Radio Frequency Identification is a technology that makes use of tags as the main component in its operations. This technology will be in use for the next several decades. RFID tags possess a chip that holds a code called Electronic Product Code (EPC). This code can be sued to detail the contents of any package that makes use of the technology. Readers are able to make out the specific EPC numbers from a distance. This is made without the use of any line-of-sight, scanning, or contact in a physical manner. Middleware can be used to do the original filtering of data from the readers. Several applications are being made to make it possible to comply with the products being shipped. This is according to the RFID technology.
Leon Theremin made a listening device that was able to relay radio waves through audio information. This was in the year 1946. A diaphragm was vibrated by sound waves hence altering the resonator’s shape, and this led to modulation of the reflected frequency of radio waves. A similar technology was invented in 1939 in the United Kingdom. This technology, IFF transponder, was used by World War II allies to identify enemies or friends. To this day, transponders are used by most powerful aircrafts. The initial RFID technology was illustrated by Mario Cardullo. It had a memory of around 16 bit memory.
A radio transponder that has the ability to receive radio signals and send it later as a radio signal is called a tag. A tag has several components such as an antenna and a microchip that has the ability of storing some amount of data. A tag can be programmed by the manufacturer right from the store or it can still be programmed during installation. The tag receives its power from a high powered electromagnetic field that is produced by antennas which are usually fitted on the doorways. The electromagnetic field makes it possible for the chip to replicate a weak signal filled with data. In order to recognize multiple tags, collision detection reads individual tags in an easy way.
An RFID reader has the ability to interrogate a tag. The reader is also fitted with an antenna that has the ability of emitting radio waves. The tag sends back data in response. The reader is made of two main components which are a scanning antenna and a transceiver fitted with a decoder whose role is to interpret data.
Some of the examples of readers are: the EPC code which provides unique identification of objects. The EPC code is mainly used to address and access objects from the network of computers. This is regardless of the fact that the IP addresses of computers makes it possible to identify, communicate and organize the codes.
The RFID technology has found applications in various areas such as IT asset tracking, race timing, E passport, transportation payments, human implants, animal tracking tags, and stock control among others. The RFID technology is no doubt a worthy invention that will be stable and better in the coming years.