RFID Full Form

Shuchi BagchiUpdated On: August 16, 2023 02:51 pm IST

RFID full form is Radio Frequency Identification. It is a technique that is used to find RFID-enabled tags and collect encoded data stored in the tags. The technique uses radio waves that help in recognition and following tags attached to objects. RFID is similar to barcodes found on various packed products.

What is the Full Form of RFID?

As mentioned above the full form of RFID is Radio Frequency Identification. The term refers to a technique or method which is used to identify the RFID tags. The method utilizes radio frequency to find smart labels or RFID tags as radio waves or frequency interpret and finds tags. The data transmission only happens between the reader and movable object which can be easily detected and monitored. After data stored in the RFID tags gets analyzed the tags are similar to barcodes.

Components of RFID System 

The RFID device consists of two major components which are the RFID reader & RFID Tags 

RFID Reader

The RFID system includes one or more antennas to generate radio signals & receive signals back from RFID Tag that is used to make contact with RFID Tag. The reader is also referred to as the interrogator as the RFID tag is examined.

RFID Tags 

The tag works as an integrated circuit that is used for storing and processing data and the antenna located in a tag is used for the transmission of signals received by the tag. The active tag consists of a power supply that provides a reading range of up to 100 feet. But in the case of a passive tag they don't have a source of power to read them reader has to provide power and their reading range is also low than the active range which is about only 30 feet.

Categories of RFID

The RFID is mainly categorized into two parts which are mentioned below:

Near Field RFID

They are based on antenna & frequency These consist of a thin, omnidirectional reader and have a reading range, which ranges from 5 mm to 10 cm.

Far Field RFID

They have a set of resonant, directional antennas and they can only exceed the reading range till 22.1m.

What are Different Types of RFID systems? 

The RFID systems are further divided into different categories or types which are mentioned below: 

  • Low-Frequency RFID

They have a frequency range of 30 KHz to 300 KHz and consist reading range of 10 cm. As the system has low frequency it affects the reading speed as the reader also requires much time. The low-frequency RFID is used for animal identification, microchipping pets, and in the waste management system.

  • High-Frequency RFID

They are also termed HF RFID. They have a frequency range of 3 MHz to 30 MHz and mostly this type of system operates on a frequency of 13.56 MHz. The reading range ranges between 10 cm to 1m and the rate of transfer is fast than low frequency RFIDs. They are known for two-way communication as they have compatibility with NFC which provides access to two-way communication between two devices. The HF RFID systems are used worldwide. These types of RFIDs are used in libraries, while doing contactless payments and for product authentication. 

  • Ultra High-Frequency RFID 

The UHF RFID has a frequency range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz and mostly these type of devices operate at a range of 900 MHz and 915 MHz. The system has a reading range that ranges up to 12m. They also have extremely high transfer rates but at the same time, they are very sensitive to interferences also. They are mostly used for tracking baggage, managing inventory, and recording race timings  

Why RFID is Considered Best?

The use of RFID has been there since World War II and the demand is increasing rapidly because the RFID tags are capable more storing data more than barcodes. They are not like barcodes as they even don't require physical contact or a direct angle to read the data. They are also more secure and protected than barcodes as they are not printed outside of any packaging. 

Places Where RFID is Used

Below mentioned are the places where RFID is used 

  • Tracking of Documents

  • Tracking of asset

  • Tracking of Personnel

  • Managing inventories 

  • Manufacturing

  • Badging IDs

  • Controlling access 

  • Controlling supply chain 

  • Controlling Healthcare

Difference Between QR code & RFID tag 

RFID Tag

QR Code

Data can be read from outside

Data cant be read from outside

Dont need any physical contact 

Requires physical contact

Radio waves are used to read data

QR scanner app or software is required 

Used in industrial products 

Used on packed products 

What are the Different Components of RFID? 

Below mentioned are the different components of RFID

  1. RFID Tag

It is also known as a transporter. The tag is a kind of small wireless device which consists of a microchip and antenna. The tag is used to store information about the item. It also includes unique identification no. and relevant information about the item or product.

  1. RFID Reader

The RFID reader is also known as an interrogator it is a device that emits radio waves through which a reader can read stored data. The reader is connected to a computer or any device to process the data.

  1. Antenna

  It is used to transmit & receive radio frequency between the RFID tag and the reader.

  1. Middleware

It is the software that connects the RFID reader and back-end computer. The main purpose of middleware is that it helps in managing and processing of data received from RFID tags and also provides functions like filtering of data, checking errors,etc.

  1. Back end System

They are the computer that is used to store and process data received from the RFID tags. It can be of both types simple database and complex system which depends completely on the application. 

  1. Power Supply

Most RFID requires an external supply of power to start functioning while other types of RFID use batteries or are provided power by reader with the help of process known as backscatter.  

  1. Accessories

The accessories depend on the application as they consist of mounts, covers or cases, and antennas.

What are the Advantages of RFID?

Mentioned below are the advantages of RFID:

  • They have reduced human-made errors and automated the collection of data.
  • The RIFT readers are capable of reading multiple tags at once which results in increasing productivity of work. 
  • The RIFT Reader can recognize all nearby tags and collects the data. 
  • The RIFT has provided an automated tracking solution as they can be easily paired with active scanners and fixed readers.

What are the Disadvantages of RFID?

Some of the disadvantages of RFID are listed below:

  • They are more costly than a barcode system. 
  • The technology used in RFID is tricky and hard to understand.
  • The tags are larger in size as compared to labels used in barcodes.
  • Sometimes they are less reliable. 
  • Tags are application specific. 

Written By: Deepit Mathur

FAQs

What is the full form of RFID?

The RFID full form is Radio Frequency Identification

Which system is better: barcode or RFID?

They both have different advantages and are used in different ways. It depends on the use where you are using them. For example, if he talks about managing inventory then RFID will be used because they can read long data.

Will RFID be successful in replacing barcodes?

No, barcodes can be replaced as they are more easily available and inexpensive than RFID.

What is the duration or timespan of RFID tags?

The active tags last about 3 to 5 years which completely depends on the battery.

Is the technology or system of RFID new?

No, it's not a new technology its been since 1970, but due to the high in cost they are used less

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