Active RFID Devices

An RFID system consists of two major components - a reader and a transponder (or tag). They work together to provide a non-contact solution to uniquely identify people, objects or vehicles. RFID does not require line of sight between the tag and the reader and works effectively in dirty environments.

The tag is basically a RF transmitter that contains an antenna, a microchip and a battery to power the microchip. Information is stored in the tag can range from as little as an identification number, to kilobytes. The encoded data is converted to electromagnetic field by the microchip circuitry and radiated at pre-defined intervals using an antenna.

The reader consists of an antenna, a RF receiver and processing circuitry. The antenna couples the electromagnetic energy transmitted by the Tag to the Reader. The processing circuitry of the reader decodes the received information and sends the data to a Host Computer or a Control Device/Panel.