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What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an identification method, relying on storing and retrieving data using devices called tags. An RFID tag is a small object that is attached or incorporated into a product, animal, or person. RFID tags contain silicon chips that enable them to receive and respond to queries from an RFID transceiver.

An RFID system generally consists of several components including tags, tag readers, and application software.

The data transmitted by the tag may provide identification or location information, or specifics about the product tagged, such as price, color, date of purchase, etc. The use of RFID in tracking and access applications first appeared during the 1980s. RFID quickly gained attention because of its ability to track moving objects

RFID tags can be passive, semi-passive (also known as semi-active), or active.

Passive
Passive RFID tags have no internal power supply. Passive tags have practical read distances up to a few feet. Passive RFID tags do not require batteries, and can be much smaller and have an unlimited life span. Because passive tags are cheaper to manufacture and have no battery, the majority of RFID tags in existence are of the passive variety.

Semi-passive
Semi-passive RFID tags are very similar to passive tags except for the addition of a small battery. This battery allows the tag IC to be constantly powered. Semi-passive RFID tags are faster in response.

Active
Unlike passive and semi-passive RFID tags, active RFID tags have their own internal power supply and are typically beacon tags, but can also be used as response tags. Beacon tags are so named because they transmit their tag data and ID at a predetermined fixed interval. Whereas, “response” tags only respond when an active RFID reader requests the tags to transmit.

These tags are being used in many places to keep track of inventory. Wal-Mart is one of the biggest users of RFID’s.

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