Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): Definitions

Capable of operating (not simultaneously) in either of two directions that are the opposite of each another.

A numbering system in which numbers are expressed as combinations of digits "0" and "1" or "off" and "on".

The number of bits that can be programmed into the tag.

Region of the scanner field in which a tag will operate.

The main frequency of a transmitter, or RFID reader; such as, 915 MHz. The frequency is then changed, or modulated, to transmit information.

An RFID tag that doesn't depend on a silicon microchip.

Some chipless tags use plastic or conductive polymers instead of silicon-based microchips. Other chipless tags use materials that reflect back a portion of the radio waves beamed at them.

A computer takes a snapshot of the waves beamed back and uses it like a fingerprint to identify the object with the tag.

Companies are experimenting with embedding RF reflecting fibers in paper to prevent unauthorized photocopying of certain documents. Chipless tags that use embedded fibers have one drawback for supply chain uses: only one tag can be read at a time.

A UHF reader that emits radio waves in a circular pattern.

These antennas are used in situations where the orientation of the tag to the reader cannot be controlled.

Since the waves are moving in a circular pattern, they have a better chance of hitting the antenna, but circular-polarized antennas have a shorter "read range" than linear-polarized antennas.

RFID tracking systems set up within a company. Since the tracked item never leaves the company's control, it does not need to worry about using technology based on open standards.

This term is sometime used to refer to the process of writing a serial number to a tag (or programming a tag) and associating that number with the product it is put on in a database.

A device connected to several RFID readers to gather data from the readers.

The concentrator usually performs some filtering and then passes only useful information from the readers on to a host computer.

1. An awkward name for a credit card or loyalty card that contains an RFID chip to transmit information to a reader without having to be swiped through a reader. Such cards can speed checkout; therefore, providing consumers with more convenience.
2. An identification card that contains an RFID chip to transmit information to a reader without having to be swiped through a reader.

See Inductive Coupling.

A method of checking data stored on an RFID tag to be sure that it hasn't been corrupted or some of it lost.

An area of memory on an RFID microchips that is assigned to a particular type of information.

Data fields may be protected or they may be written over, so a data field might contain information about where an item should be sent.

When the destination changes, the new information is written to the data field.

The ability to prevent data stored in a specific area of memory of an RFID microchip from being overwritten.

Companies might want to protect the data field that stores an Electronic Product Code, which doesn't change during the life of the product it's associated with.