How Does the RFID Systems Work

There are several important components of an RFID system including RFID tags, RFID readers, Edge servers, middleware, and application software. A tag is a mobile device through which the RFID system transmits data. Ordinarily, such data consists of location identification information. At times, it provides information on price, type, and specifications of the product in question. In a typical system, individual objects are provided with tags. This results in a unique electronic product code for the object in issue.

There is an antenna with a transceiver and a decoder, named as interrogator, which activates the RFID tag enabling it to read and write data. When an RFID tag crosses over an electromagnetic field, the reader's activation signal is detected. Then the data is passed onto the host computer. The software that is loaded in the computer processes the data received with some filtering operations to eliminate duplicate data.

Uses of RFID Systems

Currently, the system is used in numerous avenues, for instance to track the books coming into and going out of a library. Similarly, implantable RFID chips which were originally designed for animal tagging are now used for human implantations. Some famous night clubs in the Netherlands use an implantable chip to identify their VIP customers. RFID can be used effectively for credit cards, automobile keys and store inventories.

RFID in Health Care

So far the use of RFID has progressed to the stage of human implantation and the use of RFID to identify patients or for accessing medical records is under active consideration. However, the use of this technology for storing medical information to be used in emergencies has already started with the approval of the Federal Government.

RFID in Passports

Presently an RFID tag is embedded in passports issued in the United States. The chips are designed to store all information relating to the passport and a digital picture of the owner. The passports also incorporate a thin metal lining to prevent unauthorized readers from skimming information when the passport is closed.

RFID Benefits

Some of the major benefits of RFID are that it will save time, make information readily accessible and enhance security and preventing skimming of the same. It is a proven and time-tested technology.

RFID Controversies

Despite all its advantages, RFID technology is still relatively new, too expensive, and the scope is limited. RFID technology used by one company may not be accessible for others. So far as information technology is concerned, this stops the probability of communicative technology use. One major RFID controversy cropped up in a pilot program by the Gillette Company, which automatically photographed shoppers taking RFID tagged safety razors off the shelf. Their aim was to prevent shoplifting but it resulted in consumer boycott of Gillette.

RFID technology can be a great advantage if it can be used in proper perspective. However, the technology is still in its earliest stages and requires a lot of refinement. If RFID labels, as well as the RFID reader can be made as inexpensive as bar codes and as user friendly the future of RFID will be assured and the history of RFID will be that of a success story.