About RFID

RFID is an automated data-capture technology that can be used to electronically identify, track and store information about groups of products,  individual items, or product components. The technology consists of three pieces: RFID tags, RFID readers and a data collection, distribution and management system. RFID tags can come in many shapes and sizes and can be located on the inside or on the surface of products, items or packing materials. RFID readers are communication systems that interrogate or send signals to the tags and receive the responses. These responses can be stored within the reader for later transfer to a data collection system or instantaneously transferred.



What is RFID used for?
The RFID system allows companies to efficiently collect, manage, distribute and store information on inventory, business processes and security controls. RFID will allow:
  • retailers to identify potential shortages or delays,
  • eliminate or reduce item spoilage
  • toll systems to identify and collect roadway tolls
  • suppliers to track shipments
  • item identification and trace ability from source to user

in the case of critical materials, RFID will allow receiving authorities to verify the security and authentication of shipped items. These uses are seen as only the beginning, and as RFID is deployed across different sectors and services, increasing efficiency and visibility, several other applications and benefits may arise.


How does RFID work?
In general terms, RFID represents a way of indentifying objects and activities using radio frequency transmissions (radio waves). Identification is possible by means of unique numbers identifying objects and information stored on microchips, which can be read automatically. Many advancements in this technology are occurring to improve the feasibility by which identification and tracking is possible.

Examples of RFID applications include:
  • Smart Cards used in financial transactions, hotels or library/video checkout
  • Security Applications in airports and shipping ports
  • Logistics applications for tracking parcels, pallets and shipments
  • Anti-theft applications in retail stores
  • Tollways such as our E-tag system
  • Smart sensors such as used in our cattle industry


RFID Frequency Ranges:
Band Frequency General Range Typical Application
Low Freq (LF) 125/134.2 KHz Up to 1m Cattle and Asset tracking
ISM 433 MHz    
  1.77-2.17 MHz
2.98-3.58 MHz
7.2-10.01 MHz		    
       
Hi-Freq (HF) 13.56 MHz up to 40cm Proximity sensing and asset tracking
Ultra Hi Freq
  918-926 MHz
  .5 to 5m
 Supply Chain
 Micro Wave (MW)
  2.4 GHz
  up to 100m  Toll (Active Tags)
   5.725-5.795 GHz
    Tolling and Rolling Stock
   5.815-5.875 GHz
24-24.250 GHz
    
  5795-5815    



Environmental characteristics and considerations:
The performance of RFID tags and readers is controlled by both the environments in which the tags and readers are used, and the materials to which the tags are attached. The following tables summarise the general performance characteristics of tags accroding to the materials to which they are attached.

Ability to Read Near Metal:
Frequency Range LF 125 KHz HF 13.56 MHz UHF 868-915 MHz Microwave 2.45 & 5.8 GHz
  Better
<---------------- <--------------- ----------------> ---------------> Worse


Ability to Read on a Wet Surface:
Frequency Range LF 125 KHz HF 13.56 MHz UHF 868-915 MHz Microwave 2.45 & 5.8 GHz
  Better
<---------------- <--------------- ----------------> ---------------> Worse


The surrounding environment, in which the RFID tag is placed, also effects the performance of RFID readability. These factors typically include:
  • Open air
  • Indoor/outdoor
  • High/Low Temperature
  • High/Low Humidity
  • High EMC noise
  • High RF noise
  • Magnetic flux
  • Vibration
  • Corrosive material

Learn more about spectrum characteristics here.



Privacy Issues
The following websites provide guidance on privacy issues around the use of RFID technology:

(1) Australian Privacy Commission
click here for APC Press Releases

(2) Electronic Privacy Information Centre (USA)

(3) Guidelines on EPC for Consumer use (EPCglobal)

(4) RFID Privacy Workshop @ MIT
The goal of the MIT RFID Privacy Workshop is to bring together RFID technologists, boosters, critics, privacy advocates, and journalists covering the space to establish some technical truths and a framework for discussing the policy issues.


RFID explained

JISC Technology and Standards Watch, May 2006

Title: "RFID: Frequency, standards, adoption and innovation"

Managing Author: Gaynor Backhouse, JISC TechWatch

Abstract:

"At the very simplest level, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies allow the transmission of a unique serial number wirelessly, using radio waves. The two key parts of the system that are needed to do this are the RFID 'tag' and the 'reader'; attaching an RFID tag to a physical object allows the object to be 'seen' and monitored by existing computer networks and back-office administration systems.

So far, the key driver for the...." read the pdf


Video: The Basics of RFID & EPC

Video


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