RFID-FAQ

	What is RFID?
	RFID is Radio Frequency identification system and uses radio waves to track down moving objects. The three components used for this purpose are the hardware, the software and the readers or interrogators. The RFID technology is used to tag moving objects and the data is read from the tag with the help of readers or interrogators and this information is stored on a central computer which can act as a database of all information pertaining to the inventory.
	What is RFID tag?
	RFID tag is one of the main components of this technology to identify objects. This is generally a small plastic component which is used to store data pertaining to any moving objects and contains a battery if required. It can send out signals and can be read by a reader. Based on application RFID tags can be designed active tags, passive tags and semi active or semi passive tags.
	What is an RFID interrogator?
	RFID interrogator is the component that can read the data fed in a tag and transmit it to a computer database to which it is attached. These interrogators are also called readers and can be of a wired or wireless variety. The interrogators do not generally need a line of sight vision or direct contact to read a tag. They can also read a large number of tags simultaneously. The RFID interrogator can read a tag or send out information to a tag with the help of radio frequency wirelessly.
	Why are RFID tags superior to barcodes?
	RFID tags not only contain a large quantity of data but can also be custom designed to meet the needs of the industry they are being used in. These tags are rewriteable and can store large quantities of data. They are intelligent in nature and durable to wear and tear. They can be located at any given time even if their location is not fixed. Some varieties of RFID tags are capable of emitting radio signals themselves to help determine their location and can double up as temperature and humidity sensors too. These tags are almost 100% accurate in the information they transmit to the sensors or interrogators.
	How does RFID work?
	This is a tracking and management system that works on the principle of tagging of a particular object with a RFID tag. This tag contains information pertaining to the object and the interrogator or reader reads this information from the tag with the help of a wireless or wired system. Generally in RFID technology the information is transmitted wirelessly via radio signals. This information is passed to the computer database which maintains details of the tagged objects and with the collaboration of human manpower effectively manage these objects. The entire system is high speed, error free and largely wireless. The management of these tagged objects and their software options can be designed as per the needs of the customer purchasing the RFID solution.
	Why RFID solutions?
	It is a wireless high speed solution Manpower is reduced considerably Zero error results Data and information can be altered any time and hence information is based on real time placement of tagged objects RFID tags can work in any environment and temperatures where traditional barcodes would wear and tear. Tags can be custom designed to suit a particular industry or sector Tags can also emit signals as they can have a battery too Entire system is based on radio frequency emission of data Software solution of the RFID system can be custom designed to suit a particular industry/sector
	RFID-Frequency
	The RFID technological solution is a technology that is largely dependent on the radio frequency system of communication for transmission of data at high speed wirelessly. Depending on the type of radio frequency that is used for a particular industry or sector its radii will vary. Also depending upon the the sector where RFID technological solution is being used the frequency used will vary. Each material reacts differently to radio frequencies. Some materials block radio frequencies, some reflect and some make the radio frequencies loose their energy. There are four types of radio frequencies:
	Low frequency (LF) - Used in passive tags, accepted worldwide and data transfer rate from tag to reader is low. This frequency is useful when the tags are used in metal, dirt, snow, mud or liquid based environments. Range of low frequency: 30 KHz - 300 KHz. High frequency (HF)-Used in passive tags, accepted worldwide and used majorly in hospitals. The data transfer rate from tag to reader is slow and the performance of the tag in this frequency range is average. This range of frequencies is appropriate for metals and liquid environments. Range of very high frequency: 3 MHz - 30 MHz Ultra high frequency (UHF)-Used in both active and passive tags and used worldwide only because of the new mandates to promote this frequency range (normally this frequency range is not accepted worldwide). The data transfer rate of UHF is very fast between the tag and the reader. This frequency range does not perform well in metals and liquids. Range of ultra high frequency: 300 MHz - 1GHz.