Clear and concise, taking you into the magical world of Radio Frequency Identification technology

Radio Frequency Identification technology, or RFID, is an automatic identification technology that uses radio waves for non-contact, two-way data communication. When the reader emits a radio frequency signal in a specific frequency band, the electronic tag (Tag) attached to the object will receive energy and return the stored information, thereby completing the identification and data exchange of the target. RFID technology is considered to be one of the most promising information technologies in the 21st century and is widely used in animal chips, car anti-theft, access control, parking management, production line automation, material tracking and other scenarios.

Development process

Working principle

Passive tag

When the passive tag (passive RFID tag) enters the electromagnetic field range emitted by the reader, it obtains energy through the induction current, and then sends the information stored in the chip back to the reader.

Active tag

The active tag (active RFID tag) has a battery inside, which can actively send signals to the reader. Once communication is established with the reader, it transmits its own identification information to the reader and is processed by the central system.

Semi-active tags

Semi-active tags are usually dormant, and the internal battery only powers the memory part. When entering the reader’s trigger range, they are first activated by low-frequency signals, and then high-frequency signals are used to complete data exchange. This design takes into account low power consumption and long communication distance.

Regardless of the type of tag, a complete RFID system consists of three parts: reader, electronic tag, and background data management system. The reader transmits radio frequency signals and receives information returned by the tag. The background system processes and stores the collected data to form a closed-loop data flow.

Components

Reader

• Function: Transmit radio frequency energy, drive passive tags or receive active tag signals, and pass the decoded data to the application.

• Main modules:

  1. Transceiver antenna: Transmit/receive radio frequency signals.

  2. Frequency generator: Generate system operating frequency.

  3. Phase-locked loop: Steadily output the required carrier.

  4. Modulation/demodulation circuit: Load/decode the signal back to the original data.

  5. Microprocessor: Control the entire read/write process and communicate with the background system.

  6. Memory & Peripheral Interface: Store firmware and achieve network connection.

Electronic Tag (Tag)

• Function: Store unique identification code and related information, and respond according to reader signal.

• Main modules:

  1. Transceiver antenna: Receive reader signal and transmit information back.

  2. AC/DC circuit (for passive/semi-active tags): Convert RF signal into electrical energy.

  3. Demodulation circuit: Separate the received RF carrier into data signal.

  4. Logic control circuit: Decode the signal and execute read/write commands.

  5. Memory: Store identification code and user data.

  6. Modulation circuit: Load tag data into antenna signal and transmit it back to reader.

Backend data management system

• Function: Centrally manage, store and analyze all collected RFID data, and provide visualization and business logic support.

Classification

Features

• Non-contact identification
  RFID tags do not need to be in direct contact with the reader and can penetrate obstacles such as dust, thin plastic, and paper to complete communication.

• Efficient
  A single RFID read/write usually takes less than 100 milliseconds, and high-frequency readers can recognize multiple tags at the same time, greatly improving efficiency.

• Uniqueness
  Each RFID tag has a unique ID, which can accurately track the subsequent circulation of each item.

• Simple
  The tag has a simple structure and is easy to use. With the popularity of NFC (near field communication), smartphones can be used directly as simple readers, improving application flexibility.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• High degree of automation: Reduce manual intervention, collect and update data in real time, and greatly improve work efficiency.

• Large capacity: RFID tags can store several megabytes of data and support extensive information expansion.

• Long repeated service life: Passive tags do not require batteries, have a simple structure, and high reliability; active tags have a battery life of up to several years.

• Better security: Supports encryption and password protection, making it difficult to forge.

• Simultaneous identification of multiple targets: High-frequency RFID can read multiple tags at once, enabling rapid inventory and tracking.

Disadvantages

• High cost: Compared with traditional barcodes, RFID tags cost dozens of times more, and large investments are required for large-scale applications.

• Technology is not yet perfect: UHF tag performance can be affected in metal and liquid environments, requiring additional design and shielding.

• Security risks: Without encryption protection, tag information may be illegally read or tampered with.

• Inconsistent standards: Protocols between different manufacturers and frequency bands vary greatly, affecting cross-system interoperability and promotion.

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