What is RFID ?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency identification.

Wireless non-contact use of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to
transfer data
For the purpose of automatic identification & tracking of tags attached to
assets

Types

RFID tags may or may not have a battery in them.

Those that do not have a battery are called passive tags
Those that use a battery are called active tags. The battery mostly
assists in boosting the read range of the RFID tag.
Passive tags are powered by the RF signal from the interrogator/reader

Frequencies

LF Low frequency @ 125 khz

HF: High frequency @ 13.56 Mhz
UHF: Ultra high frequency @ 860 960 Mhz

Why 3 different frequencies ?

Different applications demand different frequencies to be effective &

operational
LF tags are ideal for reading metal objects or objects with high water
content such as fruit & veg/Animals. But the read rage is limited to inches
or cms.
HF tags work fairly well on metal objects and objects with medium to high
water content. Max read range is 3 feet to 1 meter
UHF offers better read ranges(inches to 50ft +, depending on the strength
of the RFID reader/interrogator), can transfer data much faster, however
since they have a shorter wave length compared to LF or HF tags, the signal
does not pass through metal or objects with water content

RFID Tag construction

An RFID tag comprises of essentially 2 parts
First: an antenna for transmitting & receiving radio frequency signals. There
are several types of antenna designs and shapes depending on the application.
Second: RFID Chip or IC (integrated circuit), which stores the tags ID and other
info. This is the heart of the RFID tag. The brain of the tag. An IC is essentially a
microchip.
In an RFID tag both antenna & IC are bonded together to form an operational
RFID inlay or transponder. NOTE: not all ICs are compatible with any one
antenna design. An antenna needs to be designed around the IC and tuned
according to the ICs frequency for optimal performance. Antenna designs are
also at times copyright protected. We also design antennas in-house to suit
compatibility with different ICs

RFID Inlays v/s RFID Label

RFID Inlay : Antenna + IC

Dry Inlay: Antenna + IC on a carrier substrate.
Wet Inlay: Antenna + IC on a carrier substrate + adhesive
RFID inlay + Converter/Manufacturer = RFID Label/Tag
An RFID tag is a label that has an RFID inlay inserted between
the label facestock and liner.

For different applications, we choose different FACE & Base

stocks for performance & functionality criteria

Types of RFID Tags

Essentially there are 2 types of tags

Hard tags RFID inlay/transponder enclosed within a hard shall casing,

providing significantly enhanced durability making them ideal for outdoor use
or rough environments. These can be applied by adhesive or screwed onto
surfaces.
Soft tags (flexible) RFID inlay/transponder sandwiched between paper or
filmic materials. Tags are flexible and popular in places where excessive
durability is not required.

How RFID works

Implementation of RFID requires 3 major components: RFID readers ;
Antennas & Tags, in order to function

Benefits of RFID v Barcodes

RFID is not the best fit for every application. The technology may be expensive
depending on the size of the application. The ROI must justify the expense.
In several cases RFID is the right fit. But many other times, barcodes may be a more
economical solution. Below some benefits of RFID over barcodes
Unlike barcodes, RFID tags dont not require Line of Sight access to be read.
RFID tags can be printed with a barcode too.
Each RFID tag has a unique identification number, so its possible to distinguish each
item within the same batch of product as well.
RFID can store more data/info compared to a barcode
Each barcode must be individually scanned. Multiple RFID tags can be read
simultaneously and entering into the system much faster.
A barcode can only be read & data cannot be changed once its been printed onto a
label. RFID tags can be read and the data on the tag can be re-written or modified
Barcodes are easily counterfeited. The barcode can be read and re-generated. RFID
tags can be encrypted so it is difficult to replicate RFID tags.

Typical RFID Applications

Access management and control

Tracking of goods
Toll collection andcontactless payment
E-passports
Airport baggage tracking logistics
Contactless payment cards.
Transponders in car keys for remote and
secure access to the car. If the car is started by
a fake key, the system in the car will check the
IC in the car key and if it does not detect the
correct IC, it will shut down the car.

Livestock and pet identification: for secure

livestock identification for financing, tracing
livestock history to effectively tackle
livestock related issues such as mad cow
disease, identifying lost pets, etc.
Managing library books
Transit tickets
Inventory management
Waste Management
Supply Chain

RFID Wristbands
Types

Direct thermal printable Adhesive

closure
Poly RFID wristbands Adhesive
closure
Tyvek RFID wristbands Adhesive
closure
Advantages of RFID WB

Access control Fast access (imagine

100s of people entering & exiting a
waterpark at the same time)
Avoids counterfeit due to UID
Fast payment transactions without
physical cash handling
Locker access
Photo management services
Loyalty programs
Data Analytics
Marketing & Brand boosting

Race Timing solutions

Running races/Live Timing/Triathlons/Cycling races

Types
Number Bibs
Ankle Band
Shoe Tag
Cycling Bike Labels
T-Tag
Advantages of RFID Bibs

Athletes receive the most accurate

time measurement of their race
Precise tracking when athlete crosses
each checkpoint or way point.

Smart labels
This section contains a wide range of RFID tags using HF & primarily UHF
technology. These come in different shapes & sizes and the construction of the tag
depends on the intended application. Some are small to be applied on smaller
surfaces. Some are thin & long in length for a better read distance and so on. Some
applications as below

Heat resistant labels

Mount on metal labels
Logistics & supply chain (warehouse, stock management, dispatch, documents)
HF tags for Library solutions
Labels for tagging laptops, computers, servers etc

Apparel/Retail Tags
Types

Hang Tag
Pocket tag
Blank paper sticker

Advantages of RFID in Apparel

Reduces risks of loss or theft/counterfeit

Real time stock management (production till shop floor
Increased sales & profit margins
Reduced Out-of-stock

RFID Windshield tags

Two main application areas
Parking
Highway tolling application
Applied to windscreens of cars: Ideal for secure access control into gated communities,
company secured parking etc. Each car gets a RFID windshield tag with a unique identification
number.
Also applicable for automatic toll collection. In several countries, you have to queue on the
highway to pay the toll. There are problems of not having the exact change when giving notes
of larger value. The RFID windshield tag works in the same way as a prepaid phone number. It
automatically debits your account as you pass a tolling booth on a highway without stopping.
This makes traffic flow easy too. Tags are tamper evident and self destruct upon any attempt
to take off(this is a major security requirement for this product)

Primary points of consideration

when selecting an RFID tag:
What type of surface will you be tagging? On
metal, plastic, wood, etc.?
What read range do you desire?
Size limitations (i.e. the tag can be no larger
than x by y by z inches)?
Any excessive environmental conditions to
consider? Excessive heat, cold, moisture,
impact, etc.?
Method of attachment? Adhesive, epoxy,
rivets/screws, cable ties, etc.?

To know more, visit:

http://www.syndicaterfid.com
http://www.syndicategroup.net