Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology.
                     Radio-Frequency Identification 
(RFID) Technology
Introduction
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) refers 
to a wireless system comprised of two 
components: tags and readers. 
The reader is a device that has one or more 
antennas that emit radio waves and receive 
signals back from the RFID tag.
Source: www.fda.gov
Store a range of 
information 
RFID tags can store a range of information 
from one serial number to several pages of 
data. 
Readers can be mobile so that they can be 
carried by hand, or they can be mounted on 
a post or overhead.
Source: www.fda.gov
Types of RFID
Within the Electromagnetic Spectrum, there 
are three primary frequency ranges used for 
RFID transmissions – Low Frequency, High 
Frequency, and Ultra-High Frequency.
Source: www.atlasrfidstore.com
HOW DOES RFID 
WORK?
RFID belongs to a group of technologies 
referred to as Automatic Identification and 
Data Capture (AIDC). 
AIDC methods automatically identify objects, 
collect data about them, and enter those 
data directly into computer systems with 
little or no human intervention.
Source: www.abr.com
What is an RFID 
Reader?
• An RFID reader is the brain of the RFID 
system and is necessary for any system to 
function. 
• Readers, also called interrogators, are 
devices that transmit and receive radio 
waves in order to communicate with RFID 
tags. 
Source: www.atlasrfidstore.com
Types of RFID Reader
• RFID readers are typically divided into 
two distinct types – Fixed RFID Readers 
and Mobile RFID Readers. 
• Fixed readers stay in one location and are 
typically mounted on walls, on desks, into 
portals, or other stationary locations.
Source: www.atlasrfidstore.com
RFID TAGS 
RFID tag consists of an integrated circuit and 
an antenna. 
The tag is also composed of a protective 
material that holds the pieces together and 
shields them from various environmental 
conditions. 
Source: www.abr.com
SMART LABELS
Smart labels differ from RFID tags in that they 
incorporate both RFID and barcode 
technologies. 
Smart labels can be encoded and printed on-
demand using desktop label printers, 
whereas programming RFID tags are more 
time consuming and requires more advanced 
equipment.
Source: www.abr.com
RFID APPLICATIONS
Inventory management
– Asset tracking
– Personnel tracking
– Controlling access to restricted areas
– ID Badging
– Supply chain management
– Counterfeit prevention
Source: www.abr.com
Uses of RFID in health 
care
• In health care and hospital settings, RFID 
technologies include the following 
applications:
• Inventory control
• Equipment tracking
• Out-of-bed detection and fall detection
• Personnel tracking
Source: www.fda.gov