Intersoft RFID - Introduction to RFID

Introduction to RFID

What is RFID?
Radio Frequency IDentification, uses radio frequency communication to automatically identify, track and manage objects, people or animals. Download info form (pdf).

How does it work?
A low-frequency, passive, magnetically-coupled RFID system is made up of two parts—a reader and tag.

Schematic of RFID system (gif 195x580 4Kb)

The tags are attached to objects or animals that require a unique identification number. The tags include an electronic circuit (transponder) and tuned antenna-capacitor circuit. They are essentially tiny, sophisticated radio transmitters and receivers. They are powered by the RF field generated by the reader. Upon being 'powered-up', the tag will continuously transmit its data, by damping the incoming RF power field. By 'pulsing' the incoming RF power field, some tags can be written to in the field.

The RFID reader has three main functions: energizing, demodulating and decoding. The reader, using a tuned antenna-capacitor circuit, emits a low-frequency radio wave field. This is used to power-up the tag. The information sent by the tag must be demodulated (like an AM radio). The encoded information is decoded by the reader's on-board microcontroller. This information can then be used by a controlling computer.

In both the reader and tag, the antenna can be sized and shaped in different ways. Because of the small size of the tag, it can be designed to fit almost any situation. Since there is no contact or 'viewing' required, the RFID system allows great freedom of movement. Placement of the tag and reader are no longer critical.

Why use RFID?
Compared to other identification technologies, our RFID systems offer many advantages:

Tags can be hidden (embedded) in most materials
No batteries needed
Different shapes and sizes
No line-of-sight required
No wear
Tags can be read even if covered with dirt or submerged
Tags are almost indestructible
Unalterable permanent serial code prevents tampering

Where is it used?
RFID systems can be used almost anywhere. Some current uses of RFID are:

Inventory control
Access control
Animal identification (from cows to birds)
Waste management
Laboratory analysis
Time and place data logging
Meat Processing
Vehicle identification
Ticketing
Fishery Management
Automatic Guided Vehicle positioning
Asset tracking
and many more...

Examples of Intersoft's RFID in use

Intersoft Corp., 205 Research Park Dr, Tullahoma TN 37388, USA

Tel 1.931.454.2305 Fax 1.931.454.2306