RFID Tags
An RFID tag consists of an antenna that is connected to a data-containing integrated circuit. These small tags can be attached to almost any object, thereby giving it a unique identification number which can be read without contacting the object. Tags can be passive, operating on the energy of the radio waves of the reader, or active, which means they are powered by a built-in battery. RFID tags come in just about every shape and size imaginable. The packaging is determined by their intended use and the frequency at which they operate.
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Course Details
Learning Objectives
• List the primary components of an RFID system • List the primary components of an RFID tag • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the different frequencies at which RFID systems operate • Describe the differences between passive tags and active tags • Describe what information is typically stored in memory on an RFID tag • Describe the role of an antenna in a tag
Specs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do RFID systems use different frequency ranges? Isn’t there a single range that is optimal?
What is the difference between a “passive tag” and an “active tag”?
What are the advantages of active tags, which cost more?
How can RFID tags be used as environmental sensors?
How are RFID tags used to prevent theft in retail operations?
Sample Video Transcript
An RFID interaction requires a transponder, or tag, and an interrogator, or reader, which is usually connected to a computer. A tag is made up of an antenna and a small integrated circuit which has a radio receiver, control logic, and digital memory containing a unique serial number related to the tagged item. The tagged item may be a person, animal, pallet, automotive part, or other physical object. A reader has a radio transmitter and receiver, plus a controller which interprets radio signals and interfaces to a computer. By transmitting radio waves and interpreting the returned signals, a reader can retrieve the information held on a tag. That information is then relayed to a database on a computer for further action.
