About the Technology

After all, what is RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)?

" RFID is a Powerful and Versatile Technology for Identifying, Tracking and Managing a Huge Range of Products, Documents, Animals and People without contact and without the need for a Visual Field."

RFID systems consist of:

• Reader with antenna;
• Transponder (Tag, RF Tag);
• Computer or other type of controller.

Such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) works?

As the name implies, RFID is a technology that utilizes Radio Frequency Identification to capture the data and not the light as in the barcode. Therefore, the RFID technology enables a tag to be read without the necessity of visual field through objects such as wood, plastic, paper etc.

Transponder or tag radio frequency (or simply tag) and a reader with an antenna, which can also be recorder if necessary to write new data to the transponder chip: For this communication occurs basically two components is necessary.

As we approach one of the tag reader, the electromagnetic field generated by the reader powers the tag, which transmits data from its memory to the reader and vice versa, if a tag read/write.

What is a transponder or tag?

The transponder (also known as a tag) comprises:

• Chip;
• Antenna, which is connected to the chip;
• Encapsulation PVC, epoxy sticker, etc.

The main component is the chip of the transponder, since it controls communication with the reader. The chip has a memory where data is stored. These data are sent to the reader when the chip is activated by the electromagnetic field of the reader. Tags are read-only (RO) that come with a single pre-recorded number of works in his memory, and tags read/write (RW), where the user with the help of a reader/writer, can store data in the tag memory. Storage capacity varies by type of chip. Typically, in passive systems, the capacity varies from 64 bits to 8 kilobits.

Newer chips incorporate a so-called anti-collision system where it is possible to read different transponders simultaneously.

What is a Reader Transponders?

The transponder reader not unlike a barcode reader in terms of function and connection to the computer. However, the reader transponder operates by issuing an electromagnetic field (radio frequency), which is the source that powers the transponder, which in turn responds to the reader with the contents of its memory. Unlike a laser reader, for example, barcode, transponder reader does not need visual field for reading the tag, which can be made using various materials such as plastics, wood, glass, paper, cement, etc.

What is a Recorder Transponders?

A recorder transponders follows the same characteristics of the reader. However, in addition to reading, it can also record data in the memory of tags since this is the type read/write (RW).

When should I use a tag read/write (RW) or a read-only (RO)?

You need to know all the specific needs to answer this question. There are pros and cons to record or not record information directly on the tag.

It is necessary to assess the infrastructure administration of entire information before selecting the best type of tag for your application. There are advantages and disadvantages to centralize their data in a database, on-line system (using a read-only tag) or decentralized system offline (using a tag reading and writing).

What is reading distance (read range) and why is it important?

In an RFID system reading distance is a very important factor for proper functioning. It indicates how close the reader and tag can be read depends on several factors such as type of tag (active or passive), size of the tag antenna, working frequency, power player, among others. The reading distance must be optimized for each application.

How to choose the RFID system?

The environment of each application defines:

• System frequency;
• Chip Type;
• Shape and material of encapsulation;
• Type of reader;
• Software.

Once these factors, the system will be completely customized for your application.

What are the benefits of an RFID solution?

Many An RFID solution offers:

• Increased security;
• Reduction of operational costs;
• Elimination of human errors;
• Increased customer satisfaction;
• Increase in speed of the processes, due to automation of the same;
• Better control on quality processes;
• Reducing losses and inventories.

An RFID system interferes in a wireless network?

In most cases, no. Wireless networks and RFID systems typically do not use the same frequency band (except UHF systems). The interference, if detected, is not greater than the interference from a cordless phone on a TV. Even though both systems use the same frequency band, which is very rare, you should just avoid putting the reader very close to the device that can receive or cause interference.

What is the behavior of tags to identify objects or metal products?

If there is a limitation to the use of RFID is the identification of metal. How we deal with magnetic fields, it is natural that the metal interferes negatively on their performance. However, special tunnels circumvent this limitation, so that we can identify today's automobiles, railcars and containers obviously shielded the limitations with respect to the reading distances.

The Smart Label (Smart Label) is really smart?

Making an analogy with so-called smartcards, already well spread in the banking sector, we can say that what we call smart labels are actually stickers with memory. It is understood as something that allows smart internal processing, arithmetic calculations or decision making from certain decoded information. The smart labels in the market have nothing but memory for storing data, and therefore it would be correct to rename them from electronic tags or memory. However, the term smart label has become popular and we believe will remain that way.