RFID Full Form: Its Components and Working

RFID technology tracks RFID tags attached to objects to capture the data encoded within them. These tags consist of the information stored electronically within them. RFID is a method of automatic identification which uses non-contact wireless radio frequency waves. In these waves, the data is digitally encoded within the RFID tags as well as smart labels. Readers within the device can read them using radio waves.

In this article, we will be covering what rfid stands for, rfid meaning, how RFID works and also the details of RFID applications.

Table of Contents

• What is RFID full form?
• How RFID Works?
• Components of RFID
• Types of RFID Systems

What is RFID Full Form?

RFID full form is Radio Frequency Identification.

RFID technology is an example of wireless networking. It uses radio waves for tracking and identifying objects, animals and people. It has a wide range of application in different industries. The RFID consists of an RFID tag that stores information within it. It also consists of a reader that sends and receives radio waves to the tag. This information is then passed to a computer system for processing.

How does RFID work?

Let us understand how RFID work in step-by-step process:

1. RFID Tag Activation

This occurs when the RFID tag comes within the range of reader. RFID reader is constantly emitting radio waves in search of any RFID tag. Once an RFID tag comes in its range, the tag is exposed to the radio waves being emitted by the reader. Active and semi-passive RFID tag have their own power sources due to which radio waves from reader signal the tag to transmit the information. 

Passive RFIDs do not havetheir power source due to which radio waves provide the energy required to power the tag’s IC to activate it. After activation, RFID tag uses the energy recieved to power the IC and modulates radio waves send back information (a unique identifier) to the reader. 

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2. Signal Transmission

RFID reader emits a radio frequency signal to power passive RFID tags and prompts every tag to transmit the data. Whenever the passive RFID tag comes in the range of reader, the antenna of the tag picks up the signal and converts it into electrical energy. 

This powers the circuit of the tag which then allows the tag to transmit the stored data back to the reader. The rf (rf full form radio frequency) signal from reader initiates prompt to the RFID tag. Once the tag recieves the signal, it responds by transmitting the unique identification information back to the reader.  

3. Tag Response 

The RFID tag gets activated by reader’s signal and it responds by transmitting the stored data back to the reader. For passive tags, when they come within the range of reader’s signal, signal’s energy powers the tag’s IC. This IC modulates the signal of the reader and reflects it back to the reader. 

The reflected signal carried unique identification information as well as other data on the tag. Once active and semi-passive RFID tags recieve the signal of reader, they use their power to generate response signal. This signal carries the unique identification information and transmits it back to the reader. 

4. Data Reception 

Data reception process involves receiving the tag signal, demodulating and decoding the signal to extract the data. Then the data undergoes error check and is converted into a digital format. It is then transmitted into a computer system and processed.

Components of RFID

RFID is a technology that leverages radio waves for identifying and tracking objects as well as people. It is composed of ‘RFID tags’ and smart reader.

Let us understand these two terms before we proceed further. 

1. RFID tags

These are the small electronic devices that are attached to tagged objects (these objects can even be people). RFID tag data is used for tracking and identifying the objects. For identification, RFID tags use radio waves. These tags consist of a microchip that has a unique identifier as well as an antenna to transmit and receive signals.

It is also known as Transponder since it responds to reader’s signal via its own signal. Transponder contains an integrated circuit to store and process and information. It also contains an antenna to recieve and transmit signals.

The number of RFID tags can range from a dozen to even millions. Different applications have different requirements of the number of RFID tags. A general store may require thousands of RFID tags whereas a vehicle may only include 1-2 RFID tags. The range of these tags is between 30 KHz to 500 KHz.

RFID tags are of three main types. Active Radio Frequency Identification tags (Active RFID tag), Passive RFID tag and Semi-Passive RFID tag. These tags are used in logistics, transportation as well as supply chain.

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2. RFID Smart Reader

An RFID reader is also referred to as an interrogator that communicates with RFID tags to fetch information that is stored within them. It is a type of network-connected device that uses radio waves for transmit signals to activate the tag. After the tag gets activated, it sends back a wave to the antenna where it gets translated into data. The transponder remains within the tag.

An RFID reader uses scanning antenna and a transceiver. Scanning antenna emit rf (rf full form radio frequency) waves and recieve the signal sent back by an RFID tag. Antenna ensures communication between tag and reader. Transceiver generates radio frequency signals that antenna sends out and processes the signal recieved by antenna. 

RFID reader or interrogator can read information upto 30 feet from an RFIF tag. This is the read range of an RFID reader. This range depends on several actors including the type of RFID systems, frequency, size and design of an RFID antenna as well as the power output of an RFID reader.

There are two types of RFID readers including fixed and mobile readers.

Types of RFID Systems

Since we have discussed the components of RFID, let us now discuss the types of RFID systems. RFID types are categorized on the basis of their frequency. These inclue low, high and hyper high frequency RFID systems. Let us discuss these systems in detail.

1. Low Frequency RFID (LF RFID)

This RFID full form is Low Frequency RFID. It operates on the frequency range of 30 KHz to 300 KHz. At this frequency, the reading range is short at 10 cm and the reading speed is slow. Most common low frequency RFID systems function between 125 KHz/134.2 KHz.

Applications:

• Animal identification/ Pet microchipping: Such tags are implanted in the animal skin and scanned with reader to fetch identication information.
• Waste management: These are used in waste management systems as well. If placed in a bin, the tag is scanned when the bin is emptied. Then, the toll amount can be deducted form the linked account.

Why choose LF RFID?

• Less affected by metals and liquids: Due to which it is suitable in environments having more metal and liquid invention. An example would be the use in industrial areas.
• More secure: LF RFID ensure more security due to short read range. Such tags can only be read by readers when they are in close contact. This prevent unauthorized access.
• Less impact of electronics: These tags are less susceptible to interference from electronic devices. Due to this reason, they become more suitable for areas having more electronics. 
• Easier implementation: These do not require licensing and are globally accepted due to which their implementation becomes easier. 

2. HF RFID

This RFID full form is High Frequency RFID. It operates in the frequency range of 3 MHz to 30 MHz. Most of these RFIDs operate at 13.56 MHz. The reading range lies between 10 cm and 1m. Data transfer rate is also faster in HF RFID. 

Applications

• Libraries: They are embedded in the spine of books and scanned with reader whenever they are issued and returned.
• Contactless payment: They are also used in credit cards and mobile payment apps in the form of RFID cards. To prevent thefts, there are many RFID protection wallets available in the market. 
• Authenticating products: These are used in products to prove the authenticity of products. They are used in luxury goods as well as in expensive electronic products as well.

Why choose HF RFID?

Following reasons facilitate the use of HF RFID:

• Enables two way communication: High Frequency RFID are compatible with NFC that enables two way communication between devices. It is useful in situations where tag and reader need to communicate with one another.
• Faster data transfer: These RFID systems allow faster data transfer than low frequency systems. It is useful in those application where huge amount of data needs to be read quickly. 
• Globally accepted: Since it operates at globally accepted frequency, it does not require licensing. Due to this reason, its implementation is possible on global level.

3. UHF RFID

This RFID full form is Ultra High Frequency RFID. It operates within the frequency range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz. Most of these RFIDs operate at 900 MHz and 915 MHz. The reading range is upto 12 m. Data transfer rate is extremely high in UHF RFID. These are extremely sensitive to interferences.

Applications

• Baggage tracking: In some airlines, UHF RFID is used for tracking the checked in luggage. The reader tracks the bag’s status as it goes via the airport onto the airplane.
• Inventory management: These are used for inventory management as it can read tags from distance without line-of-sight or manual scanning. This makes the inventory count process quick and efficient. 
• Race timing: These are frequently used in races where participants have to wear UHF RFID tags. Once they cross the finish time, the RFID reader records the time of finish automatically.

Why choose UHF RFIDs?

• High Read Range: UHF RFID can read upto 12 m due to which they can be used in objects that require tracking from a distance. Suitable uses are in inventory tracking, race timing systems and toll collection systems.
• Tag Singulation: These RFID systems are capable of singulating tags which means they can identify the required tag amongst many tags present within reader’s field. It is highly useful in inventory control and supply chain management.
• Inexpensive: These RFIDs are cheaper than low frequency and high frequency tags when purchased in bulk. This makes them cost effective for large scale applications.
• Globally accepted: These are also globally accepted and do not require licensing.

Here is a table showcasing the difference between these types of RFIDs:

Parameters	LF RFID	HF RFID	UHF RFID
Uses	Animal tracking, Vehicle identification, Access control	Library systems, Access control, Contactless payment, Product authentication, Healthcare, Ticketing systems,	Supply chain management, Airline baggage tracking, Race timing, Inventory control, Toll collection
Advantages	Less affected by metals/liquids, Short read range (can be an advantage in certain applications), Globally accepted	Medium read range, Faster data transfer rates, NFC capability	Long read range, High data transfer rates, Can read hundreds of tags simultaneously
Disadvantages	Short read range, Slower data read rates, Less data storage	Can be affected by metals/liquids, Requires licensing in some countries	Can be significantly affected by metals/liquids, Requires careful setup and calibration
ISO Standards	ISO 14223, ISO/IEC 18000-2	ISO 14443, ISO 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3	ISO/IEC 18000-6

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