RFID
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a method of storing and remotely
retrieving data using devices called RFID tags (or transponders). An RFID
tag is a small object (usually a chip) that can be attached to or
incorporated into a product, animal, or person. RFID tags contain antennas
that enable them to receive and respond to radio-frequency queries from an
RFID transceiver.
There are two types of RFID tags: passive tags and active tags. Passive tags do
not require power. Active tags require a power source. While passive RFID
tags are cheaper, active tags allow for more complex applications. Active
tags are generally more accurate and reliable.
An RFID system usually
consists of several parts: tags, tag readers, edge servers, middleware, and
application software. The purpose of an RFID system is to enable data to be
transmitted by a tag, which is read by an RFID reader, and processed
according to the needs of a particular application. The data transmitted by
the RFID tag may provide identification, location, or specifics about the
product tagged, such as price, color, date of purchase, etc.
RFID is used in a number of industries, including retail, government,
defense, shipping, logistics, manufacturing, and construction. Two of the
leading adopters of RFID technology are Wal-Mart and the US Department of
Defense.
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