RFID

RFID

RFID is a technology that uses chips to control or identify objects at a distance. It is used in many and varied sectors. It is common to see RFID tags, although in Logiscenter we also have printers, terminals, readers, and RFID recorders to exploit this technology to the fullest.

Some of the leading manufacturers of RFID-related tags and terminals that are available in our catalog are Zebra, Promag, Impinj, Unitech, Nordic ID and Bluebird.

What is RFID?

The acronym RFID refers to “Radio Frequency Identification”. It is a technology whose purpose is the same as that of barcodes, but more complex and sophisticated. The information is collected on a chip that carries the tag or tag and that launches radio waves to communicate the information that is read by a receiving terminal.

The chip can be re-recorded as many times as necessary and store a large amount of data. In addition, the code it saves is unique and it is very difficult for other users to have a duplicate tag. This technology is therefore more secure than barcodes.

RFID tags can be read as many times as you need. Its resistance is also a strong point because the information is still legible after withstanding blows and chafing. Another advantage of the RFID tag is that it does not need direct or visual contact to be read.

Types of RFID

We can differentiate between two types of RFID according to the frequency range:

• LF (low frequency): works at the frequency of 135 kHz and has a very short reading range (2-5 cm). It requires contact with a reader to capture the data. It's not useful for product tracking, but you can find it embedded in ID and other apps for access control, parking, authentication, event attendance management, ticketing, and card payment.
• HF (high frequency): works at the frequency of 13.56 MHz and has a longer reading range (about 12 cm), but with specialized readers and larger labels it can reach almost one meter. They have fewer interference problems than UHF (ultra-high frequency) and are a good solution for labeling small objects on automated lines. A high reading speed is also possible, which makes it a good choice in healthcare settings where small vials and samples need to be read.

We can also differentiate between two types of RFID if they have their own power supply or not:

• Active: they have their own power source, so they have a greater reading range and can be read at high speeds. They are more expensive and tend to be larger.
• Passive: they are more common, since you can create tags that are thin enough to be tags. They cost between 10-20 cents, instead of more than £25. This RFID works in such a way that the reader activates the tag that returns its data.

Uses of RFID

RFID technology can be a very useful tool in a wide variety of applications for any type of business. Each RFID installation is unique and requires a lot of planning and pre-testing; it is normal to start with a limited installation. We can find it, for example, in the logistics department to track the products entering and leaving the warehouse in real time, reducing errors. In short, in any area that needs to control the inventory (libraries, etc.) or the items that are going to be marketed (factories, stores, etc.), since the labels collect the necessary information of the genre.

In health, it also allows us to maintain control of patients who enter hospitals and health centers, to avoid confusion and collect data on medicines, diseases and operations, among others. Another place where it is constantly present is on cards, whether access or credit.

Types of RFID-related terminals

In Logiscenter we have several terminals that can help you in the implementation of RFID in your company:

• RFID printers: they are like conventional label printers, only they have a built-in RFID encoder. That is, they print what is necessary on the paper but also record information on the chip integrated into the label. There are different types to cover different needs.
• RFID terminals: scanners, PDAs, tablets, and other tools that have the ability to read RFID tags. The terminals serve to know the information stored by these tags.
• RFID readers and writers: these utensils serve both to read the information carried by the RFID tag and to record new data on it.

Logiscenter is a reference partner of the main manufacturers of RFID technology. This close relationship with manufacturers allows us to offer the best conditions of prices, stock, delivery, and technical service.

Do you have any technical questions or need support? Go to our technical service.

Consult our experts, we will advise you on the best option for your needs.