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Sunday, November 24, 2013

4. Radio Frequency Identification

Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, is a system that transmits the identity of an object or person wirelessly using radio waves.  It is a type of automatic identification technology, which are designed to reduce the amount of time and labor needed to manually input data and to improve data accuracy. RFID enables readers to capture data on tags and transmit it to a computer.  The tag consists of a microchip attached to a radio antenna.  These chips can store up to 2 kilobytes of data, including date of manufacture, destination and sell-by date.  To retrieve the data, a reader is needed.  The reader has antennas that emit radio waves and receive signals back from the tag.  The reader then passes the information to a computer where it can be stored.
Companies have been using RFID technology for about a decade now, and there are several different applications for the service.  The most common application is asset tracking.  Companies can put tags on assets that are lost or stolen often, or are just hard to locate.  RFID can also be used in manufacturing plants to track parts and works in process in order to reduce defects and manage production.  Another use for the technology is supply-chain management to track shipments and monitor the condition of products in transit.  Lastly, RFID can be used as a payment system.  For example, it is used in the EZ Pass system for paying tolls.  It can also be used to make paying for train or subway rides faster and more convenient.  These are just a few examples of the uses for RFID technology.

References:

http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?1339

http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?1334/3


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