What is RFID? System Structure and Operating Principle Of RFID

RFID technology has been and is gradually being used in Vietnam in most fields. However, in reality, many users still do not clearly understand what is RFID? What does an RFID system consist of? How do they work?… The following article will help you grasp the basic knowledge about RFID solutions as well as their applications in life, follow it now and don’t miss it!

What is RFID?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It’s a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system comprises a tiny transponder, a receiver, and a radio transmitter. When activated by an electromagnetic pulse from a nearby RFID reader to query data, the RFID tag responds with digital data, typically a unique identifier, back to the reader. This returned value can be used to track and manage goods, assets, control access, and much more.

Components of an RFID System

An RFID system consists of four main components:

• RFID Tags: These are tags with a chip and antenna. There are two main types:

  • Passive tags: Powered by radio waves emitted from the RFID reader, these tags have a shorter read range (from a few centimeters to a few meters).
  • Active tags: These have their own power source (a battery) and can be read from much greater distances (up to hundreds of meters).
  • You can learn more about the different types of RFID tags in our article: “Common Types of RFID Cards and Their Applications“.

• RFID Reader: This device reads information from the tags. Readers can be fixed or mobile depending on the application and need.

• Antenna: This is the link between the tag and the reader. The RFID reader emits radio waves to activate the tag and communicate with it.

• Computer Software: This system collects and processes data from the RFID reader, enabling monitoring, statistics, and control within the RFID system.

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How RFID Systems Work

An RFID system uses tags attached to objects for identification. A two-way radio transceiver, known as an interrogator (or RFID reader), sends a signal to the RFID tag and reads the data it returns.

In simpler terms, the RFID reader emits electromagnetic waves at a specific frequency. RFID tags within the reader’s range absorb energy from these waves and transmit their unique identification code back to the reader. This allows the RFID reader to identify any tags within its operational zone.

RFID technology is now widely used across various sectors, including library management, warehouse management, and supply chain management.

For instance, in 2015, major universities in Vietnam, such as Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam National University Hanoi, Foreign Trade University, and University of Transport and Communications, implemented RFID technology to automate their library management systems.

Key Features of RFID Solutions

Here are three key features of RFID systems that set them apart:

• No Line of Sight Required: Unlike barcodes, RFID doesn’t rely on light. It uses radio waves to communicate, so there’s no need for a direct line of sight between the tag and reader.

• Contactless Data Transfer: RFID tags can transmit information wirelessly over short distances without any physical contact.

• Readability in Challenging Environments: RFID can read tags through various materials, including concrete, snow, fog, ice, paint, and wood. This is a significant advantage over barcodes, which require a clear line of sight and struggle in harsh environments.

RFID Frequency Ranges

RFID systems operate across various frequency ranges, each with its own characteristics and applications. Here are the four main types:

• Low Frequency (LF): Ranging from 30 kHz to 500 kHz, with a typical frequency of 125 kHz. LF RFID has a short read range, from a few centimeters up to 200 cm. [This could link to your 125 kHz RFID reader product page]

• High Frequency (HF): Ranging from 3 MHz to 30 MHz, with a typical frequency of 13.56 MHz. HF RFID offers a moderate read range, from a few centimeters to a few meters. [This could link to your 13.56 MHz RFID reader product page]

• Ultra-High Frequency (UHF): Ranging from 300 MHz to 960 MHz, with a typical frequency of 433 MHz. UHF RFID provides a longer read range, typically exceeding 750 cm.

• Microwave Frequency: Offers the longest read range, reaching over 900 cm at a frequency of 2.45 GHz.

Differentiating RFID from Other Data Transfer Technologies

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between RFID and other common data transfer technologies like barcodes and NFC:

RFID vs. Barcodes

While both RFID and barcodes are used for asset management and inventory tracking, they have some key differences:

• Line of Sight: RFID doesn’t require a direct line of sight to read a tag, unlike barcodes, which need to be scanned individually.
• Data Capacity: RFID tags can hold more data than barcodes.
• Durability: RFID tags are more durable and can withstand harsh environments.
• Read Range: RFID has a longer read range than barcodes.
• Simultaneous Scanning: RFID can read multiple tags simultaneously, while barcodes need to be scanned one at a time.

For a more in-depth comparison, check out our article: “RFID vs. Barcodes: Which Technology is Right for You?” [This would ideally link to the article on your website]

RFID vs. NFC

NFC (Near-Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology that uses magnetic field induction to connect devices. It combines the functionality of a smart card and reader into a single device.

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between RFID and NFC:

Feature	RFID	NFC
Operating Range	Long range, up to tens of meters	Short range, typically under 10 cm
Data Transfer Speed	Faster, ranging from a few kbps to Mbps	Slower, typically from 106 kbps to 424 kbps
Operating Modes	Three modes: – Read/Write: RFID devices can both send and receive data to/from tags. – Read-only: RFID devices can only read data from tags. – Write-only: RFID devices can only write data to tags.	Two modes: – Read/Write: NFC devices can both send and receive data to/from other NFC devices. – Read-only: NFC devices can only read data from NFC tags.
Applications	– Logistics and supply chain management – Efficient library management and operation – Goods tracking and management – Access control – Pet management and tracking <br> – …	– Contactless payments – Data transfer (images, videos, audio files) between mobile devices – Quick and easy Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairing – Information retrieval from NFC tags on products or locations

Real-World Applications of RFID Technology

RFID tags are widely used in various industries. Here are some common examples:

• Automotive Manufacturing: RFID tags attached to cars during assembly help track their progress throughout the production line.

• Pharmaceutical Industry: RFID tags on pharmaceuticals enable efficient tracking and management within warehouses, helping to prevent counterfeiting and ensure quality control.

• Animal Tracking: RFID chips implanted in livestock and pets help with animal identification and tracking.

• Retail and Loss Prevention: RFID tags are used in retail stores for payment processing and to deter theft by triggering alarms if tagged items leave the store without being purchased.

For a more detailed exploration of RFID applications, check out our article: “RFID Technology and Its Applications in Daily Life“

Beyond the applications mentioned, RFID tags can be attached to various physical objects, such as assets, clothing, banknotes, and even implanted in humans and animals. However, the potential for unauthorized reading of information related to the tagged object’s owner has raised privacy concerns. These concerns have significantly influenced the development of security standards for RFID technology.

RFID Security Standards

• ISO/IEC 18000 and ISO/IEC 29167: These standards utilize on-chip cryptography to prevent unauthorized tracking, authenticate tags and readers, and ensure over-the-air privacy.

• ISO/IEC 20248: This standard specifies a digital signature with a data structure for data provision, source authentication, and reading methods for both RFID and barcodes.

These standardization efforts are led by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 (Automatic identification and data capture techniques), a subcommittee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Joint Technical Committee (JTC).

This article has provided a comprehensive overview of RFID technology, its applications, and its significance in various sectors. IT Nam Viet is a leading provider of comprehensive RFID solutions in Vietnam. With over 10 years of experience and strong partnerships with global RFID equipment brands, we have earned the trust of thousands of clients both domestically and internationally.

If you need any guidance or have questions about RFID solutions, please don’t hesitate to contact IT Nam Viet at our hotline: (+84) 962.888.179. We are available 24/7 to provide dedicated, attentive, and responsible service to all our customers.