RFID Technology Components

What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to automatically secure information from individual targets. There are several methods of identifying objects using RFID technology, but the most common is to store a serial number and perhaps other information on an Integrated Circuit (IC) that is attached to an antenna. The antenna enables the IC to transmit the identification information to a RFID reader. The reader converts the radio waves returned from the RFID tag into a form that can then be passed on to computers that can make use of the data.

Passive Radio Frequency Identification Technology

RFID is most often used to identify or track an object or a person. The most basic RFID tag is a passive device which consists only of an IC and an antenna. When this type of tag passes through an RF field generated by a reader, it uses energy from that field to reflect a signal back to the reader. The signal is modulated by the IC and contains data which can be interpreted by the reader. A more advanced type of tag is an active device which contains a battery and is able to transmit signals using its own power rather than reflective power from a reader.

Active Radio Frequency Identification Technology

Active RFID solutions include a number of advanced functions such as: time-temperature monitoring, position tracking and environmental sensing. Target markets for this type of RFID product would include Medical/Pharmaceutical, Government/Military, Food/Agriculture and Transportation. This type of RFID technology product is also referred to as a Smart Active Label (SAL) and is a thin flexible label which contains an antenna, a power source and electronics.

WEDC RFID Solutions

Antenna for passive tags can be produced in a variety of ways. Utilizing conductive inks to print these antenna has become the preferred method since it is both cost-effective and fast when the proper process is employed. The Interface Electronics Division of WEDC has this process in place at our Columbus, Ohio facility using a web-fed press to print RFID antenna at a very high rate. WEDC is producing antenna that have been designed to operate in two popular RFID frequency ranges (see table below).

Frequency Range	HF: 13.56 MHz	UHF: 868-915 MHz
Read Range (Passive)	Approx. 3 feet	Approx. 10 feet
Antenna Type	Coil	Dipole
Tag Power Source	Generally used for passive tags only using power from RFID reader with inductive coupling	Active RFID tags with integral battery or passive tags using capacitive E-field coupling
Typical Applications	"smart cards", wrist bands, item-level tracking	Electronic toll collection, baggage handling, shipment monitoring
Notes	WEDC can supply copper plating for lower resistance in certain applications	WEDC can supply thin, flexible batteries for active tag applications

Other WEDC Capabilities:

• IC Attachment - Antennae can be supplied with RFID chips attached (complete inlets).
• Lamination - Protective layers can be laminated to the inlets to finish the tags.
• Printing - RFID tags can be printed using high volume web-fed presses or digital printing for lower volume customized requirements.
• Format - Rolls, sheets or individual pieces.

The above specifications represent typical applications. Other configurations are possible. Please contact our engineering department at our Interface Electronics Division for evaluation of specific requirements.