
- difficulty working with certain groups of goods (for example, liquids, rice paper, or products in metal cans).
- An interesting application of RFID technology to further speed up and facilitate the identification process is the so-called RFID gate.
