RFID Reader
RFID Readers emit a radio frequency, which causes the compatible tags to respond with a return signal. This return signal is encoded with the tag’s identification and other information.
For example, a car park uses RFID technology to allow members to pass through the barrier automatically. The system also displays the car park’s free space count continuously on an LCD.
Location
RFID readers broadcast a particular radio frequency and, when compatible tags enter their detection range, the reader retrieves an ID from each tag. This ID, commonly a 96-bit string of data called an EPC (Electronic Product Code), encodes the tag’s protocol, managing organization, asset description, and serial number, among other things.
The RFID reader also obtains RSS information from each tag that carries the identification message, RFID Reader which contains power readings of the backscatter signal that is reflected or absorbed by the tag’s antenna. By comparing the RSS readings with each other, the location of the tag can be estimated.
In addition to the RFID reader and the RFID tag, every system of RFID has a third component—a system that accepts or transmits RFID related events and triggers actions. In the security industry, this system is most often a building access control system or a parking or vehicular management system. In libraries, it could be a library management system.
A key feature of RFID is that the tag’s chip can be scanned wirelessly without direct contact with an antenna or other electromagnetic field. This means a reader can identify a product or an individual even if it is covered with other products and cannot be seen with the naked eye. In some cases, the reading can be done from a distance of several meters without any direct line of sight between the tag and the reader.
Tracking
A RFID reader sends out radio frequency waves that can be picked up by an antenna attached to a tracking device, which then transmits the data back to the reader. This information can then be integrated into a database or ERP system. RFID can be configured in a variety of ways, including handheld, vehicle-mount or fixed. Handheld readers combine the power of a barcode scanner with RFID, so they can be used like regular handheld devices. A vehicle-mount reader is embedded into mobile vehicles, such as forklifts or trucks. This provides the convenience of hands-free scanning without any user intervention. A fixed reader can be installed in a permanent location to read tags automatically as they pass by.
Tags can be passive, meaning they have no battery, or active, with a built-in circuit and antenna to broadcast the return signal. Both types of tags can be powered by electromagnetism: when they’re within range of an RFID reader’s electromagnetic waves, they’ll pick up the energy and “turn on.” The IC inside the tag then transmits data, which is picked up by the RFID reader’s antenna.
RFID can improve inventory accuracy in stores, with automatic tracking of product status. This helps to reduce cycle count time, find items more quickly and prevents stockouts by sending alerts when certain products reach low levels.
Security
Whether it’s in manufacturing, retail, access control, or in chemical processing facilities, RFID tags and readers enable businesses to track, identify, and manage individual items electronically. As a result, they improve operational efficiency, productivity, and security while creating a stronger bridge between physical products or inventory and computer systems.
A tag’s IC is powered by electromagnetic energy transmitted from an RFID reader’s antenna. When an RFID tag comes within range of the reader, the signal causes the IC to “turn on” and begin broadcasting its ID information. The reader then interprets the signals and turns them into usable data, such as a unique identifier or other information about the item.
While RFID offers several advantages over barcodes, it can also pose certain security risks. In a malicious attack, malware could be programmed into an RFID tag. The tag would then transmit this virus when read at a facility, potentially bringing down connected computers, networks, and even the RFID system itself.
To protect against these threats, RAIN RFID readers must be designed with security in mind. Besides using secure protocols and encryption, they should be digitally signed to make them more resistant to high-jacking. They should also be able to alternate between frequencies, a process called frequency hopping, to prevent overlapping detection fields. This ensures that each reader only detects the tags it is meant to, while preventing unintended reads from taking place.
Data Management
An RFID Reader’s capabilities extend far beyond simply locating and tracking items. It can identify the product itself and its attributes and provide detailed data for each individual product. The technology also allows companies to make better logistical decisions and improve productivity. It also reduces costs by automating processes like goods reception.
The RFID tag contains a small amount of memory with a unique identifier that is stored electronically. The identifier is unique to each tag and cannot be edited or deleted. An RFID reader is able to detect the identifier and transmit the corresponding information to a computer, which then makes an intelligent judgment.
In order to detect the identifier, the RFID reader sends out a wireless signal that is reflected or backscattered by the tagged item. The reflected or backscattered signal is received by contactless smart card the antenna connected to the RFID reader and sent to the reader’s data processing module. The data processing module is able to determine whether the identifier in the backscattered signal is the same as that in the incoming wireless signal.
Data management is the process of organizing and managing data to make it useful for business decisions. It ensures that employees have access to high-quality, accurate data so they can make informed decisions and increase business growth. It is especially helpful in addressing issues related to information redundancy, contradictory insights, and security.