2012

Radio Frequency Identification(RFID)

Presented By:
Aaliya (36) Amit (37) Pramod(38) Tejas (39) Karan (40)

S.Y.E.X.

Tpoly

Introduction What is RFID system?

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is the use of a wireless non-contact system that uses radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data from a tag attached to an object, for the purposes of automatic identification and tracking. Some tags require no battery and are powered by the electromagnetic fields used to read them. Others use a local power source and emit radio waves (electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies). The tag contains electronically stored information which can be read from up to several meters (yards) away. Unlike a bar code, the tag does not need to be within line of sight of the reader and may be embedded in the tracked object.

Design
A radio-frequency identification system uses tags, or labels attached to the objects to be identified. Two-way radio transmitter-receivers called interrogators or readers send a signal to the tag and read its response. The readers generally transmit their observations to a computer system running RFID software or RFID middleware. The tag's information is stored electronically in a non-volatile memory. The RFID tag includes a small RF transmitter and receiver. An RFID reader transmits an encoded radio signal to interrogate the tag. The tag receives the message and responds with its identification information. This may be only a unique tag serial number, or may be product-related information such as a stock number, lot or batch number, production date, or other specific information.

Brief History
Invented and used from (Early 1940s) Commercial Operation begun from 1960s In 1970s developers, inventors, companies, academic institution and government sectors were actively worked on RFID

During World War II there was no means to identify whether the plane entering the airspace was of a friend or a foe and this created a lot of confusion for the forces out there. In order to deal with this problem the British came up with a friend or foe system where a transmitter was placed on all their planes so that on communication they came to know that the plane belonged to them and it wasnt shot down in an air of confusion. It was only during the fifties and the sixties that Europe, Japan and United States that research was conducted in the area of RFID and companies started using it in anti theft systems.

Key Components
READER TAGS SELF CHECK-OUT/IN MIDDLEWARE (PC) SECURITY GATE

Common Problems with RFID

Some common problems with RFID are reader collision and tag collision. Reader collision occurs when the signals from two or more readers overlap. The tag is unable to respond to simultaneous queries. Systems must be carefully set up to avoid this problem. Tag collision occurs when many tags are present in a small area; but since the read time is very fast, it is easier for vendors to develop systems that ensure that tags respond one at a time. See Problems with RFID for more details.

Barcode Vs RFID
A significant advantage of RFID devices over the others mentioned above is that the RFID device does not need to be positioned precisely relative to the scanner. We're all familiar with the difficulty that store checkout clerks sometimes have in making sure that a barcode can be read. And obviously, credit cards and ATM cards must be swiped through a special reader. In contrast, RFID devices will work within a few feet (up to 20 feet for highfrequency devices) of the scanner. For example, you could just put all of your groceries or purchases in a bag, and set the bag on the scanner. It would be able to query all of the RFID devices and total your purchase immediately. (Read a more detailed article on RFID compared to barcodes.) RFID technology has been available for more than fifty years. It has only been recently that the ability to manufacture the RFID devices has fallen to the point where they can be used as a "throwaway" inventory or control device. Alien Technologies recently sold 500 million RFID tags to Gillette at a cost of about ten cents per tag.

One reason that it has taken so long for RFID to come into common use is the lack of standards in the industry. Most companies invested in RFID technology only use the tags to track items within their control; many of the benefits of RFID come when items are tracked from company to company or from country to country.

Applications/Uses:
The RFID tag can be affixed to an object and used to track and manage inventory, assets, people, etc. For example, it can be affixed to cars, computer equipment, books, mobile phones, etc. RFID offers advantages over manual systems or use of bar codes. The tag can be read if passed near a reader, even if it is covered by the object or not visible. The tag can be read inside a case, carton, box or other container, and unlike barcodes, RFID tags can be read hundreds at a time. Bar codes can only be read one at a time. Applications of RFID: Access management Tracking of goods Tracking of persons and animals Toll collection and contactless payment Machine readable travel documents Airport baggage tracking logistics

Conclusion
RFID technology is taking off at an increasingly rapid pace, but there are some problems associated with it, which includes Security, Privacy and Ethics Problems.