RFID: The most advanced and efficient identification technology
Get the automated traceability of your products, remotely, and in real time
RFID technology
Myruns specialises in the most advanced RFID identification technology. Know what it is and how it works.
What is RFID
RFID, which stands for Radio Frequency Identification, is a technology whose function is the remote identification (up to 15 metres) of persons, objects, and/or animals.
The special feature of RFID technology is that it does not require a visual field and can read up to 1000 IDs per second, allowing the automation of identification and traceability processes, thereby significantly reducing identification times and eliminating human error.
RFID System
A reading system consisting of:
RFID tags
It is a flexible, adhesive, wireless device that has a unique electronic code stored on an IC or microchip for its automated, remote identification.
Reading system
It is a system consisting of a reading processor (reader) and an antenna or antennas whose function is to emit a radio frequency signal which, when reflected from the label, collects the information (identification code) from the label.
Reading solution
Its purpose is to adapt the RFID technology to the medium or application. The reading solution can result in multiple options: Reading arc, reading posts, reading tunnel, integrated to shelves, furniture, or even briefcases.
RFID Software
Is a software that allows you to interact and communicate with the RFID technology. Through different connectivity solutions, the RFID Software can be controlled remotely and in real time. In addition to displaying the data, it can also interact with the reading system (change reading frequencies, change reading intensities, etc.).
How does it work?
The system components interact as follows:
The reader acts as the locomotive part of the system and the antennas as its eyes. With proper direction and power of the radio frequency emitted by the antennas, the system will be able to capture the readings up to a frontal distance of 15 metres and with a smaller range toward the sides.
The technical reading process is a radio frequency emission emitted by the reader and a process called ‘backscattering’ performed by the RFID tag. Backscattering is a fronton court effect produced by the tag in which the digital ID information is collected, then processed in the reader, and sent to a cloud for viewing. The ecosystem is capable of processing up to 1000 readings per second without requiring a line-of-sight field.
The keys in any case for the optimal operation of an RFID ecosystem are the read antennas and the tag antennas. The best technology and advice are required to select the appropriate RFID components from an RFID ecosystem usage in specific applications.
The ecosystem may experience reading difficulties caused by the following interferences:
- Metal: It reflects the RF signal and creates instability in the performance of the RFID technology that sometimes limits the reading range.
- Liquid: Absorbs the RF signal and limits its reading range.
- Label overlay: In a small space, overlapping labels can interfere with the signal.
Types of frequencies
Currently, we are working with three RFID frequencies:
LF (Low Frequency)
Low-frequency RFID
It operates at 135 kHz and has a very short reading range (2 cm or 5 cm normally). This type of technology is useful for applications such as credit cards, metro cards, bus and access systems.
HF (High Frequency)
High-frequency RFID
Operates at 13.56 MHz. It has a reading range of approximately 12 cm. This type of technology is useful for the identification of objects on automated lines where the lack of interference may be required.
UHF* (Ultra High Frequency)
Ultra-high frequency RFID
Operates between 300 MHz and 3 GHz frequencies (see UHF standard Gen2 point 4). It has a reading range of up to 15 metres. This type of technology is useful for tracking objects outside of automated lines.
*At MYRUNS, we focus on this frequency.
Classes of RFID tags
There are three classes of RFID tags, depending on their ability to interact with the complete system:
PASSIVE
The tag has no battery and responds as a passive element reflecting the read signal. The label consists of an aluminium antenna and an IC.
SEMI-PASSIVE
The tag has a battery connected to the IC. It acts as a passive element, but, at the moment of signal reflection, it injects energy to reach further (30 metres) or to transport more complex information (e.g. Temperature).
ACTIVE
The tag has a connected battery and acts as an active element by constantly emitting a signal that can be read by the reading system up to 100 metres away.
Classes of RFID readers
CONVENTIONAL FIXED READER
A readings processor powered by 230 V and attached to an electrical cabinet with conventional Ethernet communications.
FIXED COMMUNICATIONS READER
A readings processor powered by 230 V and installed in an electrical cabinet with alternative communications: WiFi, LoRa, and GPRS.
MOBILE READER
A reading processor with battery power and wireless.
SMARTPHONE READER
Antenna capable of reading tags in the horizontal position only and with a high reading range.
Classes of RFID antennas
LINEAR POLARISATION ANTENNA
Antenna capable of reading tags only in the horizontal position and with a high reading range.
CIRCULAR POLARISATION ANTENNA
Antenna capable of reading tags in all positions.
RFID vs Barcode
Advantages of the RFID system as opposed to a barcode
| desplaza el contenido |
BARCODE | RFID |
|---|---|---|
| Reading method | Visual reading. | By radio frequency. No visibility required. |
| Simultaneous reading | Individual reading. | Simultaneous reading Up to 1000 labels at a time. |
| Reading speed | Manual reading. One per second. | Automatic reading. One thousand per second. |
| Durability | Subject to surface damage that makes the label useless. | Possibility of protection with plastic substrates. |
| Storage of data | UPC. Identification of a generic item. | EPC. Permits individual identification. |
| Flexibility of information | Does not allow rewriting. | Permits rewriting. |
| Falsifications | Easily reproducible. | No puede duplicarse con facilidad. |
| READING METHOD | |
|---|---|
| Barcode | RFID |
| Visual reading. | By radio frequency. No visibility required. |
| SIMULTANEOUS READING | |
|---|---|
| Barcode | RFID |
| Individual reading. | Simultaneous reading Up to 1000 labels at a time. |
| READING SPEED | |
|---|---|
| Barcode | RFID |
| Manual reading. One per second. | Automatic reading. One thousand per second. |
| DURABILITY | |
|---|---|
| Barcode | RFID |
| Subject to surface damage that makes the label useless. | Possibility of protection with plastic substrates. |
| STORAGE OF DATA | |
|---|---|
| Barcode | RFID |
| UPC. Identification of a generic item. | EPC. Permits individual identification. |
| FLEXIBILITY OF INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Barcode | RFID |
| Does not allow rewriting. | Permits rewriting. |
| FALSIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Barcode | RFID |
| Easily reproducible. | It cannot be duplicated easily. |
- The barcode reading method is visual (requires laser vision), while the RFID does not require visibility.
- An RFID system can read the inside of boxes without the need to open.
- The barcode requires individual reads, while the RFID can perform simultaneous reads.
- An RFID system can read up to 1000 tags at a time with the resulting saving of time.
- Reading the barcode is slow and sometimes a rough surface or dirt on the label can make it even more difficult to read. Instead, RFID is a fast, automatic read.
- The barcode label is superficial for its visual reading method, is difficult to protect, and can be damaged. In contrast, the RFID tag can be protected with plastic substrates or foam.
- The typical barcodes only identify one product (such as EAN). The Electronic Product Code (EPC) is the information transmitted using RFID technology. It is a unique alphanumeric code identifying each item unambiguously from other items.
- The information printed on a bar code is fixed and cannot be changed. However, the electronic information encoded on the RFID tag can be recoded and, therefore, can be rewritten as often as needed.
- The barcode is a visual and easily reproducible technology while the RFID information is easier to hide and is encrypted.
Benefits of RFID technology
The implementation and use of RFID technologies arise from the need to optimise the traceability of identification and tracking processes across multiple applications. Some of its advantages are mentioned below:
REDUCED TIME TO REGISTER ENTRIES
RFID technologies reduce the time in entry logging while providing a real-time inventory.
REDUCED TIME IN BILLING AND SALES
All the information is automated and can be read by readers.
ADVANCED CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION
With all the information automated, it is easy to access and manage the existing information.
REGISTRATION OF INVENTORY MOVEMENT BY DAY/TIME
All movements that are made (entries and exits) are accurately recorded with date and time.
REDUCED TIME IN PHYSICAL STOCK
Control of automated exits and entrances which reduces the time in making physical inventories.
REDUCTION OF LOSS AND MISPLACEMENT OF GOODS
The RFID technologies seek to prevent loss and misplacements, whether inside a factory or during transport, in a highly rigorous and, above all, controlled environment of security.
REGISTRATION OF SALES BY ITEM, MODEL, SIZE, ETC.
Registration of all existing information about each article and easy access to it.
COST CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF NEEDS
By registering the information, a more rigorous control of costs is possible as well as to forecast the company's stock requirements.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
To request more information about any product or service, or to resolve any questions, you can do so through the following contact channels.
We will review your request to send you the desired information within 24 hours, and a technician will contact you.
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