RFID, the full name is Radio Frequency Identification. It is a non-contact automatic identification technology that automatically identifies target objects and obtains relevant data through radio frequency signals. The identification work does not require manual intervention and can work in various harsh environments. RFID technology can identify high-speed moving objects and identify multiple tags at the same time, making the operation quick and convenient.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag is a non-contact automatic identification technology that automatically identifies target objects and obtains relevant data through radio frequency signals. The identification work does not require manual intervention. These tags usually consist of tags, antennas, and readers. The reader sends a radio frequency signal of a certain frequency through the antenna. When the tag enters the magnetic field, an induced current is generated to obtain energy and send the information stored in the chip to the reader. The reader reads the information, decodes it, and sends the data to the computer. The system processes it.
RFID label works as follows:
1. After the RFID label enters the magnetic field, it receives the radio frequency signal sent by the RFID reader.
2. Use the energy obtained from the induced current to send out the product information stored in the chip (Passive RFID Tag), or actively send a signal of a certain frequency (Active RFID Tag).
3. After the reader reads and decodes the information, it is sent to the central information system for relevant data processing.
A most basic RFID system consists of three parts:
1. RFID Tag: It is composed of coupling components and chips. Each RFID tag has a unique electronic code and is attached to the object to identify the target object. It is commonly known as electronic tags or smart tags.
2. RFID Antenna: transmits radio frequency signals between tags and readers.
In general, the working principle of RFID is to transmit the radio frequency signal to the tag through the antenna, and then the tag uses the energy obtained by the induced current to send out the product information stored in the chip. Finally, the reader reads the information, decodes it and sends it to the central Information systems perform data processing.
RFID tags usually have different storage areas or partitions which can store different types of identification and data. The different types of memory commonly found in RFID tags are:
1. TID (Tag Identifier): TID is a unique identifier assigned by the tag manufacturer. It is a read-only memory that contains a unique serial number and other information specific to the tag, such as the manufacturer's code or version details. TID cannot be modified or overwritten.
2. EPC (Electronic Product Code): EPC memory is used to store the globally unique identifier (EPC) of each product or item. It provides electronically readable codes that uniquely identify and track individual items within a supply chain or inventory management system.
3. USER Memory: The User memory is a user-defined storage space in an RFID tag that can be used to store customized data or information according to specific applications or requirements. It is usually read-write memory, allowing authorized users to modify the data. The size of user memory varies depending on the tag's specifications.
4. Reserved Memory: Reserved memory refers to the part of the tag memory space reserved for future use or special purposes. It may be reserved by the label manufacturer for future feature or functionality development or specific application requirements. The size and utilization of reserved memory may vary based on the tag's design and intended use.
It is important to note that the specific memory type and its capacity may vary between RFID tag models, as each tag may have its own unique memory configuration.
In terms of RFID technology, UHF is typically used for passive RFID systems. UHF RFID tags and readers operate at frequencies between 860 MHz and 960 MHz. UHF RFID systems have longer read ranges and higher data rates than low-frequency RFID systems. These tags are characterized by small size, light weight, high durability, fast read/write speed and high security, which can meet the needs of large-scale business applications and improve the efficiency of supply chain management and the benefits in areas such as anti-counterfeiting and traceability. Therefore, they are well suited for applications such as inventory management, asset tracking and access control.
EPCglobal is a joint venture between the International Association for Article Numbering (EAN) and the United States Uniform Code Council (UCC). It is a non-profit organization commissioned by the industry and is responsible for the global standard of the EPC network to more quickly, automatically and accurately identify goods in the supply chain. The purpose of EPCglobal is to promote the wider application of EPC networks around the world.
The EPC (Electronic Product Code) is a unique identifier assigned to each product embedded in an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.
The working principle of EPC can be simply described as: connecting items to electronic tags through RFID technology, using radio waves for data transmission and identification. The EPC system mainly consists of three parts: tags, readers and data processing centers. Tags are the core of the EPC system.They are attached to items and carry unique identification and other relevant information about the items. The reader communicates with the tag via radio waves and reads the information stored on the tag. The data processing center is used to receive, store and process the data read by the tags.
EPC systems offer benefits such as improved inventory management, reduced manual effort in tracking products, faster and more accurate supply chain operations, and enhanced product certification. Its standardized format promotes interoperability between different systems and enables seamless integration within various industries.
EPC Gen 2, short for Electronic Product Code Generation 2, is a specific standard for RFID tags and readers. EPC Gen 2 is a new air interface standard approved by EPCglobal, a non-profit standardization organization, in 2004 that exempts EPCglobal members and units that have signed the EPCglobal IP agreement from patent fees. This standard is the basis for the EPCglobal network of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, the Internet and the Electronic Product Code (EPC).
It is one of the most widely adopted standards for RFID technology, particularly in supply chain and retail applications.
EPC Gen 2 is part of the EPCglobal standard, which aims to provide a standardized method for identifying and tracking products using RFID. It defines communication protocols and parameters for RFID tags and readers, ensuring interoperability and compatibility between different manufacturers.
ISO 18000-6 is an air interface protocol developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for use with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. It specifies the communication methods and data transmission rules between RFID readers and tags.
There are several versions of ISO 18000-6, of which ISO 18000-6C is the most commonly used one. ISO 18000-6C outlines the air interface protocol for UHF (Ultra High Frequency) RFID systems. Also known as EPC Gen2 (Electronic Product Code Generation 2), it is the most widely used standard for UHF RFID systems.
ISO 18000-6C defines the communication protocols, data structures and command sets used for interaction between UHF RFID tags and readers. It specifies the use of passive UHF RFID tags, which do not require an internal power source and instead rely on energy transmitted from the reader to operate.
The ISO 18000-6 protocol has a wide range of applications, and it can be used in many fields such as logistics management, supply chain tracking, commodity anti-counterfeiting, and personnel management. By using the ISO 18000-6 protocol, RFID technology can be applied in a variety of scenarios to achieve fast and accurate identification and tracking of items.
RFID and barcode have their own advantages and applicable scenes, there is no absolute advantage and disadvantage. RFID is really better than barcode in some aspects, for example:
1. Storage capacity: RFID tags can store more information, including the basic information of the item, attribute information, production information, circulation information. This makes RFID more applicable in logistics and inventory management, and can be traced back to the entire life cycle of each item.
2. Reading speed: RFID tags read faster, can read multiple tags in a scan, greatly improving efficiency.
3. Non-contact reading: RFID tags use radio frequency technology, can realize non-contact reading. The distance between the reader and the tag can be within a few meters, without the need to directly align the tag, can realize the batch reading and long-distance reading.
4. Encoding and dynamically updated: RFID tags can be encoded, allowing data to be stored and updated. The status and location information of items can be recorded on the tag in real time, which helps to track and manage logistics and inventory in real time. Barcodes, on the other hand, are static and cannot update or modify data after scanning.
5. High reliability and durability: RFID tags usually have high reliability and durability and can work in harsh environments such as high temperature, humidity and pollution. Tags can be encapsulated in durable materials to protect the tag itself. Barcodes, on the other hand, are susceptible to damage, such as scratches, breakage or contamination, which may result in unreadability or misreading.
However, barcodes have their advantages, such as low cost, flexibility, and simplicity. In some scenarios, barcodes may be more suitable, such as small-scale logistics and inventory management, scenarios that require scanning one by one, and so on.
Therefore, the choice of using RFID or barcode should be based on specific application scenarios and needs. In the need for efficient, fast, long-distance reading of large amounts of information, RFID may be more suitable; and in the need for lower cost, easy to use scenarios, bar code may be more appropriate.
While RFID technology has many advantages, it will not completely replace bar codes. Both barcode and RFID technology have their unique advantages and applicable scenarios.
Barcode is an economical and cheap, flexible and practical identification technology, which is widely used in retail, logistics and other fields. However, it has a small data storage capacity, which can only store a code, a small information storage capacity, and can only store numbers, English, characters, and a maximum information density of 128 ASCII codes. When in use, it is necessary to read the stored code name to call the data in the computer network for identification.
RFID technology, on the other hand, has a much larger data storage capacity and can be traced back to the entire life cycle of each material unit. It is based on radio frequency technology and can be encrypted or password-protected to ensure that the data is safe and secure. RFID tags can be encoded and can be read, updated, and activated with other external interfaces to generate data exchanges.
Therefore, while RFID technology has many advantages, it will not completely replace bar codes. In many application scenarios, the two can complement each other and work together to realize the automatic identification and tracking of items.
RFID labels can store many types of information, including but not limited to the following:
1. Basic information of the item: For example, the name, model, size, weight, etc. of the item can be stored.
2. Attribute information of the item: For example, the color, texture, material, etc. of the item can be stored.
3. Production information of the item: For example, the production date, production batch, manufacturer, etc. of the item can be stored.
4. Circulation information of items: For example, the transportation route, transportation method, logistics status, etc. of items can be stored.
5. Anti-theft information of items: For example, the anti-theft tag number, anti-theft type, anti-theft status, etc. of the item can be stored.
In addition, RFID tlabels can also store text information such as numbers, letters, and characters, as well as binary data. This information can be written and read remotely through an RFID reader/writer.
RFID tags are widely used in various fields, including but not limited to:
1. Logistics: Logistics companies can use RFID tags to track goods, improve transportation efficiency and accuracy, as well as provide better logistics services to customers.
2. Retail: retailers can use RFID tags to track inventory, product location and sales, and improve operational efficiency and management.
3. Retail: Retailers use RFID tags for inventory management, inventory control and theft prevention. They are used by clothing stores, supermarkets, electronics retailers and other businesses in the retail industry.
4. Asset management: RFID tags are used for asset tracking and management in various industries. Organizations use them to track valuable assets, equipment, tools, and inventory. Industries such as construction, IT, education and government agencies utilize RFID tags for asset management.
5. Libraries: RFID tags are used in libraries for efficient book management including borrowing, lending and inventory control.
RFID tags can be used in any application scenario where items need to be tracked, identified and managed. As a result, RFID tags are used by many different industries and organizations, including logistics companies, retailers, hospitals, manufacturers, libraries, and more.
The price of RFID tags varies depending on a number of factors, such as the type of tag, its size, read range, memory capacity, whether it requires write codes or encryption, and so on.
Generally speaking, RFID tags have a wide range of prices, which may range from a few cents to a few tens of dollars, depending on their performance and usage. Some common RFID tags, such as ordinary RFID tags used in retail and logistics, usually cost between a few cents and a few dollars. And some high-performance RFID tags, such as high-frequency RFID tags for tracking and asset management, may cost more.
It is also important to note that the price of an RFID tag is not the only cost. There are other associated costs to consider when deploying and using an RFID system, such as the cost of readers and antennas, the cost of printing and applying tags, the cost of system integration and software development, and so on. Therefore, when selecting RFID tags, you need to consider the price of the tags and other related costs in order to select the tag type and supplier that best suits your needs.