Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
RFID in IoT
3.
Working of RFID 
4.
Components of RFID
5.
Applying RFID to IoT Devices
6.
Role of RFID in IoT
7.
Applications of RFID in IoT
8.
Frequently Asked Questions
8.1.
Does RFID work without Internet?
8.2.
What is the difference between NFC and RFID?
8.3.
What is the scanning range of RFID?
9.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024
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RFID in IoT

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Introduction

In this article, we will discuss RFID in IoT in brief. We will start our article with a basic introduction to the components of IoT. Afterward, we will introduce the RFID in IoT with its definition, working principle, and how RFID is applied to IoT applications. 

We will also discuss the components and roles of RFID in IoT. In the end, we will discuss the applications and future aspects of RFID in IoT. So let’s get started!

RFID in IoT

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a type of wireless communication that uses electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency spectrum to uniquely identify an object, animal, or human.

It is a technology used for automatically identifying and recording data about an object via a tiny, uniquely identifiable microchip tag connected to the object. A built-in antenna on the RFID tag interacts with a scanning device that can remotely read the tag's data. 

The scanning device scans the tag when it comes in range. After that, the data is sent from the scanning equipment to an application program. With the help of the application, the user will store and send it wherever he desires.

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Working of RFID 

RFID, or radio frequency identification, is a technique for automatically identifying and capturing data about an object that has been stored in a small microchip tag attached to the object. An antenna built into the RFID tag communicates with a scanning device that reads the data remotely. 

This data is then transferred from the scanning device to the data-housing enterprise application software. Each RFID tag has a unique identification number.

RFID can be used to track and control asset and personnel movement. RFID tags can be found on the back of library books and even in the new biometric passports. It simplifies the management of assets contained in boxes or pallets.

working of rfid

Components of RFID

Radio Frequency Identification technology consists of three main components:

RFID Components
  1. The RFID tag: The RFID tag comprises an integrated circuit, a substrate, and an antenna. If the tag has an active power source and thus can support a sensor, it is called an active RFID tag. If the tag doesn’t have an active power source, it is called a passive RFID tag.
     
  2. The RFID reader: It is a device that reads RFID tags and gathers data about the connected object. It can be both wired and wireless. It can use many technologies to communicate with the software, including USBs and Bluetooth connections.
     
  3. The RFID software: The software monitors and tracks the object connected to the RFID tags. It can be called data exchange and management software.

Applying RFID to IoT Devices

RFID tags are helpful in cameras, GPS, and other smart sensors when used in IoT. They can aid in the identification and location of objects. It is a low-cost way to make household objects "smart," similar to the popular Google Nest products. RFID tags are being used by some healthcare systems to track patients and their medical records. 

RFID is used in transportation systems to read passenger data, control traffic, and update transportation systems.

Role of RFID in IoT

Radio Frequency Identification technology is one of the three main components of IoT, along with the Savant system and the Internet. Thus, it has had wide-ranging implications for IoT development as a whole.

RFID technology has a wide range of applications in the Internet of Things. RFID tags are generally used to enable ordinary things to interact with one another and with the central hub and report their status. These features serve as the building blocks for an IoT system. To put it another way, RFID technology allows IoT to connect items to a network and will enable them to produce and deliver data.

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Applications of RFID in IoT

  • RFID has seen applications since the 1940s when they were first introduced. Its use rapidly increased to mainstream levels during the 70s. With the rise of IoT, it has threatened barcodes and NFCs as the most efficient technology to identify and track objects, livestock and humans uniquely.
     
  • RFID tags are useful in cameras, GPS, and other smart sensors when utilised in the IoT. They can help with identifying and locating items. It's a low-cost approach to make household items seem "smart", as many companies are now entering the smart home market.
     
  • Healthcare institutions also use RFID tags to track patients and their medical information. They are being used in transportation systems to read passenger data, regulate traffic, and update transportation systems.

Check out this article - Components Of IOT

Refer to know about : Lifi technology

Frequently Asked Questions

Does RFID work without Internet?

Yes. While active RFID can use WiFi to transmit scanned data, it can also do without it. Some other technologies that RFID uses to transmit data include USBs and Bluetooth connections.

What is the difference between NFC and RFID?

NFC (Near Field Communication) is also based on RFID protocols. The critical distinction between NFC and RFID is that an NFC device can be used as both a reader and a tag.

It is also possible to send data between two NFC devices in peer-to-peer mode.

What is the scanning range of RFID?

Passive low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) tags can be read up to 3 feet (0.9 meters), whereas passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID transponders may be read from 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters).

Conclusion

In this article, we have extensively discussed RFID in IoT, starting from its normal introduction. Afterward, how it works and learned about its essential role in IoT.

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