What is RFID?
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is an automatic identification system (Auto-ID) used to identify and track any type of living or non-living object carrying a microchip-equipped tag without contact and from a certain distance.
UHF RFID basically consists of a tag, an antenna, and a reader. The electromagnetic waves emitted by the reader are received by the antenna, activating the circuits in the microchip. The microchip then modulates the signals and sends them back to the reader, which converts the received waves into digital data.
An RFID tag is placed directly on or inside the objects to be identified (such as products, packages, vehicles, people, animals, etc.). Today, active, passive, and semi-passive tags—which combine some features of both types—are also used.
Active RFID tags operate with a built-in battery and actively transmit a signal. They have the longest reading range (approximately ~100 meters). Due to the battery and transmitter, they are the most expensive type.
Passive RFID tags do not have an internal power source; instead, the energy that activates the chip is obtained from the waves transmitted by the RFID reader. Passive tags are more cost-effective compared to active tags but generally have a shorter reading range.
RFID basically consists of two main parts: a tag and a reader. In addition to these, an RFID printer, RFID antenna, and the software used by the system can also be included. An RFID tag is made up of a chip, a power source, and an antenna.
Thanks to this structure, the tag can communicate with RFID readers and transmit or receive data. When an RFID tag enters the reading field, it is detected by the reader and wirelessly sends the stored information—along with its unique chip code—via the antenna to the reader in a contactless manner.
Each RFID tag chip has a unique identification code, and any type of information related to the object being identified can be stored within it.
The memory capacity of RFID chips can be determined according to the application or specific needs. Information such as object name, product code, etc. can typically be handled with a memory capacity of up to 1K. Higher memory capacity becomes necessary when a large amount of information about the object needs to be stored, or when tracking and monitoring data is continuously recorded depending on the application.
Since the codes of RFID tags are unique identification numbers assigned by the manufacturer, they are very difficult to duplicate. Multiple levels of protection can be applied to RFID tags. Using security technologies, access to the data inside the chip can be restricted, the chip can be locked, or even rendered unusable if necessary.
Where is RFID Used?
RFID technology can be used in many industries. These include:
- Production and shipment management
- Livestock tracking
- Real-time location tracking (RTLS)
- Retail inventory counting
- Parking control
- Library tracking
- Corporate asset tracking
- Industrial asset tracking
- Access control (vehicle, personnel, participants)
- Stock and inventory tracking
- Infant security (Pink Code)
- Personnel emergency detection (White Code)
- Personnel safety and security
Thanks to RFID, companies can speed up their business processes, reduce error rates, increase efficiency, lower costs, and generate advanced reports quickly and accurately.
RFID technology is also a system that can be integrated with sensors and relays through digital inputs and outputs on readers. Companies develop various applications by combining RFID tags with sensor inputs (such as temperature, humidity, motion, radiation sensors) and relay outputs used for triggering turnstiles, doors, barriers, and alarms.
Within the scope of BARFAS AUTO ID, the UHF RFID System—implemented at an advanced technological level in many parts of the world—integrates UHF RFID antennas, UHF RFID readers, and UHF RFID tags. It serves as a reliable solution for companies with high production capacity that experience issues in product entry and exit processes, minimizing losses in terms of cost.
Operating in the field of automatic identification and data collection, BARFAS AUTO ID manufactures UHF RFID tags, UHF RFID antennas, and UHF RFID readers. RFID systems are designed entirely with domestic and national resources by Turkish engineers, and the products are offered throughout the country, primarily in Gaziantep, Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Bursa, Adana, Hatay, Osmaniye, and Kahramanmaraş.