RFID

1.) Introduction: RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and is a term that
describes a system of identification. RFID is based on storing and remotely retrieving
information or data as it consists of RFID tag, RFID reader and back-end Database. RFID
tags store unique identification information of objects and communicate the tags so as to
allow remote retrieval of their ID.RFID technology depends on the communication
between the RFID tags and RFID readers. The range of the reader is dependent upon its
operational frequency. Basically, the application, which manipulates tag deduction
information for the end user, communicates with the RFID reader to get the tag
information through antennas. RFID is continuing to become popular because it
increases efficiency and provides better service to stakeholders. RFID technology
has been realized as a performance differentiator for a variety of commercial
applications, but its capability is yet to be fully utilized.

2.) RFID Evolution: RFID technology has passed through many phases over the last
few decades. The technology has been used in tracking delivery of goods, in
courier services and in baggage handling. Other applications includes automatic toll
payments, departmental access control in large buildings, personal and vehicle control
in a particular area, security of items which shouldn’t leave the area, equipment
tracking in engineering firms, hospital filing systems, etc.

3.) How RFID System Works: Most RFID systems consist of tags that are attached
to the objects to be identified. Each tag has its own “read-only” or “rewrite” internal
memory depending on the type and application. Typical configuration of this memory
is to store product information, such as an object’s unique ID manufactured date,
etc. The RFID reader generates magnetic fields that enable the RFID system to locate
objects (via the tags) that are within its range. The high-frequency electromagnetic
energy and query signal generated by the reader triggers the tags to reply to the query; the
query frequency could be up to 50 times per second. As a result communication
between the main components of the system i.e. tags and reader is established and
thereby large quantity of data are generated.

4.) Components of an RFID System: The RFID System consists of following five
components.
• Tag (attached with an object, unique identification).
• Antenna (tag detector, creates magnetic field).
• Reader (receiver of tag information, manipulator).
• Communication infrastructure (enable reader / RFID to work through IT
infrastructure).
• Application software (user database / application /interface).
a.) Tag: Tags contain microchips that store the unique identification (ID) of
each object. The ID is a serial number stored in the RFID memory. The chip is made
up of intergrated circuit and embedded in a silicon chip. RFID tags can be different
sizes and shapes depending on the application and the environment at which it
will be used. A variety of materials are intergrated on these tags. For example, in
the case of the credit cards, small plastic peaces are stuck on various objects, and
the labels. Labels are also emmbeded in a variety of objects such as
documents, cloths, maufacturing mateirals etc.
b.) Antennas: RFID antennas collect data and are used as a medium for tag reading. It
consists of the following: Patch antennas, (2) Gate antennas, (3) Linear
polarized, (4) Circular polarized, (5) Di-pole or multi-pole antennas, (6) Stick
antennas, (7) Beam-forming or phased-array element antennas, (8) Adaptive
antennas, and (9) Omni directional antennas.

c.) RFID Reader: RFID reader works as a central place for the RFID system. It
reads tags data through the RFID antennas at a certain frequency. Basically, the reader
is an electronic apparatus which produce and accept a radio signals. The antennas
contains an attached reader, the reader translates the tags radio signals through
antenna, depending on the tags capacity.

5.) Advantages and Disadvantages of RFID System:

Advantage Disadvantage
High Speed Interference
Multipurpose and many format High cost
Reduce man-power Some materials may create signal
problem
High accuracy Overloaded reading (fail to read)
Complex duplication
Multiple reading (tags)
 Barcode

1.) Bar Code Technology:

• It is an automatic identification technology.

• Barcode is a predefined format of dark bars and white spaces.
• It contains specific information.
• It allows real-time data to be collected accurately and rapidly.
• Combination of barcode technology with computer and application software
improves performance and productivity.

2.) Bar Code Terminology:

• Bar: The darker, non-reflective element of a barcode.

• Bi – Directional Symbol: A barcode symbol format, which permits reading in either
direction across the bars and spaces.
• Check Digit: A calculated character included within the barcode for error detection.
• Fixed Beam Scanner: A stationary barcode scanner. The symbol must be moved
through the light beam to read.
• Space: The lighter, reflective element of a barcode
• Start Character: A special pattern of bars and spaces used to identify the beginning
of barcode symbol.
• Stop Character: A special pattern of bars and spaces used to identify the end of
barcode symbol.

3.) Types of Barcode: Mainly the barcodes are of three types.

• Alpha – Numeric Barcodes.

• Numeric only Barcodes.
• 2 – Dimensional Barcodes.

a.) Alpha – Numeric Barcodes:

• Code 128: Very capable code, excellent density, high reliability, in use world – wide.
• Code 39: General – purpose code in use world – wide.

b.) Numeric only Barcodes:

• UPC – A: Universal product code seen on almost all retail products.
• EAN – 13: European Article Numbering – international retail product code. This code
is composed of 2 numbers for country code, 10 numbers for data characters and one
for checksum.
• Coda bar: Older code often used in Library systems, sometimes in blood blanks.
c.) 2 – Dimensional Barcodes:
• PDF417: Excellent in encoding large amounts of data.
• Datamatrix: Can hold large amount of data, especially suited for making very small
codes.
• Maxicode: Fixed length, used by United Parcel Service for automated package
sorting.

4.) Bar Code Scanners:

• A device used to extract information optically from a barcode.
• Barcode symbol consists a series of vertical dark bars separated by spaces.
• When illuminated reflected light is detected by electro optical sensor.
• The intensity of reflected light from the dark bars is less than that of spaces.
• Reflected light is converted into electrical voltage signals.
• Analog voltages are digitized into raw data.
• The decoder converts this data into the character data representation of the symbol’s
code.

5.) Types of Scanners: There are three basic types of barcode scanners.

• Contact Wands
• Active Non-Contact Readers
• Passive Non-Contact Readers

a.) Contact Wand Readers:

• Most touch or come in close proximity of symbol.
• Normally hand-held / stationary units.
• Common type is pen / wand reader.

Scanning Wand with pen

b.) Non-Contact Readers:

• Reader need not come in contact with symbol.

• Scan distance may be from 6 inch’s to several feet depending upon symbol size and
scanner design.
• Hand-held fixed beam readers.

6.) Benefits of Bar coding:

• Represent unique identification of a product,

• Accuracy of data input (error free).
• Aid effective management of resources and inventories.
• Labour savings by avoiding manual system.
• Cost efficient.
• Real time data collection.
• Rapid access to total production costs.
• More accurate dispatch.