Architecture of RFID

RFID Tag

A RFID tag comprises of a chip and an antenna. This tag can be raised for applications. A tag is
embedded in a device for identifying that device and tracking the device using radio waves.
Every tag has a unique serial number.

RFID Reader:

A reader is a transmitter / receiver that can read or write the RFID Tags. The reader is also called
as RFID reader.

RFID Interrogator:

Generally, a microprocessor, microcontroller or digital signal processor is used for controlling

the Reader. Depending on different applications the distance between the RFID Tag and the
Reader antenna can vary.

Personal computer:

The computer used for storing the data into its database.

Working of RFID System:

An RFID device binds tags for identifying different devices, the reader transmits a signal to the
tag and its response is read. This data is sent to the personal computer system.

The RFID tags store the data is a non-volatile memory. The RFID reader sends a signal to the
RFID tag to read the information. On reception of the signal from the RFID reader, the tag
transmits its identification information. This identification information is sent to the personal
computer that stores and processes it.

RFID Reader: (Types of Readers)

A reader is a transmitter/ receiver that can read or write the RFID tag. It is also called as the
RFID Interrogator, A microcontroller, microprocessor or digital signal processor controls the
RFID reader. For acquiring the data from RFID tags, the Reader in mounted to an antenna. The
antenna acquires this data and sends it to the personal computer

There are two types of RFID readers. They are (i) Fixed Readers (ii) Handheld Readers (iii)
Mobile Reader.

(i) The Fixed Readers have a fixed position. eg. They can be placed at the entry and exit
points of big shops, stations, conveyer belts are a factory. The main advantage of
fixed Readers is that they automatically acquire the data without involving the
operator.
(ii) The Hand-held Readers read one or two tags at a time. They are analogous to the
bar code readers. However, in handheld Readers the tag need not be visible like bar
code readers. Generally hand-held readers are used in shopping malls to scan
individual items.
(iii) Mobile Readers can be placed in mobile devices like PDA, mobile phones, trolleys,
power carts. They are portable and can be moved to read the RFID tags.

Antenna:

The antenna uses radio frequency waves for transmitting a signal. This activates the RFID tag.
The RFID tag sends its data to the RFID reader through the antenna.

RFID Tag: (Types of Tags)

An RFID tag is embedded in a device for identifying it and tracking it with the help of radio
waves. An RFID tag consists of a microchip and an antenna that are integrated together in a
module. If this tag is embedded into a device, the reader detects the device and acquires its data
and sends it to the computer.

Every tag has a unique serial number. It is secure and read only tag data cannot be modified. The
RFID tags can have different materials, sizes and types. The RFID tags can be repeatedly used.
Also, the cost needed for maintenance is very low.
There are three types of RFID tags. They are

(i) Active Tags (ii) Semi active (iii) Passive Tags

Active Tags: The active tags are generally powered with the help of an internal battery. Data
can be read as well as written to the active tags. The active tags have a high signal range.
(300 m) Their size is large. The active RFID tags are expensive.

The radio signal obtained from the microchip is transmitted to the reader with the power
from internal battery. At one time multiple tags can be recorded. They can operate in rugged
environments for a long period of time.

They are capable initiating communication.

Disadvantages: They are large size. This limits the applications. They cannot operate without
battery

Semi-active RFID tags: The semi active RFID tags are powered with battery. The battery is
not used for communicating with the reader. It uses battery to power electronics that are used
in conjunction with off-board sensors such as a thermal sensor. The semi-active tags have
more capabilities than active tags. They are used for long range RFID tracking. The semi
active RFID tags are active only when it is under the frequency of the reader.

Passive RFID Tags: The passive RFID tags are powered by the RFID reader or interrogator.
They are not powered by batteries. When the passive RFID tag detects radio waves from the
reader, the tag and coil form a magnetic field. The tag then sends the data in its memory to
the reader.
As passive RFID tags operate without a battery, their life is more than 20 years. They are
cheap in comparison to the active RFID tags.

The size of tag is small. The drawbacks of passive RFID tags are as follows: - (2) The tag is
readable for a long period of time, even if it is not being tracked