RFID

NJE Consulting Inc. is a premier source of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) implementation and integration expertise in North America. We can assist with incorporating RFID into your products, help you source RFID hardware appropriate to your needs through our extensive network of suppliers, or deliver a complete RFID solution that includes hardware, software, and integration with your existing information systems.

This page, and the pages accessible from the menu on the left provide general information about RFID that may help you decide whether RFID technology is the right solution to your business problem.

RFID General Technical Information

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) works on the basis of radio-frequency communication between an RFID Tag and RFID Reader. RFID Tags come in two varieties: Passive tags derive power from the reader itself, while Active tags carry their own, often replaceable, battery. Active tags are significantly more expensive, but have a much longer read-range than Passive tags.

From the point of view of the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry, the functionality of RFID technology partially overlaps that of traditional barcode technology. The following table compares some of the advantages and disadvantages of each technology.

Beyond the Passive/Active distinction, RFID technology operates in several different frequency ranges, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. The following table lists the five frequency ranges commonly used for RFID in North America, along with their characteristics.

Comparison of Barcode and RFID Technologies
Barcode Technology	RFID Technology
Requires line-of-sight. This is generally considered a disadvantage; however, it can actually be an advantage where precise targeting is required. An operator sees and knows exactly which barcode he is scanning.	No line-of-sight required. This tends to be an advantage for systems that aim to eliminate human intervention, e.g. baggage handling and document inventory systems. RFID has an advantage in dirty or harsh environments where a barcode would become obscured.
Barcodes are scanned one at a time.	Depending on technology used, up to several hundred RFID tags can be scanned in a single second by one reader.
Once printed, a barcode cannot be modified.	Some (not all) RFID tags allow information to be modified. Typical capability is 100,000 write operations with a 10 years data-retention lifespan.
Data on barcode could be encrypted; however, they provide no protection from being copied.	RFID tags allow more sophisticated forms of data protection.
Typically cheaper than RFID tags.	More expensive than barcode. The cost of tags can be the one thing that makes or breaks the economic case for RFID. Tags range from $USD 0.15 for huge volumes of disposable tags up to around $USD 5.00 for environmentally protected passive tags in low volumes. Active tags start at around $USD 20.00 each.
Other than the obvious requirement of the barcode being physically visible, the technology is not subject to many variables.	RFID implementation need to consider a number of variables, including electrical and RF noise, proximity of metals and liquids, and environmental conditions like snow and humidity.

Characteristics of RFID Technologies
	125kHz	13.56 MHz	433 MHz	915 MHz	2.45 GHz
Active or Passive?	Passive	Passive	Active	Passive (Active also available)	Active and Passive
Designation	Low Frequency (LF)	High Frequency (HF)	Ultra High Frequency (UHF)	Ultra High Frequancy (UHF)	Microwave
Advantages	Not affected by liquids. Only technology that can work around metal.	Larger data capacity and rate than LF	Active RFID stands in a class of its own due to long read-range.	Highest read-range for passive tags.	Highly directional, enables precise targeting.
Disadvantages	More expensive tags than HF and UHF due to large number of windings necessary. No or poor anti-collision. Low data capacity and rate.	Negatively affected by metal and other materials.	High price of tags.	Highly affected by metals and liquids. Subject to reflection.	Most affected by metals and liquids.
Read Range	Up to 1 m with long-range fixed reader.	Up to 1.5 m with long-range fixed reader. Up to 15cm with hand-held reader.	3 to 100m and even more	Up to about 4 m under perfect conditions with a fixed reader. Up to 1.5 m with hand-held reader.	Up to 1 m for passive.
Tag Pricing ($USD)	~$0.50 to $5.00	$0.30 to $2.00	$20 and up	$0.20 to $8.00 (highly ruggedized)
Reader Pricing ($USD)	$50 to $5000 for long-range readers	$200 and up	$600 and up	> $1000 up to $4000 for full portal systems
Common Uses	Animal Tracking. Industrial Process Tracking. Access Control.	Item tracking. Document/Library. Smart Cards.	Asset and fleet tracking.	Logistics case/pallet tracking. Baggage handling.	Logistics. Highway toll collection.
Tag Sizes	From cm-long glass capsules to 1-foot disks.	Very thin. Postage stamp to credit-card size and larger.	Credit card sized.	Very thin. Credit card sized.
Notes	Most mature technology. Many existing applications.			Europe uses a slightly lower UHF frequency.

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