| RFID uses radio waves to identify and track tags attached to products. An RFID tag is a small silicon microchip attached to an antenna. It is capable of transmitting unique information at a distance of up to several meters in response to a query from a reading device beyond the line of sight.
During operation, a reader sends out electromagnetic waves. The tag antenna, attached to an object, is tuned to receive these waves. The passive tag will identify itself when it detects a signal from a reader emitting a radio frequency transmission. When these tags pass through a field generated by a compatible reader, they transmit this information back to the reader, thereby identifying the object. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information which can then be sent to computers that can make use of it. The unique information identifies the object to which the tag is attached and points to additional information linked to that ID in a database.
In 2006, EPCGlobal established global standards for adoption of this technology, making it ready for commercial use. Countries around the world have accepted these standards.
EPCGlobal, a subscriber-driven organization, leads the development of industry-driven standards for the Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) to support the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in today’s fast-moving, information rich, trading networks. |
Unlike a bar code label which requires line-of-sight reading and has only a single code for all items of a particular product, an RFID EPC tag can identify each individual unit of that product even when it is on the move. It also allows the data on it to be updated. MORE (RFID Tag vs. Bar Code page)
RFID systems are increasingly being used in processes to attain global standardization, lower costs and increase performance. EPC standard Class 1 Generation (Gen) 2 establishes a single UHF (Ultra High Frequency) specification and is designed for worldwide use. It addresses emerging UHF regulations in different regions. UHF works in the range of 850-960 MHz; every region has specified a bandwidth within this range. Globally, equipment manufacturers follow EPC standards and enable their equipment to read and/or adjust to the complete UHF spectrum.
For detailed definition, usage, standards, issues go to Wikipedia.org
For detailed definition, usage, standards, issues go to Wikipedia.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rfid
For EPC Standards
http://www.epcglobalinc.org/what/cookbook/
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