RFID Technology Principles, Advantages,

Limitations & Its Applications

1. WHY RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION DEVICE?

Wireless sensor networks have the potential to provide remote monitoring capabilities that can
benefit applications such as industrial control, environmental monitoring and defense. Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) is one of the most exciting technology that revolutionize the
working practices by increasing efficiencies and improving profitability. It is often presented as a
replacement for today’s barcodes but the technologies has much greater possibilities, such as
individual serial numbers for each item and the possibility to read these numbers at a distance of
several meters.

2. INTRODUCTION OF RFID
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is the use of wireless non-contact system that uses radio
frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data from a tag attached to an object, for the
purposes of automatic identification and tracking. Radio Frequency identification (RFID) is
generic term that is used to describe that transmits the identity of an object or person wirelessly,
using radio waves. It’s grouped under the broad category of automatic identification
technologies. RFID tags are used in many industries. An RFID attached to an automobile during
production can be used to track its process through assembly line, RFID identity cards can give
employees access to locked areas of a building, and RF transponders mounted in automobiles
can be used to bill motorists for access to toll roads or parking. RFID is a technology that
incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency portion of
the electromagnetic spectrum uniquely identify an object, animal or person it is an automatic
identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data whenever required using
devices called RFID tags and transponder. It is also called dedicated short range communication
(DSRC).

3. COMPONENTS OF RFID
RFID stands for radio frequency identification device. This technology allows transmission of
data without contact and line of sight from a data medium, what is called a transponder, to a
reader and vice versa. The term transponder is formed from the two words transmitter and
responder. A basic RFID system consists of three components:
i) An antenna or coil
ii) A transceiver with decoder
iii) A transponder (RF tag) electronically programmed with unique information.
Basic components of RFID contain:
 Tags (chip+ antenna)
An RFID tag is an object that can be stuck on or incorporated into a product, animal or a person for
the purpose of identification using radio waves
 Interrogators (antenna reader)
Interrogators are useful to read the tags & in certain cases even write on them.

Tags can be almost attached to anything:

Pallets or cases of products, Vehicles, Company assets or personnel, Items such as
apparel,luggage,laundry, People livestock or pets, High value electronics such as computers, TV’s.
Chip Tags consists of a microchip and a coupling element-an antenna. Most Tags are only activated
only when they are within interrogation zone of the interrogator; outside they “sleep". Chip tags
contain memory. The size of the tag depends on the size of the antenna, which increases with range
of tag and decreases with frequency.

4. TYPES OF RFID TAGS

There are two basic types of RFID tags:

 Active tags

Active RFID Tags are powered by an internal battery and are typical read/write i.e. Tag data can be
rewritten and/or modified. Transmits signal from the microchip circuit through the power obtained
from an internal battery. Can signal at defined time, multiple tags can be recorded at once. High
signal range and Larger in size.

 Passive tags

Passive RFID Tags operates without a separate external power source and obtain operating power
generated from the reader. Passive tags are consequently much lighter than active tags, less
expensive and offer a virtually unlimited lifetime. Contains no power source, Obtains power from the
reader. Low signal range, Cheaper and smaller than active tags.

5. WORKING OPERATION
A radio frequency identification uses tags, or labels attached to the objects to be identified. Two way
radio transmitter- receivers called interrogators or readers send a signal to the tag and read its
response. The reader generally transmit their observation to a computer system running RFID or
RFID middleware. The tags information is stored electronically in a nonvolatile memory. The RFID
tag include a small RF transmitter and receiver. An RFID reader transmits an encoded radio signal
to interrogate the tag. The tag receive the message and respond with its identification information.
RFID contain at least two parts :an integrated circuit for storing and processing information,
Modulating and demodulating a radio frequency(RF) signal, collecting DC power from the incident
reader signal, and other specialized functions; and an antenna for receiving and transmitting the
signal.
6. ADVANTAGES OF RFID
The read only Tag code data is 100% secure and cannot be changed or duplicated. Very robust
Tags that can stand extreme conditions and temperatures. Tags are available in a great range of
types, sizes and materials No need for physical contact between the data carrier and communication
devices. The Tags can be used repeatedly, relatively low maintenance cost. No line of sight
necessary to read/write data. This makes it possible to use Tags in harsh environments and in
closed containers/structures. When using Bar-code scanners have to have line of sight to read them.
Bar code only provides a manufacturer and product type. They don’t identify unique items but it can
identify the item (not just its manufacturer and category). Extremely low error rate, No line of sight
required long read range, Portable database multiple tags read/write, Tracking people, items, and
equipment in real time.

7. DISADVANTAGES OF RFID
RFID systems are often more expensive than Barcode systems. RFID technology is harder to
understand, Can be less reliable. RFID Tags are usually longer than Barcode labels. Tags are
application specific. No one tags fit all. Possibility of unauthorized reading of passports and credit
cards. More than one Tag can respond at the same time.

8. APPLICATIONS

 PRODUCT TRACKING
High frequency RFID and HFID/High FID tags are used library book or bookstore Tracking,
jewelry tracking, pallet tracking, building access control, airline baggage tracking, and
apparel and pharmaceutical item tracking.

 ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION
Implantable RFID tags or transponders can be used for animal identification. The
transponder are more well known as passive RFID technology or simply “chips “On animal.

 LIABRARIES
This technology has slowly begun to replace the traditional bar codes on libraries
items( books,cds,dvds).The RFID tag contain identifying information, such as books title or
material type, without having to be pointed separate database. The information is read by an
RFID reader, which replace the standard barcode.

 MUSEUMS
RFID are now also implemented in end user application in museum.

 SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITIES

9. RFID TODAY 
The practical applications of RFID today are outstanding. Any inventory could be instantly located in
any warehouse, high risk security institutions are able to keep a constant eye on dangerous
offenders, lost pets can be returned to their owners...the list goes on. RFID technology is
continuously advancing, and the very near future will see science fiction become reality as Radio
Frequency Identification makes its way into everyday functions. When a secure form of RFID is
created for the consumer population and privacy issues are resolved, RFID tags will change the
world. Organizations such as EPC Global are spearheading initiatives to standardize regulations and
usage, and numerous reputable companies are spending billions of dollars and thousands of man-
hours to perfect the technology.

10. FUTURE SCOPE

The world will be very different once Readers and RFID Tags are everywhere. In an RFID enhanced
futures, the benefits would accurate not just to businesses, but also to consumers. Once various
limitations like lack of a Global Standard, security concerns, the cost factors, etc. are overcome and
this technology is fully implemented, it can transform the way we live our lives. It has the potential of
revolutionized the way we travel, the way we open the locks of our homes, the way we purchase
goods, the way we do business and much more.

11. CONCLUSION

The RFID replaces the traditional identification methods like barcode. The RFID framework provides
the freedom for developers/customers to switch different RFID vendors at any point of Time during
the development with minimal effort. RFID technology uses waves to automatically identify individual
items. After sixty years of Development, plus the emergence of the internet, FID is being used in
many fields. RFID used in libraries can save patrons time and increase library work efficiency; can
lesson Staff injures; and can do inventory automatically. The greatest advantage of RFID tracking
system Is its ability to scan books/items on the shelves without tipping them out or removing them.
There some hurdles needed to overcome before RFID technology becomes widespread In the
world. One major problem is the high costs the other is privacy issue. In the long run, the RFID
technology, when perfected, would eventually be a big help to human.

12. REFERENCES

• IEEE Spectrum Magazine

• http://www.wikipedia.org
• http://www.rfidjournal.com
• http://www.howstuffworks.com
• http://www.calsoftlabs.com/whitepapers/rfid-application.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency-identification
• http://www.wireless-technology-advisor.com/disadvantage-of-rfid.html
• http://www.buzzel.com/articals/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-rfid-technology.html