Introduction to RFID Tags and Their Functionality

An RFID tag, in its most simplistic form, comprises two essential parts: an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals and an RFID chip (or integrated circuit, IC) that stores the tag’s ID and other information.

On each chip, there are four memory banks – EPC, TID, User, and Reserved. Each of these memory banks contains information about the item that is tagged or the tag itself, depending on the bank and its specifications. You can easily assign a unique identification number or piece of information to your items by utilizing the EPC and User memory banks. This feature allows you to easily track inventory and manage assets, saving you valuable time and resources. With these identifying details, you can rest assured that your items are accounted for and easily accessible. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to streamline your inventory management – program your EPC and User memory banks today. The TID bank cannot be updated because it contains information about the tag itself and the unique tag identifier. The tag’s Reserved memory bank is a special area used for specific tag functions like locking or increasing its EPC memory capacity. Tags can be categorized as read-only (data can be read but not modified), read/write (data can be changed or rewritten), or a combination of both, where some data is permanently stored To ensure optimal system performance, we have reserved a portion of the memory for future encoding and updates. This way, we can ensure that your system always stays up-to-date and efficient. The remaining memory has been made accessible to you so that you can enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted experience.

RFID Tag Variants and Operational Modes

Hundreds of different RFID tags are available in various shapes and sizes, each with features and options specific to certain environments, surface materials, and applications. Choosing the ideal tag for a specific application, environment, and item material is crucial for optimal tag performance.

RFID tags use radio waves to transmit information about an item to the antenna and reader combination. RFID tags typically do not have a battery (unless specified as Active or Instead of being powered by batteries, some RFID tags (also known as BAP tags) receive energy from the radio waves produced by the reader. When a tag receives a transmission from a reader/antenna, the energy flows through the internal antenna and reaches the tag’s chip. The chip is then activated by the energy which is used to modulate the information with the desired signal. Finally, the tag transmits a signal back towards the antenna/reader.

An RFID Tag can be categorized into passive, semi-passive, or active.

• Passive tags, the more common variant, do not require direct line-of-sight to a reader, making them versatile but with a shorter read range. They are compact and lightweight, activated by the energy from an RFID reader. This type of tag has a short reading range of around 0-15 meters, as its activation power is limited. Given their size and cost, passive tags are the most common and can be inlaid like labels or take the form of hard tags made from materials such as plastic or metal.

• Active RFID tags, featuring a battery that requires replacement every 3-5 years, excel in live tracking applications, offering an extended read range compared to passive tags. Passive tags have a limited reading range of a few meters, while active tags have a much higher reading range of up to 100 meters. These tags are more the cost of batteries and transmitters making them expensive. Despite the higher cost, they prove ideal for scenarios like toll or cargo tracking.

• Semi-passive tags, very rarely used, function somewhere between active and passive tags. These tags are battery-powered, helping extend the communication range.

Composition of RFID Tags

 RFID tags are composed of three main elements, each requiring high quality to ensure component functionality:

• Material or Substrate: This component binds the rest of the tag’s parts and is usually made of a thin and flexible polymer or plastic material, ABS, textile, etc. It must withstand the various environmental conditions the tag will be subjected to during its life cycle. The substrate can come in different forms such as metal, plastic, cardboard, and so on. A protective layer made of materials such as PVC, epoxy resin, or adhesive paper, magnets, rivets, etc., is usually added, allowing the tag to be attached to an object.

• Antenna: The largest part of the tag is connected to the chip. “The frequency of operation is determined by its shape.” An RFID tag typically consists of a strip of conductive material made of copper or aluminum. Its primary function is to receive signals emitted by RFID antennas and, depending on the type of tag, either transmit or reflect the received signal.

• RFID Chip: An integrated circuit (IC) that has a memory store and a microprocessor for decision-making. It needs energy to function. In passive tags, the chip is designed as a passive power device, obtaining energy from radio waves radiated by the RFID system’s antenna. When it comes to active tags, the energy required for operation is typically supplied by a battery located within the tag itself. There are many options for memory capacity and security, with a low-capacity chip (from 128 bits) often sufficient for most applications.

RFID System Components and Operations

RFID systems operate through the coordinated functioning of three essential components: an antenna, a transceiver, and a transponder (tag). The combined operation of the antenna and transceiver facilitates the functionality of an RFID reader, commonly known as an interrogator. This collaborative system ensures smooth communication and data exchange between RFID tags and the broader tracking infrastructure.

In the RFID tracking process, once the necessary equipment is secured, the workflow unfolds in four distinct phases. Initially, information is meticulously encoded on an RFID tag, becoming an integral part of the associated item, such as a product/item/asset. Subsequently, the antenna plays a crucial role in identifying the signal emitted by a nearby RFID tag, initiating the tracking sequence. The subsequent phase involves the reader establishing a wireless connection with the antenna, effortlessly extracting the stored information from the RFID tag. Finally, the reader transmits the acquired RFID data to a centralized database, where it undergoes comprehensive storage and evaluation. This systematic process exemplifies the efficiency of RFID technology, offering unmatched advantages in data capture, transmission, and evaluation across diverse industries.

Understanding how RFID works is pivotal for optimizing its applications across industries. Explore the nuances of RFID technology to harness its full potential for seamless tracking and data transmission. For retailers considering an RFID inventory management system, the crucial factor lies in selecting the right size and form factor for RFID tags. This decision directly impacts the effectiveness of the tracking solution, emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful and strategic approach to RFID implementation.