Rfid: Benefits Of Rfid, Disadvantages Of Rfid, Comparing Rfid With Bar Code Technology
Introduction to Radio Frequency Identification-RFID
Introduction to Radio Frequency Identification
1. What is RFID
RFID, short for Rradio Frequency IDentification, is a technology that enables identification of a tag (that is normally attached with an entity) by using electromagnetic waves. The function served by RFID is similar to bar code identification, but line of sight signals are not required for operation of RFID. Important components of an RFID system are:
- An RFID reader (also called transceiver) with an antenna and a transceiver,
- A transponder (Also called a tag) that includes an antenna and a chip)
2. Compare RFID with Bar Code Technology
Given below are the brief differences between the Barcode technology and RFID:
| Parameter | Bar Code | RFID |
|---|---|---|
| Frequencies used for tag reading | Optical frequencies | Radio frequencies |
| Type of communication | Line of sight communication | Non-Line of sight communication |
| Data Volume | Physical limitation exists. It is very difficult to read a very long barcode. | Can carry relatively large volume of data. |
| Range of data readability | Very limited range, less than a feet or two. | Can be read up to several feet. |
| Cost | Cheap | Expensive, but likely to cost less as more industries adopt the technology. |
