Block Diagram

     Power supply

  RFID  Level  UAR

Flash 
      
program       
        RFID Tag
memory

   
         RFID 
Tag    Crystal 
Oscillator
Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID)

RFID is Radio Frequency Identification Device. It is a fast, affordable and automatic

identification technology that uses radio frequency (RF) to transfer data between a RFID reader

and a RFID tag. Usually the RFID circuit is a single solid-state memory chip, but could also be

designed where several electronic components together are used to form an integrated circuit

design. In other words, RFJD is a means of capturing data about an object without having a human

to read it. It holds a small amount of unique data – a serial number or other unique

attribute of the item .The data can be read from a distance – no contact or even line of

sight necessary RFID technology uses RFJD tags, which is a small object, such as an adhesive

sticker, that can be attached to or incorporated into a product. RFID tags contain antennas to

enable them to receive and respond to radio-frequency queries from an RFID transceiver.

Modules of RFID

The RFID system basically consists of three components:

1. A RFID tag(Transponder)

2. An Interrogator or a tag reader

3. Computer or Processor(Application system with data base)

RFID tags
 An RFID tag is a small object, such as an adhesive slicker, that can be attached to or

incorporated into a product. RFID tags contain antennae to enable them to receive and respond to

radio-frequency queries from the interrogator. The tag is generally made of an 1C. The IC will

include memory and some form of processing capability. The memory may be read only or

read/write, the type selected will depend on the application.

Transponders (tags) can be classified in to two

 Active tags -With internal power supply

 Passive tags -Without internal power supply

Active tags

Active RFID tags, on the other hand, must have a power source, and may have

longer ranges and larger memories than passive tags, as well as the ability to store

additional information sent by the transceiver. At present, the smallest active tags are about

the size of a coin. Many active tags have practical ranges of tens of meters, and a battery

life of up to several years. The advantage is that tag is not dependent on the strength of, the

carrier from the interrogator to provide the power it needs. Now it can use a l l the power

from the battery and so is able to work at a greater distance from the interrogator. The

disadvantage of having a battery is two fold. One, it adds cost to the tag, and two they run

out of power eventually

~100m
 Components of active RFID System

There are four different kinds of tags commonly in use. They are categorized by

their radio frequency:

 Low frequency tags (between 125 to 134 kilohertz)

 High frequency tags (13.56 megahertz)

 UHF tags (868 to 956 megahertz)

 Microwave tags (2.45 gigahertz).

Passive tags

Passive RFID tags do not have their own power supply. The minute electrical current

induced in the antenna by the incoming radio-frequency scan provides enough power for the tag

to send a response. Due to power and cost concerns, the response of a passive RFID tag is

necessarily brief, typically just an ID number (GUID). Lack of its own power supply makes the

device quite small: commercially available products exist that can be embedded under the skin.

As of 2004, the smallest such devices commercially available measured 0.4 mm x 0.4 mm, and

thinner than a sheet of paper; such devices are practically invisible. Passive tags have practical

read ranges that vary from about 10 mm up to about 5 meters. This system also communicates

through a reader which broadcasts a signal through an antenna. When a transponder enters the
antenna field, it receives the signal and energy from the reader. The tag is “charged” with enough

power to send back a unique ID to the reader.

Components of a passive RFID system

Basic working of tags

The tag is made of an IC and an antenna. The IC w i l l include memory and some

form of processing capability. The memory may be read only or read/write, type selected

will depend on the application.

When the tag is brought in the range of the interrogator or the reader, it receives the

signal which is sent by the reader (interrogator). In case of a passive tag, it receives all

the power it needs from the signal itself. As well as using this radio wave to carry the data,
the tag is able to convert it into power. This means that the tag is only powered when it is

in the beam of the interrogator. The tag then uses a technique called backscatter to reply to

the interrogator. This does not involve a transmitter on the tag, but is a means of

“reflecting” the carrier wave and putting a signal into that reflection Battery assisted tags

are just like passive tags (they use backscatter) but they have a battery to provide the power

to the chip.

The tag talks to the interrogator using what is called the air-interface. This is a

specification for how they talk to each other and includes the frequency of the carrier, the

bit data rate, the method of encoding and any other parameters that may be needed.

Also a part of t h i s air interface is what is commonly called the anti-collision

protocol ( i f the tag supports i t ) . This is a means of allowing many tags in the field to talk

“at the same time”. There are several ways of doing this, and each manufacturer has

developed their own way of implementing i t . Two techniques of transmission used are:

“Reader talks first” (RTF)

With a RTF system, the tag just sits there, until it hears a request from the interrogator.

This means that even though a tag may be illuminated (receiving power) from the interrogator, it

does not talk until it is asked a question.

“Tag talks first” (TTF)

The tag talks as soon as it gets power, or in the case of a battery assisted tag or active tag, it

talks for short periods of time, all the time. This gives you a much faster indication of a tag within

sight of the interrogator, but it also means that the airwaves have constant traffic. The antenna in a

tag is the physical interface for the RF to be received and transmitted. Its construction varies
depending on the tag itself and the frequency it operates on. Low frequency tags often use coils

of wire, whereas high frequency tags are usually printed with conducting inks.

RFID Frequencies

RFID operates in several frequency bands. The exact frequency is controlled by the Radio

Regulatory body in each country. The generic frequencies for RFID are:

125 - 134 kHz

13.56 MHz

UHF (400- 930 MHz)

2.45 GHz .

5.8 GHz

Although there are other frequencies used, these are the main ones. In the UHF band,

there are two areas of interest. Several frequencies in the 400 MHz band and then the band 860 –

930 MHz Each of the frequency bands have advantages and disadvantages for operation. The

lower frequencies 125-134k Hz and 13.56 MHz work much better near water or humans than do

the higher frequency tags.

Comparing passive tags, the lower frequencies usually have less range, and they have a

slower data transfer rate. The higher frequency ranges have more regulatory controls and

differences from country to country.

RFID performance criterion

The performance of a Read/Write RFID system is dictated by the following criteria:

• Tags’ Memory Capacity,

• Operating Range,

• Multiple-Tags-in-Field Capability,

• Operating Temperatures,

• RF Carrier Frequency of the Tag-to-Antenna Link,

• RFID System Connectivity.

Memory Capacity

The general rule with any memory based system has always been that no

amount of memory is ever sufficient. Invariably, the response to enlarging the memory capacity

of a system is to increase the scope of the application. So that it requires even more memory.

The amount of memory available on Read Only Tags is 20 bits of information. Active

Read/Write Tags vary from 64 Bytes to 32KB, meaning that several pages of type-written text

can be stored in a Read/Write Tag. This is usually sufficient to carry build manifests and test

data, as well as allowing room for system growth. The memory of Passive Read/Write Tags

ranges from 48 Bytes to736 Bytes and provides many distinct benefits over Active Systems.

Data Transfer Speed

Speed is an important factor for most data capture systems. With today’s decreasing

production cycle times, the amount of time needed to access or update the RFID pallet

identification system must fit within a very small time window. Microwave systems can operate

at high speeds, but the concerns inherent in microwave technology can far outweigh any benefits
gained from the speed.

Read Only Speed

The speed of a Read Only RFID system is dictated by the length of the code, the speed of data

transfer from the Tag, the range at which they will operate, the RF carrier frequency of the Tag to

Antenna Link, and the modulation technique used to transfer data. This speed will vary

according to the specific products used in each application. For instance, the EMS Read Only

system transmits its data in a 20-bit frame at a rate of 8750 bits per second.

Passive Read/Write Speed

The speed of a Passive Read/Write RFID system is based on the same criteria as Read

Only systems, except now one must consider the speed of data transfer both to and from the Tag.

Speed will again vary according to the specific products used in each application. For

instance, the EMS HMS system transfers data at a rate of 1000 bytes per second.

Active Read/Write Speed

The speed of an Active Read/Write system is based on the same criteria as a Passive

Head/Write system, unless the Passive system relies on charging a capacitor in the fag to enable

Communication. Importantly, a typical low-frequency Read/Write system will operate at speeds of

only 100 or 200 bytes transferred per second’.

Operating Range

The Read/Write range for presently available systems varies from less than one inch to

over 29 inches; increased Read/Write ranges of up to eight feet using low frequency 13.56 MHz.

(Contact an EMS Sales Engineer for further details).

EMS is considered the foremost expert on high-temperature RFID applications, and has

numerous high-temperature installations throughout the world. EMS’ field-proven history in

high-temperature applications-originated with the Passive Read Only ES-Series Tags. Designed to

survive up to 401°F (240°C), in addition to sub-freezing levels of -40°F (-40°C).

RFID System Connectivity:

As an extension of an automation system, RFID must be able to integrate with both

existing and developing automation technologies. Importantly, EMS’ RFID systems reduce

installation costs by interfacing directly to personal computers, Programmable Logic Controllers

(PLC’s) and Industrial Network Interface Modules. This connectivity allows EMS to provide

RFID systems that arc flexible and easy to integrate in a diverse set of industries.

Current uses of RFID

Low –frequency RFID tags are commonly used for animal identification beer keg

tracking, and automobile key-and-lock, anti-theft systems. Pets are often embedded with small

chips so that they may be returned to their owners if lost. In the United States, two RFID

frequencies are used: 125 kHz (the original standard) and 134.5 kHz, the international

standard.

RFID tags are used in library book or bookstore tracking, pallet tracking, building access

control, airline baggage tracking, and apparel item tracking. High-frequency tags are widely used

in identification badges, replacing earlier magnetic stripe cards. These badges need only be held

within a certain distance of the reader to authenticate the holder.

UHF RFID tags are commonly used commercially in pallet and container tracking, and

truck and trailer tracking in shipping yards. Microwave RFID tags are used in long range access
control for vehicles, an example being General Motors on Star system. Some toll booths, such as

California’s Fast Talk and Illinois’ I-Pass system, use RFID tags for electronic loll collection.

The tags are read as vehicles pass; the information is used to debit the toll from a prepaid

account. The system helps to speed traffic through toll plazas. Sensors such as seismic sensors

may be read using RFID transceivers, greatly simplifying remote data collection.