How does a passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) system work?

2025-04-27Cykeo News RFID FAQ 3560

A passive RFID system uses radio waves to wirelessly identify and track objects without requiring an internal power source in the tag. This technology is widely used in logistics, retail, and asset management due to its cost-effectiveness and simplicity. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its components and workflow.

1. Key Components of a Passive RFID System

RFID Tag:
- Contains a microchip (stores data like a unique ID) and an antenna.
- No battery—powered entirely by the reader’s radio waves.
RFID Reader:
- Generates an electromagnetic field to energize tags and receive their data.
- Example: Cykeo’s UHF Passive Readers operate at 860–960 MHz for long-range scanning.
Antenna:
- Integrated into the reader or standalone, it transmits and receives signals.
Software:
- Converts raw tag data into actionable insights (e.g., inventory counts, location tracking).

2. Step-by-Step Communication Process

Reader Activation:
- The reader emits radio waves via its antenna, creating an electromagnetic field.
Tag Power-Up:
- A passive tag entering this field harvests energy from the waves to power its microchip.
Data Transmission:
- The tag’s antenna reflects the reader’s signal, modulating it with the stored data (e.g., “Tag ID: 12345”).
Signal Decoding:
- The reader detects the modulated signal, decodes the data, and forwards it to the software.

3. Advantages of Passive RFID Systems

Cost-Effective:
- Tags cost 0.10–1.00 each, ideal for large-scale deployments.
Durability:
- No batteries mean tags last 10+ years in harsh environments.
Range:
- UHF passive tags can be read from 1–12 meters, depending on reader power and antenna design.

4. Common Applications

Inventory Management:
- Scan hundreds of tagged items in seconds during warehouse audits.
Retail Checkout:
- Automate payment processes with RFID-enabled product tags.
Asset Tracking:
- Monitor tools, equipment, or medical devices in real time.

5. Cykeo’s Role in Passive RFID Solutions

Cykeo’s readers support ISO 18000-6C/EPC Gen2 standards, ensuring global compatibility.
Their software suite includes CloudTrack, which visualizes tag data for analytics and reporting.

Case Study: 80% Faster Warehouse Audits

A European logistics company reduced inventory audit times from 8 hours to 90 minutes using Cykeo’s passive RFID system, tracking 20,000+ pallets monthly.

passive RFID components

CK-BQ6826 Jewelry UHF RFID Tag

CK-BQ8554HF HF RFID Cards

CK-BQ8554UHF UHF RFID Card

CK-B5L Portable RFID Reader iPhone

CK-BQ7320 UHF RFID Asset Tag

CK-BQ8828 UHF RFID Cable Tie Tag

CK-BQ5530 RFID Tags in Hospitals

CK-BQ12507 UHF RFID Book Tag

CK-BQ7015 RFID Laundry Tag

CK-BQ6025 Flexible Anti-Metal RFID Tag

CK-BQ7020 On-Metal RFID Tags

CK-BQ1504 Ultra-Thin Metal RFID Tags

CK-BQY7020 Anti-Liquid Passive RFID Tags

CK-R16L 16-port UHF RFID Fixed Reader

CK-R8L 8-Port Fixed RFID Reader

CK-R4L 4-Port Fixed UHF RFID Reader

CK-R4 4-Port UHF RFID Fixed Reader

CK-C1 Industrial Forklift RFID Reader

CK-B4L Mobile Android RFID Reader

CK-B3L UHF RFID Handheld Reader

CK-R10 Portable iPhone RFID Reader

CK-B3 Pro Rugged RFID Reader Handheld

CK-B2L UHF RFID Handheld Terminal

CK-B2 Industrial Handheld RFID Reader Writer

CK-B4 Professional UHF Handheld RFID Reader

CK-B9 UHF Bluetooth Handheld RFID Scanner

PgUp: RFID in Healthcare: The Silent Guardian Saving Lives and ResourcesPgDn: What are the benefits of using RFID tracking systems?

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Cykeo Solution

​​1. Key Components of a Passive RFID System​​

​​2. Step-by-Step Communication Process​​

​​3. Advantages of Passive RFID Systems​​

​​4. Common Applications​​

​​5. Cykeo’s Role in Passive RFID Solutions​​

​​Case Study: 80% Faster Warehouse Audits​​