A radio-frequency identification tag (RFID tag) is an electronic tag that exchanges data with an RFID reader through radio waves. Most RFID tags are made up of at least two main parts. The first one is an an antenna that receives the radio frequency (RF) waves. The second part is an IC (integrated circuit), which is used for processing and storing data as well as for modulating and demodulating the radio waves received/sent by the antenna. Also known as an RFID chip.
Although RFID tags have similar applications to barcodes, they are far more advanced. For instance, reading information from an RFID tag does not require line-of-sight and can be performed over a distance of a few meters. This also means that a single tag can serve multiple readers at a time, compared to only one for a bar code tag. In the context of RFID technology, the term “tag” is also meant to include labels and cards. The kind of tag depends on the body or object on which the tag will be attached to. RFID systems can operate in either UHF (Ultra High Frequency), HF (High Frequency), or LF (Low Frequency). Thus, tags can also vary in terms of the frequencies on which they will operate. These tags can be attached to almost any object. Although the usual target objects are apparel, baggages, containers, construction materials, laundry, and bottles, they have also been attached to animals, humans, and vehicles. Some RFID tags are designed for rugged, outdoor-based applications. These are built to endure natural and incandescent light, vibration, shock, rain, dust, oil, and other harsh conditions. They are normally passive, i.e., they don’t require batteries to function. Thus, they can operate 24/7 without risk of losing power. Such heavy-duty tags are usually attached to trucks, cargo containers, and light rail cars for cargo tracking, fleet management, vehicle tracking, vehicle identification, and supply container tracking, among others.
Read More »
Get Techopedia delivered to your inbox!