How RFID Works ?
First of all, we have to understand what RFID stands for. These letters indicate Radio Frequency Identification that is made up of three major pieces. There must be an antenna to capture the radio signals, the transceiver that takes in the information and interprets it and an item that sends information – the transponder programmed with specific information.
RFID systems work much like any other radio-frequency system. The receiving antenna picks up a signal in the form of radio waves from an object that is sending out the signals. In identification systems the transponder is an RFID tag that communicates with the antenna and the equipment that decodes the information. Because of the reduced size and the remarkable technology such an ID tag can be programmed and used for long periods of time.
If a person carrying or wearing an RFID tag approaches a building or other location where the antenna is in place the signal is received by the antenna. With an active tag, the person doesn’t have to be as close as he or she would with a passive tag. Active tags have an additional power source. Even if the RFID tag is inside clothing or otherwise covered it may be “read” by the receiving equipment.
This identification, based on information on the tag, happens in much less than a second. Several tags approaching the receiving station can be “read” and identified at almost the same time. This is one of the keys to protecting retail stores and other businesses. RFID tags can be attached to products to prevent shoplifting. These tags have to be deactivated by store personnel so you can leave the store without setting off the alarm.
Some organizations have expressed concern about using RFID systems to identify people, though they have been employed for keeping track of family pets. In addition, this technology can be used to collect from passengers using metropolitan transportation systems like buses and trains.
All of these uses are possible thanks to the development of equipment that operates on wireless signals. The radio signals sent from specially programmed tags are received by stationary “reading” equipment. These signals travel through the air in waves, at blazing speed. The other key to success with RFID systems is the ability we have to program the smallest details onto tags. It’s possible for large retail stores to distinguish among thousands of products. In a similar way, it’s now possible to distinguish between individuals, if personal details or numbers are provided first.
So, the next time you hear the alarm as you exit a store you will understand more about how you are being stopped. Those RFID tags respond to radio waves from the stationary system and the tag or chip is activated. Some states and large cities use active RFID tag system to collect tolls on open highways. This allows drivers to keep moving and keeps traffic from backing up at the toll booth. The technology could also be used for passports and other identification procedures.
Category: Technology