RFID Reader

RFID eliminates manual data collection processes, allowing you to increase productivity and cut labor costs. This automated system also improves accuracy, which can lead to more complete and accurate data, as well as increased speed of reading.

RFID readers have a variety of connector types and polarities, and it is important to match the reader’s connector to the type of cable needed for the application.

Detection

Radio frequency identification works through an electronic device, known as a tag, that contains information and has an antenna. RFID tags can be passive, relying on an electromagnetic field for energy and communication with the reader; or active, using a battery to power transmission and provide more data storage.

An RFID reader sends a signal that induces a current in the tag’s antenna, waking it up. If the tag is passive, the RFID reader interrogates it, providing enough energy for it to transmit its ID and other information. This can include a product serial number, stock or inventory number, and other product-related data.

When multiple RF tags are RFID Reader within the range of a reader, the system can automatically identify them and obtain their individual signal strength readings (RSS) for localization. This is accomplished by comparing the RSS of multiple readers with each other and with the GPS coordinates of a specific location, which can be used to pinpoint a particular tag.

RFID technology is used for item level tagging in retail stores, both as a security measure against theft by customers and employees (“shoplifting”) and to control inventory. RFID tags are also used in oil rigs to identify workers and locate equipment, as well as on animals to monitor their health and to keep track of livestock, and at toll roads to enable drivers to use a prepaid account rather than cash.

Identification

RFID is a system that can identify people or objects by reading data stored in media such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, or fingerprints and the iris of the eye. It is a form of automatic identification and data capture, a technology that enables businesses to automate processes and increase efficiency. It also reduces shrinkage by improving the accuracy of inventory movement and monitoring.

The identifying capabilities of an RFID reader depend on how the system is configured. A passive RFID system has an antenna that emits a radio frequency signal, which activates the tag when within range. Active tags have a built-in battery and transmit a beacon message at intervals to the RFID reader, which is able to detect them based on their radiation field.

RFID chips assign a unique electronic identity to a physical object and can store information such as the serial number and a description. The information on the chip can be encrypted, enabling secure applications, such as for the protection of financial assets.

Passive RFID systems are the most common in retail and logistics, but a variety of industries utilize the technology to improve inventory visibility, reduce out-of-stock items, omnichannel enablement and customer experience. RFID readers can be handheld or fixed, and can include a keypad for entry of a PIN or supplementary information.

Communication

A reader communicates with RFID tags to receive the RF signal from them. An antenna connected to the reader obtains the wireless signal reflected from the RFID tag in the environment and transmits it to a data processing module. The signal strength, phase and other information are then collected for analysis and judgment. An RFID reader can be handheld for use like a barcode scanner, fixed for centralized scanning, or embedded into a product to track inventory as it passes. Handheld and vehicle-mounted readers can be used by workers in retail stores, factories, and warehouses.

The data capacity of RFID is superior to that of current barcode systems, so it can store more information on each item. It also allows for individual product tracing, which can prevent stockouts by preventing product re-entry to the system after it has been scanned. The RFID reader can function despite the presence of dust or dirt, which is common in warehouses.

The FDA is not aware of any adverse events related to the use of RFID devices. However, medical personnel should report any occurrence of electromagnetic interference (EMI) to the manufacturer and/or the FDA through MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. EMI can disrupt electronic medical equipment and cause a range of adverse health effects.

Control

When a tag comes within range of an RFID reader, the antenna on the reader is energized with electromagnetic waves that backscatter off the tag and return desfire ev1 to the reader. This awakens the tag and signals it to start transmitting its data back to the reader. The reader then interprets the information and sends it to a computer for processing.

This is where the real power of RFID lies. It is a technology that allows tags to communicate with a reader without having any battery of their own. This is made possible by using electromagnetic energy to induce an electric current in the conductive material inside the tag.

Once a tag receives the signal from the reader, it can control its own behavior to maintain communication with the reader. It can be a passive tag (no battery), semi-active with a battery in its circuitry, or an active tag that broadcasts the return signal on its own.

In retail, RFID helps reduce cycle count time and improve inventory accuracy by detecting items that are out of stock. It can also help identify high-traffic areas of a store, which is useful for maximizing sales. It is also used to enable click-and-collect services for online orders, which can be picked up by customers in stores, and to allow a single employee to manage multiple customer checkouts at once.