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What is RFID?

RFID stands for Radio frequency identification.

RFID system includes a reader and a tag. The tag identifies itself to the reader by sending a unique identification number through a radio link. For instance, in passive RFID: RFID Chip

  • the reader sends a radio signal to the tag
  • the tag microchip gets operating power from the received radio signal
  • the tag responds to the reader by sending its identification number back
  • the reader receives the signal containing the identification number. Vilant RFID gate

The information is stored on the RFID chip of the RFID tag.

An RFID reader is able to read or write data from/to a RFID tag by using radio signals. In logistics processes RFID gates are often used to read tagged items.


Main benefits of RFID

Harsh environment resistance: unlike barcodes, RFID tags need no visual contact so they can be dirty or embedded while functional. This is especially important in industrial asset tracking.

Read many at a time: unlike barcodes, RFID tags can be read very quickly in large quantities, such as several boxes on a pallet – also when the tags are hidden in the stack. 200 tags can be read in the matter of seconds. This is especially important in supply chain processes, because:

  • Tracking points can be established in places where it was not feasible before without raising personnel cost
  • In current tracking points work times can be reduced up to 80%

Longer read distance of automatic read points: unlike barcodes, RFID tags can be read automatically from moving objects up to 5 meters distance. This enables even tracking vehicles that are passing through dock doors equipped with RFID gates.

RFID Tags Passive RFID tag

There are different types of RFID tags: passive, semi-passive and active.

Passive RFID tags
Passive RFID tags contain no battery, and are often in the form of a shipping label. The read distance of passive tags is typically less than 10 meters. The read range of the passive tag is typically limited by the radio power from the reader required to power the tag integrated circuit.  If the circuit wakes up, the sensitivity of the RFID reader is typically sufficient to detect the response from the tag. The price of label type passive tags is typically around 0.1-0.2 EUR.

A passive UHF RFID label format tag.

RFID Label

A harsh condition resistant passive UHF RFID tag.

Harsh condition resistant passive tag

Semi-passive RFID tags (Battery Assisted Passive tags, BAP)
The integrated circuit of a semi-passive (BAP) tag gets its power from the battery. Therefore they do not use the usual 90% of incoming radio power for operation, but only about 15% of it. The reflected signal is therefore stronger than for a passive tag. BAP tags still communicate passively with the reader (by modulating the backscatter of the reader radio signal). Typically the read range is more than 20m. BAP tags are considerably cheaper than active tags: price range is around 1-5 EUR.

Active RFID tags
Active RFID tags contain transmitter and battery and are bigger and more expensive than passive one-way tags. The read range of active tags is more than 30 meters, although they are limited in battery lifetime. Active tag prices range typically around 20EUR

RFID Standards

We only use open standard RFID hardware to protect the investments of our customers. You are not relying on a single source.

GS1 and EPC Global

  • GS1 is the global organization built on the union of EAN and UCC. GS1 has done a fine job in standardizing codes like the SSCC (serial shipping container code) and EAN code (european article number, now known as GTIN, gobal trade item number) to form a common language between trade partners.
  • EPC,  the electronic product code is the GS1 standard for RFID based standardized information exchange. It is built of the same blocks as its barcode peers SSCC, GTIN, GRAI, etc. RFID does not mean re-inventing the wheel, it means making it spin faster.
  • EPC also includes radio behavior specifications like the new EPC Gen2 (ISO 18000-6C) protocol. EPC Gen2 is the technology that currently delivers the best investment protection and performance-cost ratio in logistics RFID.

ISO

  • The International standardization organization has set standards on RFID tags and radio behavior like ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 (HF 13,56MHz applications) and ISO 18000 (UHF 868 MHz applications).
  • Currently the standards are merging as EPC Gen2 specifications are made part of ISO 18000.

ETSI and FCC

  • RFID is radio activity, so it has to conform to European (ETSI), American (FCC) or country specific frequency regulations, just like any other radio device, eg. a cellular phone or television broadcasting station. The radio allocation authorities like ETSI and FCC have their own, mostly channel, frequency and power related regulations.

Does it sound complicated? Well it is. That’s why you should pick someone who actually understands all of this to run your project. Send your questions concerning RFID to us through contact form or press the online customer support button on the upper right corner of the page to receive immediate answer to your question.

See the industry & standardization organizations from our Partners page.

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