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A radio frequency identification reader (RFID reader) is a device used to gather information from an RFID tag, which is used to track individual objects. Radio waves are used to transfer data from the tag to a reader.
RFID is a technology similar in theory to bar codes. However, the RFID tag does not have to be scanned directly, nor does it require line-of-sight to a reader. The RFID tag it must be within the range of an RFID reader, which ranges from 3 to 300 feet, in order to be read. RFID technology allows several items to be quickly scanned and enables fast identification of a particular product, even when it is surrounded by several other items.
RFID tags have not replaced bar codes because of their cost and the need to individually identify every item.
Techopedia Explains Radio Frequency Identification Reader
RFID technology may be used in a variety of applications including:
- Passports
- Smart cards
- Airplane luggage
- Toll booth passes
- Home appliances
- Merchandise tags
- Animal and pet tags
- Automobile key-and-lock
- Monitoring heart patients
- Pallet tracking for inventory
- Telephone and computer networks
- Operation of spacecraft and satellites
RFID technology uses digital data in an RFID tag, which is made up of integrated circuits containing a tiny antenna for transferring information to an RFID transceiver. The majority of RFID tags contain at least an integrated circuit for modulating and demodulating radio frequency and an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals. Frequency ranges vary from low frequencies of 125 to 134 kHz and 140 to 148.5 kHz, and high frequencies of 850 to 950 MHz and 2.4 to 2.5 GHz. Wavelengths in the 2.4 GHz range are limited because they can be absorbed by water.
