RFID tag readers

I’ve seen a lot of posts about RFID tags but not too much about the readers---perhaps the most important part of the RFID process. It’s important to realize RFID tag technology works on the exchange of information. It is the tag reader that processes and converts the information into something that people can use.

In the case of a passive RFID tag, not only does the reader decode the signal but it actually activates it. An interrogator equipped with a receiver and antennae sends an electronic signal to the tag. This current contains just enough power for the tag to send a signal back to the RFID tag reader. Usually, in a passive tag, this signal contains very limited information like location and possibly spec info like color, product number, etc. It is the reader’s job to turn this into useable information.

With active tags it is a slightly different process but with many similarities. The active RFID tags have an internal power source, and a higher degree of memory, which allows more intricate information to be sent. As much as people believe the real advances of RFID technology will come in the tags, it appears that the real breakthrough areas are likely to come in the RFID tag readers that will allow greater and greater distances for the tag to be read. Another radio frequency identification blog. 2 3.