RFID FAQ

The RFID system

An RFID system may consist of several components: tags, tag readers, edge servers, middleware, and application software.

The purpose of an RFID system is to enable data to be transmitted by a mobile device, called a tag, which is read by an RFID reader and processed according to the needs of a particular application. The data transmitted by the tag may provide identification or location information, or specifics about the product tagged, such as price, color, date of purchase, etc. The use of RFID in tracking and access applications first appeared during 1932 [used the system identification to identify friendly and un-friendly planes] . RFID quickly gained attention because of its ability to track moving objects. As the technology is refined, more pervasive and possibly invasive uses for RFID tags are in the works.

In a typical RFID system, individual objects are equipped with a small, inexpensive tag. The tag contains a transponder with a digital memory chip that is given a unique electronic product code . The interrogator, an antenna packaged with a transceiver and decoder, emits a signal activating the RFID tag so it can read and write data to it. When an RFID tag passes through the electromagnetic zone, it detects the reader's activation signal. The reader decodes the data encoded in the tag's integrated circuit (silicon chip) and the data is passed to the host computer. The application software on the host processes the data, often employing Physical Markup Language (PML).

Take the example of books in a library. Security gates can detect whether or not a book has been properly checked out of the library. When users return items, the security bit is re-set and the item record in the Integrated library system is automatically updated. In some RFID solutions a return receipt can be generated. At this point, materials can be roughly sorted into bins by the return equipment. Inventory wands provide a finer detail of sorting. This tool can be used to put books into shelf-ready order.

Current usage

• The Moscow Metro , the world's busiest , was the first system in Europe to introduce RFID smartcards in 1998.

• In the UK , systems for prepaying for unlimited public transport have been devised, making use of RFID technology. The design is embedded in a creditcard-like pass, that when scanned reveals details of whether the pass is valid, and for how long the pass will remain valid. The first company to implement this is the NCT company of Nottingham City, where the general public affectionately refer to them as "beep cards". It has since then been implemented with great success in London, where "Oyster cards" allow for pay-as-you-go travel as well as passes valid for various lengths of time and in various areas.

• "Navigo" passes for the Paris public transport system ( RATP ) also use RFID technology.

• RFID tags are used for electronic toll collection at toll booths with Georgia 's Cruise Card, California 's FasTrak , Illinois ' I-Pass , the expanding eastern states' E-ZPass system, Florida's SunPass , Massachusett's Fast Lane , North Texas NTTA and Houston HCTRA EZ Tag , The "Cross- Israel Highway" (Highway 6), Philippines South Luzon Expressway E-Pass, Brisbane's Gateway Motorway E-Toll in Australia, Central Highway (Autopista Central) in Chile and all highways in Portugal ( Via Verde , the first system in the world to span the entire network of tolls) and France (Liber-T system). The tags are read remotely as vehicles pass through the booths, and tag information is used to debit the toll from a prepaid account . The system helps to speed traffic through toll plazas as it records the date, time, and billing data for the RFID vehicle tag.

• A number of ski resorts , particularly in the French Alps , have adopted RFID tags to provide skiers hands-free access to ski lifts.

• The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency began using RFID tags as a replacement for barcode tags. The tags are required to identify a bovine's herd of origin and this is used for trace-back when a packing plant condemns a carcass. Currently CCIA tags are used in Wisconsin and by US farmers on a voluntary basis. The USDA is currently developing its own program.

• High-frequency RFID tags are used in library book or bookstore tracking, pallet tracking, building access control , airline baggage tracking, and apparel and pharmaceutical item tracking. High-frequency tags are widely used in identification badges , replacing earlier magnetic stripe cards. These badges need only be held within a certain distance of the reader to authenticate the holder. The American Express Blue credit card now includes a high-frequency RFID tag.

• UHF RFID tags are commonly used commercially in case, pallet, and shipping container tracking, and truck and trailer tracking in shipping yards.

• Microwave RFID tags are used in long range access control for vehicles.

• In January 2003 , Michelin began testing RFID transponders embedded into tires. After a testing period that is expected to last 18 months, the manufacturer will offer RFID-enabled tires to car makers. Their primary purpose is tire-tracking in compliance with the United States Transportation, Recall, Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act ( TREAD Act ).

• Starting with the 2004 model year, a Smart Key/Smart Start option became available to the Toyota Prius . Since then, Toyota has been introducing the feature on various models around the world under both the Toyota and Lexus brands, including the Toyota Avalon (2005 model year), Toyota Camry (2007 model year), and the Lexus GS (2006 model year). The key uses an active RFID circuit which allows the car to acknowledge the key's presence within approximately 3 feet of the sensor. The driver can open the doors and start the car while the key remains in a purse or pocket.

• Sensors such as seismic sensors may be read using RFID transceivers, greatly simplifying remote data collection .

• Some smart cards embedded with RFID chips are used as electronic cash , e.g. SmarTrip in Washington, DC , USA , EasyCard in Taiwan , Suica in Japan , T-Money in South Korea , Octopus Card in Hong Kong , and the Netherlands and Oyster Card on the London Underground in the United Kingdom to pay fares in mass transit systems and/or retails. The Chicago Transit Authority recently began using RFID technology in their Chicago Card .

• In August 2004 , the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRH) approved a $415,000 contract to evaluate the personnel tracking technology of Alanco Technologies. Inmates will wear wristwatch-sized transmitters that can detect if prisoners have been trying to remove them and send an alert to prison computers. This project is not the first such rollout of tracking chips in US prisons. Facilities in Michigan , California and Illinois already employ the technology.