Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology uses radio waves to identify people or objects through tags that communicate with readers. The document discusses different types of RFID systems, such as active, passive, and battery-assisted passive, as well as their applications in inventory tracking, asset management, and security. Advantages of RFID include compact size, enhanced security, and convenience, while its future looks towards cloud-based storage and integrations with other technologies.

1. RFID TECHNOLOGY
BY: J.A.Z SANNI

2. UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA
IOT AND SENSOR
2ND
SEMESTER
Lecturer: Dr. Eng Abubakar Sadiq

3. • Definition
• How does it work?
• Types
• RFID systems
• Application of RFID
• Advantages of RfFID
• Ffuture of RFID

4. RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION
(RFID): WHAT IS IT?
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology uses radio waves to identify
people or objects. There is a device that reads information contained in a
wireless device or “tag” from a distance without making any physical contact
or requiring a line of sight.

5. HOW DOES IT WORK
• An RFID system is based on three core components: tags, readers/writers and software
(middleware and dashboard).
• The RFID tag is composed by a microchip and an antenna. The tag can be attached to
single products, packages, shipping units, returnable assets etc.
• The readers/writers provide power to the tags. Any tag in the read range of the reader is
automatically empowered and automatically sends information - as for example its serial
number - to the device.
• All this data is then collected by the RFID software (middleware) that aggregates the data
and take care of the software integration with any ERP.

6. TYPES OF RFID
• Low Frequency (LF) RFID
• The LF band covers frequencies from 30 KHz to 300 KHz. Typically LF RFID
systems operate at 125 KHz, although there are some that operate at 134
KHz. This frequency band provides a short read range of 10 cm, and has
slower read speed than the higher frequencies, but is not very sensitive to
radio wave interference.
LF RFID applications include access control and livestock tracking.

7. • High-Frequency (HF) RFID
• The HF band ranges from 3 to 30 MHz. Most HF RFID systems operate at
13.56 MHz with read ranges between 10 cm and 1 m. HF systems experience
moderate sensitivity to interference.
• HF RFID is commonly used for ticketing, payment, and data transfer
applications.

8. • Ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID
• The UHF frequency band covers the range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. RAIN
RFID systems comply with the UHF Gen2 standard and use the 860 to 960
MHz band. While there is some variance in frequency from region to region,
RAIN RFID systems in most countries operate between 900 and 915 MHz.

9. RFID SYSTEMS
• Active RFID Systems
• In active RFID systems, tags have their own transmitter and power source.
Usually, the power source is a battery. Active tags broadcast their own signal
to transmit the information stored on their microchips.
Active RFID systems typically operate in the ultra-high frequency (UHF)
band and offer a range of up to 100 m. In general, active tags are used on
large objects, such as rail cars, big reusable containers, and other assets that
need to be tracked over long distances.

10. • Passive RFID Systems
• In passive RFID systems the reader and reader antenna send a
radio signal to the tag. The RFID tag then uses the transmitted
signal to power on, and reflect energy back to the reader.
Passive RFID systems can operate in the low frequency
(LF), high frequency (HF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio
bands. As passive system ranges are limited by the power of the
tag’s backscatter (the radio signal reflected from the tag back to
the reader), they are typically less than 10 m. Because passive
tags do not require a power source or transmitter, and only
require a tag chip and antenna, they are cheaper, smaller, and
easier to manufacture than active tags.

11. • Battery-Assisted Passive (BAP) Systems
• A Battery-Assisted Passive RFID tag is a type of passive tag which
incorporates a crucial active tag feature. While most passive RFID tags use
the energy from the RFID reader’s signal to power on the tag’s chip and
backscatter to the reader, BAP tags use an integrated power source (usually
a battery) to power on the chip, so all of the captured energy from the reader
can be used for backscatter. Unlike transponders, BAP tags do not have their
own transmitters.

12. APPLICATION OF RFID
• RFID Inventory Tracking
• As mentioned above, inventory tracking is one of the staple applications that
made RFID as widespread as it is today - thanks to Walmart.
• RFID Race Timing
• RFID Race Timing was first introduced in the late 90’s, but it was nothing
compared to the low-cost, streamlined, and highly sensitive RFID race timing
systems available today.

13. • RFID Asset Tracking
• RFID Asset tracking/management is closely related to inventory
tracking/management - with a few key differences. Typically, assets are
owned by the company and are not sold. Examples of assets includes
phones, laptops, or manufacturing machinery, while inventory items arrive
and are sold or shipped out. The reason this is important is that the lifecycle
of an asset, i.e. an employee’s laptop, is quite different from the lifecycle of a
retail inventory item like a shirt for sale.

14. ADVANTAGES OF RFID:
• RFID systems are capable of keeping your data secure and are
quipped to read data. Additionally, they have a few other advantages,
let’s read about them below:
• Compact Size:
• The compact size of RFID cards, similar to regular bank cards, makes
them easy to store and carry. This minimizes the chances of users
forgetting their access cards when heading to locations requiring
access. The portability and handiness of RFID cards contribute to their
widespread adoption.
• Versatility and Adaptability:
• RFID locks come with various ranges of cams and spindle lengths,
catering to a wide array of doors and furniture types. This versatility
makes RFID technology suitable for diverse business applications,
ensuring compatibility with different access points and environments.

15. • Master Card Functionality:
• A notable advantage of RFID technology lies in its master card functionality.
Different locks can be programmed to recognize and accept a single RFID key
card, eliminating the need for multiple cards for various locks. This not only
simplifies access management but also allows each lock to maintain independent
access policies.
• Enhanced Security:
• RFID systems offer a high level of security as specialized equipment is required to
read the data stored on RFID tags. This inherent security feature contributes to
maintaining the integrity of lock systems, making unauthorized access more
challenging.
• Convenience and Speed:
• RFID technology provides unmatched convenience and speed in access control.
With just a fraction of a second required to place an RFID key in proximity to
unlock a security system, the process is not only swift but also highly convenient
for users, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

16. FUTURE OF RFID
• Cloud-Based Data Storage:
• RFID’s enduring advantage lies in mobility, a facet set to evolve with the
integration of cloud-based data storage into future systems. Storing real-
time data in the cloud enhances accessibility, optimizing stock accuracy,
product availability, and replenishment. This streamlining benefits supply
chain processes, boosting productivity and accuracy across teams.

17. • Flexible Printing Options:
• Harnessing high-performance thin-film transistor technology,
today’s RFID tags are remarkably thinner and more flexible than
previously envisioned. This innovation allows them to
seamlessly adhere to diverse surfaces.
• Integrating RFID into a bend-resistant, flexible substrate
expands its applications, overcoming previous limitations in
settings with physical constraints.
• Integrations with Other Technologies:
• Today’s RFID tags boast versatility and emerging integrations
propel them to new heights. Current warehouse management
systems leverage RFID for enhanced traceability, precision in
picking, and efficient delivery.

18. REFERENCES
• https://qodenext.com/blog/rfid-future-trends/
• https://www.atlasrfidstore.com/rfid-insider/how-is-rfid-used-in-the-real-world/?
srsltid=AfmBOooH7V0qiI3DUB4LWj1KqcsYzw3maweRxuLuLivdPkFcj_StIQ9E