Overview of the RFID System

What is RFID?
RFID, which stands for Radio Frequency Identification refers to a radio communication technology that is an automatic data collection solution.  RFID systems consist of an RF tag (or a transponder: a radio receiver or transmitter that responds to an external signal by automatically transmitting a signal) and an RF reader/controller.

RFID systems with encoded identification information are attached to objects such as badges, automobiles, goods, and livestock, and their information can be decoded without making physical contact of a radio communication device. RFID systems can automate a number of existing applications in industry as a whole as well as in our daily lives.

To get a clearer picture of RFID, let us compare it with barcoding. RF tags (largely divided into RF tags and RF cards) are to an RF reader what labels on barcodes are to a scanner/decoder.

Just as a barcode scanner reads data by scanning labels, an RF reader reads data by sending and receiving radio signals to and from the RF tags, or transponders, without making contact.

Advantages of RF Logics' RFID Proximity Card Reading Products.
RF Logics' Proximity Card Reading products are available is both PSK (Phase Shift Keying) and ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) formats. While these products are similar in form fit and function to other products in the market, they all have substantial technical and application advantages.

The readers, cards and tags utilize a patented digital encryption algorithm, which delivers a level of communications security between the cards and readers, which is much greater than other products available in the market. Even the ASK format cards and readers, which are essentially an analogue communication technology, still incorporate the digital encryption algorithm making the level of security of even these analogue devices substantially better than other products using this technology.

The company also provides credentials in the typical industry formats of passive "clamshell" and ISO standard cards, together with key fobs and adhesive coin sized tags for PSK, ASK and MIFARE technologies. The ISO standard cards are of extremely robust construction, tolerating the most outrageous abuse while still being able to function normally. These cards can be completely folded in several directions without impairing their reading performance.

RF Logics' also provides active cards and tags, which can be used for extending the read range of the PSK and ASK reader products. These are typically used with the company's excellent long range reader systems, which provide extremely cost effective solutions for vehicle entry, using very simple standard power supplies and offering read ranges of up to 25 feet.

RFID Features

• RFID requires neither direct contact nor line of sight
• RFID identifies and reads data very fast
• RFID requires virtually no maintenance.
• RFID achieves almost 100% precision.
• RFID works even in dust/paint/vapor/mud/water/plastic/wood/glass/grease.
• If recycled, RF tags cost less than barcoding.
• RF tags are semi-permanent because they are contact free and therefore free from failure caused by a malfunctioning reader.
• RF tags can perform intelligently (like a smart card)
• RF tags can send or receive a large volume of data.
• RF tags can store or read data.
• RF tags can be used in an extremely hostile environment.
• RF tags can be used in flexible positions of an object.
• Data in RF tags cannot be forged or modified, ensuring perfect security. Making counterfeit RF tags is difficult.

RFID Compositions and Functions
RFID tags consist of an antenna, receiver/transmitter, and an RF tag also known as a transponder. The functions of these components are as follows.

The antenna mediates between the tag and the receiver/transmitter. It sends a radio signal to enable or disable the tag, and read and write data.

RFID tags come in various shapes and sizes. They are divided into active tags and passive tags depending on whether they have a power supply, and into low-frequency systems and high-frequency systems depending on the frequency bands used