Common Applications for Radio Frequency Identification

Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a method of automated identification that relies on the storage and remote retrieval of data using radio frequency identification tags. The tag is typically very small and can be attached to or incorporated into any product, animal, even people. The small device is a silicon chip with an antenna that enables the tag to receive and even respond to radio frequencies from a transceiver. This is a type of identification method that could have many uses now and in the future as the technology becomes more refined and as the price of the technology comes down. Many contend that in 20 years the RFID system will rival that of the current barcode system that is universally used and accepted.

Here's something you don't often hear – how are you dealing with 'rifid'? OR RFID. If you DO often hear it, then this article isn't for you, it's far too simplistic. However, if you have never heard of RFID before, read on. It might just change your life, or at least the way you organize it. Radio Frequency Identification or RFID is the use of radio waves to identify objects; in English, the ability to track items without coming into contact with them. This is accomplished by a microchip attached to an antenna called transponders or ‘tags'. The chip transmits ID information to the receiver which converts it to a digital format which is then read by a computer.

Current RFID Uses

Radio frequency identification tags are already being used in many instances. In fact, most of us probably have such a tag in our home somewhere, although it would be no good to the individual that placed it in the item.

Currently there are 13.56 MHz tags that are placed on prescriptions for the visually impaired. The Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient pharmacies supplies the tags with the patients label information stored inside. A battery powered prescription reader reads the information to the patient. The reader is able to tell the patient the name of the drug, the doctor's instructions for use, drug warnings, and more.

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency has replaced the barcode tags that they were using with RFID tags. The tags enable one to identify the origin of the animal and other important information. The USDA is in the process of developing their own RFID program for cattle and such, the only state that currently has RFID tags in use for livestock is Wisconsin, and it is on a voluntary basis only.

High frequency RFID tags are often used in library books, pallet tracking, access control, airline baggage tracking, the tracking and security of clothing in retail stores, the tracking or pharmaceutical items, and more. RFID tags are also currently used in ID badges, replacing magnetic strips and barcodes in many instances. Many truck and trailer shipping yards use RFID tags to track pallets, containers, and the actual trailers themselves. Microwave radio frequency identification tags are often used in the more long distance access control for vehicles and such.

Newer technology has allowed for RFID tags to be used for electronic toll collection at tollbooths in Georgia, California, Illinois, Florida, Texas, and more. These tags allow drivers to pay their tolls automatically as their tag communicates with the reader as they pass through the booth, without stopping or slowing down! This makes driving through tollbooths much more convenient, not to mention much more efficient as there is no stop and go driving. The toll is automatically deducted from a prepaid account, and when the driver passes by the reader the time, date, and lane are all recorded. RFID tags definitely make getting around on toll road much more efficient!

Most of the major tire companies will soon offer and one day be required to offer tires with an imbedded RFID tag so that the government can track recalls, accidents, and such to specific batches of tires. The system will allow the government to accurately recall faulty tires or batches of tires so there is limited cost to the manufacturer as well as limited inconvenience to consumers.

Benefits of RFID Over Barcodes

There is no doubt that barcodes are a great thing for the majority of retailers and others out there. Barcodes are a universally accepted way of tracking or storing information on a particular item. The problem with barcodes is that they are easily damaged. Whether it is on a vehicle, a tire, a book, or even baggage, it is very easy for barcodes to be damaged so that they cannot be read. If the barcode cannot be read then it is useless. An RFID tag cannot be damaged to the point that it cannot be read, and it is only in the most extreme cases that it could be destroyed such as fire. Each RFID tag is different, meaning each number is unique and applies to just one object.

Another advantage of radio frequency identification over barcodes is that you needn't have a line of sight between the tag and the reader, like you need to have with the barcode and the reader. A RFID tag can also be edited, so the information can be updated even after the tag has been made. With barcodes, if you want to edit or change the information that is attached to a particular barcode, you must change the whole barcode, meaning the RFID tag would be more efficient long term. Also, it's been said that almost 100% of RFID tags can be read over long periods of time, while barcodes wear out and become damaged quite quickly. In addition, an RFID tag is not subject to poor print quality as barcodes are. The problem with barcodes is that if they are printed poorly they will not scan or be read appropriately, limiting their effectiveness.

Of course, with the RFID tag has come a lot of controversy, not just because it is a change from the barcode. Many people worry that it is more expensive and perhaps will allow corporations or even the federal government to track where consumers go and what they do after they purchase certain items. The fact of the matter is that RFID tags benefit consumers as much as they benefit the companies that use them. Because RFID tags can be used effectively for security purposes, companies can limit their losses through theft and loss, meaning the savings is passed down to the consumer. If the tags are used for airline luggage, luggage is less likely to be lost or taken by other passengers. Simply put, RFID tags increase security for the consumer as well as the companies that use them, and are well worth the cost.