Radio Frequency Identification Technology

ABSTRACT:

          Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses communication via radio waves to exchange data between a reader and an electronic tag attached to an object, for the purpose of identification and tracking.The paper introduces the RFID technology and discusses topics such as the history of RFID, the different components involved in RFID, the physics involved in RFID.RFID has gained more popularity because of its applications. The applications of RFID which includes human implants and parking control system are discussed in detail and  also the overview of how RFID fits into the next generation is discussed. The paper also discusses the various pros and cons of RFID.The final section describes the concluding remarks  about RFID. RFID technology can be the next tool for success and management of various businesses. With more research, the flaws and limitations of this technology can be removed. This will make RFID technology very useful for diverse sectors like retail, transport and jewellery businesses.

                                                                                                                                                                   I.     INTRODUCTION

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a proven technology that has been used in commercial applications since at least the 1970s, but has only recently been introduced to the consumer goods supply chain. Until recently, the expense of RFID, as well as lack of international standards, has limited its use to applications such as security badges and toll passes. As the cost of RFID systems decrease and standards are developed, companies are increasingly looking to use RFID technology to increase supply chain efficiencies and reduce supply chain costs. An RFID is highly reliable way to electronically control, detect & track variety of items using FM transmission methods. It is a method of automatic object identification using radio waves. A typical RFID system consists of RFID tags, interrogators or readers, and computers.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an emerging technology consisting of three key pieces: RFID tags (miniaturized chips); RFID readers; and a data collection, distribution, and management system that has the ability to identify or scan information with increased speed and accuracy. Compared to the bar code system, RFID promises long-term gains in supply chain management, transportation, defence and health care, to mention a few. RFID is increasingly used in commercial supply chain applications through pallet level tagging.

RFID, because it is a cross-cutting and enabling technology, adds to the important role ICT plays to promote innovation, economic growth, and global commerce. Looking toward the future, as the information infrastructures associated with RFID are increasingly accessed across IP networks, the OECD is well positioned to discuss with stakeholders how best to create a positive environment for growth, and promote best practices for the implementation and use of RFID.

RFID, like the Internet, requires smart privacy and security policies that address questions that arise as a result of the growth and interconnectedness of information and communications networks.  Disclosure, transparency and choice are important considerations for consumers as RFID migrates to item level tagging over the next few years.  Policies that are informed by industry best practices and consumer concerns will foster the potential of ICT and facilitate acceptance of emerging technologies such as RFID

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses communication via radio waves to exchange data between a reader and an electronic tag attached to an object, for the purpose of identification and tracking. Some tags can be read from several meters away and beyond the line of sight of the reader. The application of bulk reading enables an almost parallel reading of tags.

Radio-frequency identification involves interrogators (also known as readers), and tags (also known as labels).

Most RFID tags contain at least two parts. One is an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency (RF) signal, and other specialized functions. The other is an antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal.

Fixed RFID and Mobile RFID: Depending on mobility, RFIDs are classified into two different types: fixed RFID and mobile RFID. If the reader reads tags in a stationary position, it is called fixed RFID. On the other hand, if either the reader or the tag is mobile when the reader reads tags, it is called mobile RFID. Last, the RFID is classified into mobile RFID for the case that both the reader and the tag are mobile.

There are three types of RFID tags: passive RFID tags, which have no power source and require an external electromagnetic field to initiate a signal transmission, active RFID tags, which contain a battery and can transmit signals once an external source (‘Interrogator’) has been successfully identified, and battery assisted passive (BAP) RFID tags, which require an external source to wake up but have significant higher forward link capability providing greater range.

There are a variety of groups defining standards and regulating the use of RFID, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ASTM International, the DASH7 Alliance and EPCglobal. .

RFID has many applications; for example, it is used in enterprise supply chain management to improve the efficiency of inventory tracking and management.

     II.         COMPONENTS OF  RFID

 This system basically consists of following components.

1. A transponder (RF tag) 
2. A transceiver (reader) with decoder .
3. An antenna.

  Fig. 1 shows a model of basic RFID system.

Fig. 1: Basic RFID system.