How Does an RFID Tag Work?
When an RFID tag encounters radio waves at the right frequency, it activates the chip inside. This creates an electric current that is used to transmit data.
RFID tags can help retailers control inventory and automate goods reception. They can also be used for tracking assets, providing real-time information like vehicle or supply container tracking.
Security
Like most electronic devices, RFID tags are susceptible to hacking attempts to steal private information, gain entrance to secure areas or even take a system down. However, as the technology continues to evolve and expand, security features are becoming more sophisticated.
The most basic way to protect RFID systems is by employing encryption methods within the chip itself. This will ensure that any conversations between the tag and reader are indecipherable to outsiders. This also reduces the computational burden on the tag, making it cheaper and more reliable.
Eavesdropping is another common method of attack that works by using a receiver to capture RFID communications between the tag and reader in open space, much as it would be if you were to place your radio headset near a conversation in public. These signals are then replayed at a later time to obtain the data that was communicated between the tag and reader.
This type of attack is most commonly seen in access control applications, allowing an attacker to submit various combinations of RFID identifiers to the system in the hopes that one will grant them entry. These attacks are typically prevented by a lock password, which is a 32-bit code that must be transmitted before the RFID chip will transmit its data. This will make a tag unresponsive to skimmers and legitimate readers alike.
Readability
The readability of an RFID Tag is incredibly important to ensure that it can be reliably picked up by the reader. RFID tags contain an integrated circuit (IC) that contains information such as a unique ID and error detection code such as cyclic redundancy code. This information is stored on the IC and is sent out to the antenna when a radio signal from the reader is detected.
The IC on a passive RFID tag is powered by the radio waves received from the RFID reader, and RFID Tag it can also be used to store battery power. Passive tags can be made from paper, synthetic materials or plastics and are available in adhesive varieties that allow them to be applied to a variety of surfaces, including metal objects.
An RFID tag’s antenna is designed to operate at a specific frequency and can be shaped as a spiral coil, single or dual dipoles or a folded dipole. The geometry of the antenna will affect the tag’s performance. Some RFID tags are optimized for the material on which they will be mounted, and the IC may be tuned to take advantage of benefits or compensate for limitations of the tagged materials.
Many RFID tag manufacturers will test their products under highly favorable and repeatable laboratory conditions. These conditions typically involve a low humidity, room temperature environment with a high-powered reader. As a result, it is often the case that in real-world applications a tag’s maximum read range on its spec sheet will be less than expected. This is particularly true when a tag is used with handheld readers with lower power and smaller antennas.
Data Storage
An RFID tag contains an ID which can be linked with software and databases to form a close relationship between physical objects and computer systems. This is an essential feature for many businesses that need to automate or streamline their operation.
It also makes it possible to instantly check in a truckload of products when it arrives at the warehouse without having mifare desfire ev1 to scan each item individually. This can make inventory management more seamless, preventing stock outs and saving staff time.
RFID readers can also read a lot of tags simultaneously. This can reduce the number of items that have to be scanned when performing a stock take or carrying out a warehouse audit. This can also make the process of reordering faster and easier, reducing costs.
Passive tags are very thin (allowing them to be hidden between layers of paper) and cheap (less than $0.05 in 10,000+pcs volumes). They remain dormant until they receive a radio signal from the reader which activates them and transmits their data. Active tags, on the other hand, have a battery that allows them to communicate for longer periods of time.
Both technologies have their own advantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your business. CoreRFID can advise on the correct RFID system and carry out trials so you know you’re getting the best solution for your needs.
Tracking
Tracking is one of the most popular features that people look for in RFID tag solutions. It enables businesses to collect and manage data that can be used for optimising asset usage, reducing labour time and improving inventory management. It can be applied to a variety of assets, including stock, tools, IT devices, vehicles and employees.
RFID tracking allows people to immediately get the information that they need on a product-level, instead of having to scan each individual item. This is useful for preventing theft and streamlining the checkout process in stores, as well as creating an accurate and efficient inventory record.
Passive RFID tags do not require direct line-of-sight to be read, and they can have a read range of hundreds of meters. They can also be a great option for people who need live, up-to-the-minute tracking like in vehicle tracking or tolling applications.
Combined with sales and video surveillance, RFID tracking is ideal for curbing shoplifting in stores. It can be used to record when an item is taken, what time and who it was taken by, allowing retailers to identify trends and take action. Similarly, combining RFID data with an employee’s ID badge can allow companies to see who has access to specific areas. This could be particularly useful in a medical facility where equipment is regularly moved between rooms or locations.