RFID Basics

What is RFID technology?

RFID, namely Radio Frequency Identification, in Chinese:Radio frequency identification. It is a communication technology that identifies specific targets and reads and writes related data via radio signals, without the need for mechanical or optical contact between the identification system and the specific target.

The realization of this communication requires three parts to form a complete system.

What three parts make up an RFID system?

The RFID system core consists ofElectronic tag、Reader/writer devices、Software Management SystemIt consists of three parts that work together to achieve data collection, transmission, and control.

Electronic Tag (Tag)

Composed of an antenna (coupling element) and a chip, each tag has a unique electronic code, namely the ID number, and is attached to an object to identify the target object. It is also called a transponder.

Reader

Also called a reader, a device used to read or write tag information, which can be designed as a handheld reader or a fixed reader.

Application software system

It is application-layer software, mainly further processing the collected data and making it available for people to use.

How do RFID electronic tags work?

The working principle of RFID tag technology is as follows:

  1. After the tag enters the magnetic field, it receives the radio frequency signal emitted by the reader.
  2. It sends out the product information stored in the chip using the energy obtained from the induced current (Passive Tag), or actively sends a signal at a certain frequency (Active Tag).
  3. After the reader reads and decodes the information, it is sent to the central information system for relevant data processing.

What Is an RFID Antenna? What Is Its Main Function?

An RFID radio frequency antenna is a device in an RFID system responsible for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, and is a key component connecting the RFID reader/writer and the electronic tag.

Its main function is to transmit RF energy and data signals, enhancing signal strength and extending read/write distance, ensuring stable communication between the reader and the tag. It is widely used in various RFID application scenarios such as logistics, warehousing, and access control.

What factors affect RFID data reading?

RFID read data is mainly affected by four types of factors:

  • Tag features: Type, Installation, Status
  • Reader/writer device parameters: Power, antenna, compatibility
  • On-site environment: Metal or liquid interference
  • Application Scenarios: distance, movement speed, tag density

Can RFID read/write devices of different frequencies be used interchangeably?

RFID read/write devices of different frequenciesNot universally applicable. RFID technology is divided into different frequency bands, and tags and readers in each band use different communication protocols:

Frequency Band Frequency range Communication standards Main Application Scenarios
Low Frequency (LF) 125kHz – Animal identification, access control systems
High Frequency (HF) 13.56MHz ISO 1443 Short-range reading and writing, ticketing systems
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) 860-960MHz EPC Gen2 Long-range batch reading, supply chain management

When purchasing, select the corresponding RFID equipment according to the application scenario.

Why can't RFID tag data be saved after being written?

RFID tag data cannot be saved, possibly due to the following reasons:

  • The tag is in a locked state (some tags support one-time write locking and must be unlocked before writing)
  • Signal interruption during the writing process, such as the tag moving too fast or the reader being too far from the tag, resulting in incomplete data writing
  • Tag chip damaged or write count limit exceeded (some low-frequency tags have write count limits)

Recommendation:Use an RFID writer for stable close-range operation, confirm the tag status, and then rewrite it.

What types of RFID tag memory are there?

RFID tags typically have different memory areas or partitions, which can store different types of identifiers and data:

TID Area

The tag identifier area, usually used for tag management and tracking. Each RFID tag has a unique TID, which is the tag's identifier and is usually read-only and cannot be changed.

EPC Area

Electronic Product Code area, used to store a unique product identifier, usually for logistics and supply chain management.

USER area

User memory area, used to store user-defined data. The user memory area of an RFID tag is readable and writable, allowing users to store their own data on the tag.

Reserved area

Reserved area or reserved memory area; this storage area is usually used to store specific application data or other tag information, such as the access password or kill password.

What can RFID tags store?

RFID tags can store various types of information, including but not limited to the following:

  • Basic item information: For example, it can store the item's name, model, dimensions, weight, etc.
  • Attribute information of items: For example, it can store the color, texture, material, etc. of an item.
  • Item production information: for example, it can store the item's production date, production batch, manufacturer, etc.
  • Item circulation information: For example, it can store the item's transportation route, transportation method, logistics status, and so on.
  • Anti-theft information for items: For example, it can store the item's anti-theft tag number, anti-theft type, anti-theft status, etc.

In addition, RFID tags can also store text information such as numbers, letters and characters, as well as binary data.

What is the current market price of RFID tags?

The price of RFID tags varies due to many factors, such as tag type, size, read range, memory capacity, whether encryption is required, and so on.

Generally speaking, RFID tags have a wide price range. Depending on their performance and application, prices may range from a few tenths of a yuan to a few yuan:

  • Ordinary RFID adhesive labels: usually around a few tenths of a yuan
  • High-performance RFID tags: the price may be higher

Note:The price of RFID tags is not the only cost. When deploying and using an RFID system, other related costs also need to be considered, such as the cost of readers and antennas, the cost of tag printing and application, and the cost of system integration and software development, among others.

Where is RFID technology used? Who uses them?

RFID tags are widely used in various fields:

Retail

Retailers use it for inventory management and anti-theft to improve operational efficiency.

Asset management

Used by institutions across industries to track and manage valuable assets, equipment, and tools.

Warehousing and logistics management

Used by logistics and manufacturing enterprises for automated inventory counting and cargo tracking.

Healthcare

Hospitals use them to track patients, medical equipment, and medications.

Aviation Management

Airlines and airports use it for real-time baggage tracking and equipment management.

Event Timing

Event organizers provide accurate automatic timing for marathons and other events.

Tobacco management

used by monopoly bureaus and manufacturers for product traceability and anti-counterfeiting.

Animal management

Used by farms, pet owners, and quarantine departments as electronic identification.

Library

Libraries use them for book borrowing and returning, inventory, and anti-theft.

What is UHF?

In terms of RFID technology, ultra-high frequency is typically used for passive RFID systems. UHF RFID tags and readers operate at frequencies between 860 MHz and 960 MHz.

Compared with low-frequency RFID systems, UHF RFID systems offer longer read distances and higher data transfer rates. These tags are characterized by small size, light weight, and strong durability, with fast read/write speeds and high security, meeting the needs of large-scale business applications.

Therefore, they are highly suitable for applications such as inventory management, asset tracking, and access control.

What Is EPC Gen 2?

EPC Gen 2 It is the abbreviation of Electronic Product Code Generation 2, a specific standard for RFID tags and readers.

EPC Gen 2 is a new air interface standard approved in 2004 by EPCglobal, a non-profit standardization organization, which waives patent fees for EPCglobal members and entities that have signed the EPCglobal IP agreement. This standard is the foundation of the EPCglobal network composed of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, the Internet, and the Electronic Product Code (EPC).

It is one of the most widely adopted RFID technology standards, especially in supply chain and retail applications.

What is ISO 18000-6?

ISO 18000-6It is an air interface protocol developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. It specifies the communication methods and data transmission rules between RFID readers and electronic tags.

ISO 18000-6 has multiple versions, among which ISO 18000-6C is the most commonly used one, also known as EPC Gen2 (the 2th generation Electronic Product Code), and is the most widely used standard in UHF RFID systems.

The ISO 18000-6 protocol has a very wide range of applications and can be used in logistics management, supply chain tracking, product anti-counterfeiting, personnel management, and many other fields.

What Is EPCglobal?

EPCglobalIt is a joint venture of the International Article Numbering Association (EAN) and the Uniform Code Council (UCC). It is a non-profit organization established at the request of the industry, responsible for the global standards of the EPC network so as to identify goods in the supply chain more quickly, automatically and accurately.

The purpose of EPCglobal is to promote broader application of the EPC network worldwide.

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