RFID

RFID (an acronym for “Radio Frequency Identification” is an automatic identification technology, similar in concept to a bar code. An RFID tag consists of a small integrated circuit attached to miniature antennae, which is capable of transmitting a unique serial number to a reader in response to a query.

Every RFID tag has a unique identification number. The identification number includes not only the traditional information contained in a printed barcode (indicating manufacturer and product type), but also a unique serial number for that tag, meaning that each product or item will be uniquely identified.

Most RFID tags are passive: they do not contain a power source and obtain the power needed to operate from the query signal itself. These passive tags can transmit their identification number from a few millimeters to several meters, depending on the available power.

RFID tags also can be active, which means they contain a power source and can send their identification number over distances of several tens of meters.