RFID Systems
There are numerous pieces of hardware involved in creating a working RFID system. If a system is set up correctly with the right tools and thoroughly tested, then it should be able to read moving or stationary tags at 100% efficiency.
RFID systems consist of the following
• Reader
- Known as the brain of the system. They can be programmed to read particular RFID tags, read tags at a certain time, read tags once in inventory mode, or read tags over and over to gauge specific data. The prices for readers range from few hundred dollars for a simple reader/writer to thousands of dollars for complex, high performance reader.
• Antenna
- Their task is to send the RF energy to the RFID tags to energize them and then listen to receive the tag´s response. They are connected to the RFID reader throughout a coaxial cable, to send and receive information.
• Tags
- RFID tags are small low-cost items that could be attached to items that require tracking or other sets
of collecting the data. Tags consist of one or more memory banks to store various information and unique identifiers. The RFID tags are added to many products in retail to make sure that they are not stolen
• Coaxial Cables
- Connect the reader and antenna that enables the reader to send commands through RF energy towards the antenna. RFID cables differ in terms of connectors, length and insulation rating.
• Auxiliary terms
- Based on the complexity of an RFID system, supplementary items including antenna, mounting brackets, RFID printers, GPIO adapters and portals can be added for ease of use.
• Software
- In any RFID system some type of software must be present for hardware to complete basic tasks.