By, Maclin Tudu 08713502809 ECE, 7th Sem

What is RFID?
Radio frequency identification is use of a wireless non-

contact system that uses radio frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data from a tag attached to an object. can be read from several meters away.

The RFID tag contains electronically stored information that Unlike bar code, the tag need not be within line of sight of the

reader and can be embedded in the tracked object. (DRSC).

RFID is also called dedicated short range communication

History of RFID
Invented in 1948 by Harry Stockman.
Initial application was during World War II. The United

Kingdom used RFID devices to identify aircrafts. RADAR was only able to signal the presence of a plane, not the kind of plane it was
Came into commercial use in 1990s.

Components of RFID
RFID tags contain at least two parts:
An Integrated circuit for storing and processing

information, modulating and demodulating RF signal and other specialized functions.

An Antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal.

Components of RFID (contd)

RFID chip next to a grain of rice. This small type is incorporated in consumer products, and even implanted in pets, for identification.

Types of RFID tags

An active tag has an on board battery that periodically

transmits its ID signal. A battery assisted passive (BAP) tag has a small battery on board and it is activated in presence of an RFID reader. A passive tag is cheaper and smaller because it has no battery, instead it uses the radio energy transmitted by the reader as its energy source. Tags may be either read only, having factory assigned serial number or may be read/write where data can be written into the tag by system user.

Active and Passive tags

Active tags Tag Power Source Internal to tag. Passive tags Energy transferred using RF field from tag reader. No Only in presence of tag reader. 3-5 m , usually less Only a few 100 tags can be read. 128 bytes Very high

Tag battery Availability of power Range Multi-tag reading Data Storage capacity Required signal strength

Yes Continuous Up to 100 m 1000s of tags can be read. 128 Kb Very low

Electronic Product Code (EPC)

EPC is a unique code that facilitates the identification

process.
Header (8) Organization(28) Object class(24) Unique S.No. (36)

Header identifies the version of the protocol. Organization identifies the organization that manages the

data for this tag. Object class identifies the kind of product. Each tag has a unique serial number. The last two fields are set by the organization that issues the tag.

How does RFID System work?

Objects that are to be identified have tags attached to

them. Two-way radio transmitter-receivers called interrogators or readers send a signal to the tag to read its response. The tag receives the message and responds with its identification information( Tag serial number, batch number, product ion date or other such information. Interrogator must be close for RF field to be strong enough to transfer sufficient power to the tag. Readers then transmit their information to a computer system running RFID software.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

RFID Frequency Range

Band 120-150 kHz(LF) 13.6 MHz(HF) 433 MHz(UHF) 868-870MHz (Europe) 902-928 MHz (North America) UHF 2450-5800 MHz (microwave) 3.1-10 GHz (microwave) Regulations Unregulated ISM band worldwide Short range devices ISM band Range 10 cm 1m 1-100 m 1-2 m Data Speed Low Low to Moderate Moderate Moderate to High Remarks Tracking animals Smart cards Defense applications EAN

ISM band Ultra wide band

1-2 m 200 m

High High

802.11 WLAN, Bluetooth standard Semi active or active tags required

RFID Vs Bar Code

RFID Bar Code

Scanner is not required.

Can read multiple tags (hundreds) at a time. It is comparatively faster. Relatively expensive as compared to bar codes. Can be reused.

Scanner needs to see the bar code to read it.

Can only be read one at a time. It is time consuming is large number of objects are to be scanned . Less costlier as compared to RFID devices. Cannot be reused.

Tag can be read even if it is covered by Bar code should be visible to the the object or not visible. Tag can be read scanner to be read. inside a case ,box or any other container.

Uses of RFID
In commercial aviation RFID tags are used to identify

baggage and cargo at several airports and airlines. For toll collection and contactless payment. Tracking of persons and animals. Libraries : RFID have replaced bar codes on library items. A stack of books can be scanned simultaneously. There is no need to open the book cover. Tags can be read while books are in motion on a conveyer belt, which reduces staff itme.

Uses of RFID (contd)

RFID can provide race start and end timings for

individuals in large races where it is impossible to get accurate stopwatch readings for every entrant Security applications Contactless smart cards. Hospitals and nursing homes for patient tagging. Large retail companies for product tracking.

Uses
A sheep with an ear tag RFID tag used for toll collection

Uses
Square book tag, round CD/DVD tag
Athlete wears a chip on a strap around his ankle.

Issues
Issue of Privacy : RFID tags can be read from up to 100

meters, there is some concern over whether sensitive information could be collected from an unwilling source. Tag be read at a distance without the knowledge of the individual.