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What is RFID? What Does RFID Stand For?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency IDentification.

 

The new RAIN RFID standard is also an acronym (RAdio frequency IdentificatioN) designed to help consumers better link the possibilities and capabilities of RFID with Cloud Computing based applications, which is usually where the data resides.

 

How does RFID work?

At the highest level, how RFID works is by powering an RFID Tag, usually by the RFID readers signal once it comes into close enough proximity, so that the tag is able to send it's unique identification number to the reader. This unique identification number can then be cross checked in a sub-system to see what asset or person is being identified.

RFID Diagram

The more technical answer is that RFID transmits data through electromagnetism. Small, electrically-charged particles interact with each other, creating an electromagnetic field. This field is made up of different waves of photons; the collection of waves from lowest to highest frequency is what we call the electromagnetic spectrum.

Every day, you use several devices that rely on communicating through the generation of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, radio stations use transmitters to generate waves sending music to the receiver in your car radio. RFID uses this same principal to send information between the tag and the reader.

 

What uses are there for RFID?

The two broad uses for RFID are 1- Access Control, and 2- Asset Tracking. Chances are you already use RFID and didn't know it.

  • Contactless payment and transit/toll systems use RFID to identify who you are and process your transaction or allow you through the toll gate.
  • Passive RFID tags in retail products assist in loss prevention and enable emerging business methods, like consumer self-checkout.
  • Hospitals use RFID to improve efficiency, provide better patient care and reduce the risk of spreading an infection.
  • Manufactures embed RFID tags into their products to track each stage of production and ensure quality

This is just a few real world examples, the application of RFID is near limitless.

RFID Frequencies

13.56MHz RFID

860-960MHz EPC RFID

433MHz RFID

 

 

What is the maximum transmit power?

This is country specific and in some cases further regulated by the region or city. This list is by no means the full list of all of the different frequency regulations. To ensure your compliance with local regulations make sure that you review the current standards prior to purchasing your readers.

Frequency

Maximum Transmit Power

125 kHz & 134.2 kHz 72 dBμA/m
13.56 MHz 60 dBμA/m
433 MHz 0.1 Watts
860 - 960 MHz Download the GS1 Regulations Outline
2.4 - 2.483 GHz 4 W indoor
0.5 W EIRP outdoor
5.725 - 5.875 GHz 4 W USA/Canada
0.5 W Europe

 

How Do I Learn More?

We offer a FREE RFID basics course which is broken down into 6 lessons that can be completed in about 30 minutes. You get one lesson per day delivered to your email for a week, which will give you the essential knowledge you need to ensure your new RFID system meets your expectations. Sign up below.

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