RFID STEAM Concepts Flashcards
What can RFID and NFC be used for?
Wireless data transmission
(uses electromagnetic/electrostatic coupling in the RF portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify objects)
RFID
Radio Frequency Identification
RFID Consists of?
Scanning antenna, tag (transponder), reader (transceiver)
RFID Distance Range
Can be used over long distances
RFID Communication Direction
One-way communication (tag to reader)
RFID data holding ability
Simple ID information
RFID used for:
Inventory tracking, supply chain management
How does RFID transmit data
Radiowaves
Advantages of RFID
- Hundreds of tags can be read in seconds
- Line of sight not needed to read tags
- RFID tags are very durable
-RFID tags can hold more data than other tags - Range can be controlled as needed (up to 150 meters)
- Tags can be encrypted for security
- Tag memory can be rewritten and reused
- Tags are affordable
RFID Examples
- Access card to get into building
- EZ Pass
- Remote garage door
Types of RFID readers
Fixed and mobile
How does RFID work?
RFID reader uses radiowaves to activate tag
Once tag is activated, it sends a wave back to the antenna, where the radiowave is translated into data
How can a tag have a longer read range?
By having a stronger power source
What is the part of an RFID tag that encodes identifying information?
Inlay
Active RFID
Has its own power source, often a battery
Passive RFID
Receives its power from the reading antenna, whose electromagnetic wave induces a current in the RFID tag’s antenna
How mauch data can RFID tags hold?
RFID tags typically hold between 64 bits and 1K of data, including a unique identifier/serial number.
Do active or passive RFID have a longer read range?
Active (due to stronger power source)
Smart labels
Simple RFID tags. These labels have an RFID tag embedded into an adhesive label and feature a barcode.
Three types of RFID systems
Low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF).
Common RFID uses
- pet and livestock tracking
- inventory management
- asset tracking and equipment tracking
- inventory control
- cargo and supply chain logistics
- vehicle tracking
- customer service and loss control
- improved visibility and distribution in the supply chain
- access control in security situations
- shipping
- healthcare
- manufacturing
- retail sales
- tap-and-go credit card payments
Do passive RFID tags require batteries
No
Difference between RFID and Barcodes
RFID:
- Can identify individual objects without direct line of sight.
- Can scan items from inches to feet away, depending on type of tag and reader.
- Data can be updated in real time.
-Require a power source.
- Read time is less than 100 milliseconds per tag.
- Contain a sensor attached to an antenna, often contained in a plastic cover and more costly than barcodes.
Barcodes:
- Direct line of sight required for scanning.
- Require closer proximity for scanning.
- Data is read-only and can’t be changed.
- No power source needed.
- Read time is half a second or more per tag.
- Printed on the outside of an object and more subject to wear.
RFID vs NFC
RFID:
-Uni-directional
-Range up to 100 m
-LF/HF/UHF/Microwave
-Continuous sampling
-Bit rate varies with frequency
-Power rate varies with frequency
NFC:
- Bi-directional
- Range less than 0.2 m
- 13.56 MHz
- No continuous sampling
- Up to 424 Kbps
- <15 milliamperes
RFID issues
Reader collision: when a signal from one RFID reader interferes with a second reader. Can be prevented by using an anti-collision protocol to make RFID tags take turns transmitting to their appropriate reader.
Tag collision: when too many tags confuse an RFID reader by transmitting data at the same time. Choosing a reader that gathers tag info one at a time will prevent this issue.
RFID Security Concern
A common RFID security or privacy concern is that RFID tag data can be read by anyone with a compatible reader. Tags can often be read after an item leaves a store or supply chain. They can also be read without a user’s knowledge using unauthorized readers, and if a tag has a unique serial number, it can be associated to a consumer. While a privacy concern for individuals, in military or medical settings this can be a national security concern or life-or-death matter.
BAC
Basic Access Control
Solve privacy conccerns associated with RFID-gives RFID chip sufficient data to decode encrypted tokens
Guidelines for RFID
*International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
*Electronics Product Code Global Incorporated (EPC global)
*International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
RFID in the future
RFID systems are becoming increasingly used to support internet of things deployments. Combining the technology with smart sensors and/or GPS technology enables sensor data including temperature, movement and location to be wirelessly transmitted.
