What is RFID

Transponders (also called tags or labels) help to identify any kind of articles , for example containers used in logistic processes. The applied technology is known as RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification)  technology. A distinctive feature of this technology is, unlike the barcode label technology, that a reader decodes the data encoded in the tag. This reader generates a radio frequency field which not only serves as the power source of the tag but, at the same time, transmits the captured data - in a non-contact and non-line-of sight way. Tags can be read through non-metallic substances such as glass or plastic located between antenna and tag.

Metal has a shielding effect. Unlike barcodes the RFID technology provides the possibility of re-programming identification and/or object data on the tag whenever it is required, which means the tag can be written electronically.

A basic RFID system consists of three components: reader, antenna (connected to the reader) and a tag, attached to the object to identify.

Giving priority to the development and production of readers, scemtec supplies all-including systems consisting of data base software, readers, antennas and tags. In addition, system studies are provided by scemtec in order to support their customers in choosing the most suitable include-all system.

The reader consists of either micro processing electronics with a serial interface or a handheld terminal with integrated reader. In addition, an either internal or external antenna is required. The writing and reading ranges depend on the shape of the tag. Simple reader modules (proximity reader) have short ranges of only several centimeters, whereas those of the long-range readers are up to 2 m long. The bigger the tag is the longer are the ranges.

Tags come in various types. There are tags of different memory sizes or they are categorized as either read-only or read-write tag. Therefore, scemtec developed the so-called “multi-standard” reader, a reader, especially developed to read and write to any type of tag.

At present RFID systems usually operate at 125 kHz or 13,56 MHz in Europe. scemtec offers multi-standard readers for both frequency ranges.

Tags have numerous advantages. A summary:

• Tags are used to identify and trace any kind of objects, for example containers Identification of the object does not require line of sight. That means, opening of the container is no longer required and it stays intact

• The data transfer from tag to reader is not affected by dirt, ice, water , scratches etc. The tag could even be embedded in plastic
  

• A variable data storage allows in-use data modifications
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• Process security is given due to the circumstance that password protected tags additionally could be encrypted in order to prevent others than the authorized readers from reading or modifying data
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• High data security because of the fact that transponder data are complete, unchanged and saved at any time
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• Certain tag types allow a simultaneous reading of several tags (anti-collision mode)
  

Tags provide a wide range of applications, just to mention a few:

• Product identification
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• Process- ad production control
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• Process- and production inspection
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• Warehouse management
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• Merchandise protection
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• Merchandise tracking
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• Ticketing
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• Access control
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• Animal identification
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• Container identification
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• Sports-Timing
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• Traffic control
  

Source : Scemtec