FAQ

1.   RFID – Radio Frequency Identification.

2.   Why  would  RFID be preferred over over Barcode ?

a.       Super Intelligent barcode.  A  UHF Reader can read a large number of  tags in one second.

b.      Capable of  storing  data.

c.          Read / write ability  allows modification of data on RFD tag  to associated it with the  state of  the product it is  attached to.

3.   Why  is RFID called the  “Internet  of things” ?

Ø  Tag  carries ubiquitously accessible information.

Ø  Tag  is associated with the  object. Now  the object  basically carries intelligent  object  information on itself.

Ø  Information on  object  is  useful for  identification and / or for  transaction processing.

4.   Types of tags ?

·         Passive :- 

o   Powered with RF energy  of Antenna. The Antenna is connected to the  reader which initiates the conversation

o   Dumb  low  memory and no processing powered – has identification number only.

o   Low cost starting  from Rs 25 on upwards. ( cost as of Sept 2007 ).

·         Active –

o   Intelligent  RF Device.

o   Memory

o   Processor power

o   Tag  can initiate conversation with Reader.

5.   Frequencies  &  Distance  of  reading

Ø  LF ( Low Frequency ) – 125 to 148 KHZ ( < 15 inches read  range ).

Ø  HF ( High frequency ) – 13.56 MHZ ( <= 36 inches ).

Ø  UHF ( Ultra high freq ) – 860 – 915 MHZ ( <= 10 meters ).

Ø  Microwave :- 2.45 GHZ ( <= 50 meters ).

Ø  UWB :- 6 – 8 GHZ ( <= 150 meters ).

6.   What  are the  various types of  Issues  in RF communication ?

Ø  Metals.

Ø  Water.

Ø  Orientation.

Ø  Polarization.

7.  Life  of  a Tag ?

Depends  on if it  is a  Passive or  Active  tag.  Passive tags  can be a one time low cost consumable item vs  an active  tag  which can last 10/15 years  with  2 to 4  battery exchanges. Usually in 10 years technology  changes completely.

8.   Cost  of  a  Tag ?

Ø  Passive  -  Rs 25  - Rs 100.

Ø  Active – Rs 500 – Rs 5000 based on multiple  factors.

For  closed loop applications if passive / active tags can be  re-used over multiple cycles the cost of the  tag per item  goes  down drastically if it gets used over   hundred to  thousand items.

9.  Does RF get interrupted by WI-FI ?

If its frequency is in the WI-FI range then possibly.

10.  What are the  components of a complete RFID implementation ?

·         Hardware

o   Tags

o   Readers

o   Antenna’s

o   Network Switches

o   Cables

o   Servers

·         Software

o   Reader Firmware

o   Middleware

o   Application software

·         Service

o   Solution Architecture

o   Hardware Design & Setup.

o   Software Design  &  Development

o   Unit, Module  & Integration Testing.

11. In how  many  years  does an organization get  ROI ?

Varies  by application. As per research done by Aberdeen  group  the ROI is anywhere between 24 to 36 months ( 2 to 3 years ) for  supply  chain , logistics & asset management  types of applications.

12.  Key  Advantages of using RFID ?

Ø  Process visibility.

Ø  Material  visibility and tracking

Ø  Security & Authentication.

Ø  Increase in productivity.

13. Smallest Tag ?

Ø  2006 HITACHI   0.15 x 0.15 mm ( not including antenna ) & thinner than a sheet of paper – 7.5 micrometers.

14. What are components of the  Tag ?

Ø  Processor chip.

Ø  Memory.

Ø  RF antenna.

15. How  can the tag  be attached  to objects ?

Ø  Glue ( Stick able tags )

Ø  Ring ( Attachable tags ).

Ø  Socket portable  tags.

16. What  Standards apply to RFID ?

Ø  ISO

Ø  EPCGLOBAL.

17. Is security a  concern  for RFID data  transfer ?

If the data  being transferred/communicated is sensitive  such identity information or government / military  information  this  data  unless protected through cryptography is open to misuse.

18.  Are there  regulated frequencies ?

Ø  UHF &  UWB  re regulated  frequencies  needing licensing permissions and fees for usage.  Governments globally have adopted variable de-licensing frequencies based on country regulations specially for UHF . Indian government has opened up 865- 867 MHZ as the de-licensed zone for UHF frequencies.