RFID Tag
RFID tags rely on radio waves to transmit data and do not need to be in direct line of sight to a reader. They are commonly applied to drive efficiencies and control retail inventory at the item level.
There are a few recurring costs to consider when setting up an RFID system. These include the cost of an RFID printer ribbon and software license.
Cost
The cost of RFID tags varies widely depending on the type and application. Some tags can be as low as a few cents, while others may run up to or even more than 100 times that price. The most expensive part of an RFID system is usually the hardware that gets it started – readers, antennas, and cables. These are considered fixed costs and will not be repurchased after the initial deployment.
RFID reader pricing varies widely as well, with prices dependent on the RFID Tag amount of memory, whether it is encased in plastic or embedded in a label, and whether it is active or passive. A basic passive 96-bit EPC tag with no special features costs about 7-15 US cents each. Other versions with extra-long battery life or sensors can run up to $100 each.
Passive RTLS systems use Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) readers that transmit an electric field to detect the RFID tags’ signal and determine where they are located. Unlike bar code scanners, UHF readers can read tags from distances of 30 feet or more without direct line of sight. This makes it ideal for retail inventory tracking and minimizing out-of-stock situations.
Some RFID tags are designed to work with other technologies, such as cellular and GPS, to provide seamless indoor/outdoor locationing. Other tags are powered by batteries and emit their own radio signal to communicate with the reader. These active tags are often used to track IT assets. They can be integrated with ITAM repositories like ServiceNow, CA ITAM, and HP Asset Manager using CSV files that are automatically published to the repositories.
Convenience
In addition to reducing inventory management costs, RFID tags make tracking assets and equipment more efficient. They can be attached to specific tools or service kits, so they can easily communicate the location of each item to a central data collection system. This allows facility managers to quickly see who has which tool, ensuring that the right tools are being used on the right jobs. It also helps ensure that no one accidentally misplaces a critical tool that could impact a job’s timeline or cost.
RFID is an easy-to-use technology that can be incorporated into existing systems. Tags operate passively on RF energy until they receive a stimulus that causes them to respond by sending a signal to a reader. The response itself also produces a charge, so the tag can continue to send data to the reader. Compared to a traditional sensor, an RFID tag can provide faster and more reliable data.
RFID tags are very durable and can be easily affixed to any surface. They can withstand the harshest of conditions, such as extreme temperature changes or repeated vibrations. They are also resistant to moisture and water. They can even be affixed to a metal surface without affecting the RF performance. The tag’s RF signal can also be scanned from a distance of up to six feet, allowing for more efficient use of handheld scanners and less time spent on equipment inventory.
Security
RFID Tag is a great technology, but it also has some security concerns. Currently, the most serious concern is with privacy, as hackers could potentially use RFID tags to track individuals. Some experts recommend buying a wallet that prevents RFID signals from reaching the outside world.
An RFID tag is powered by a small integrated circuit and an antenna, which sends out radio waves at a specific frequency. These waves power the chip, mifare desfire ev1 which then transmits information. Using this technology, stores can quickly scan items on their shelves without having to wait for employees to ring them up. RFID tags can also help manufacturers verify the authenticity of their products.
Some forms of RFID are easier to hack than others, but there are ways to improve security. For example, you can lock an RFID tag with a password. This can prevent skimmers from accessing the data. You can also disable the tag by turning off its “kill switch.” Using a kill switch makes the tag unresponsive to all scanners, both legitimate and unauthorized.
RFID systems that transmit sensitive information require more security measures than those that don’t. These measures include cryptographic authentication, which ensures that the tag is being read by a legitimate reader. Other methods, like requiring the RFID tag to transmit a lock password, can also thwart skimming. These techniques may require more computation from the tag, which can reduce its battery life or limit its range.
Reliability
RFID technology is a crucial component of smart manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT). It supports Industry 5.0, the digital transformation of factories and supply chains. However, RFID communication is sensitive to the material density of objects on which it is affixed. This is because the material permittivity influences reflection and absorption, and consequently, the signal strength. In this context, suitable tag design is required to mitigate these effects and ensure robustness in the presence of metal.
The researchers in this study evaluated the performance of RFID tags in both simulation and physical testing. The results demonstrated that the performance of a particular tag depends on the material it is attached to, which may lead to inconsistent readings. They also found that the material in which an RFID tag is affixed to can significantly alter its EM behaviour and influence the transmission characteristics of its antenna.
To address these issues, the team developed a new type of RFID tag that uses a modified memory chip to switch between two different power modes. In the first mode, the chip emits a standard protocol code, similar to fully passive RFID tags. In the second mode, the chip uses a small amount of local energy to transmit a unique code that indicates it has been exposed to a stimuli of interest.