How do RFID tags work?

2025-04-28Cykeo News RFID FAQ 8180

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags use radio waves to wirelessly transmit data to a reader, enabling automated identification and tracking. These tags consist of a microchip and antenna, and they operate in passive, active, or semi-passive modes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their functionality and applications.

1. Components of an RFID Tag

Microchip:
- Stores data such as a unique identifier (UID), product details, or sensor readings.
Antenna:
- Receives radio waves from the reader and transmits data back.
Substrate:
- The material (e.g., plastic, paper) that houses the chip and antenna.

2. How RFID Tags Communicate

Passive Tags:
- No Battery: Powered entirely by the reader’s radio waves.
- Process:
  - The reader emits energy via radio waves.
  - The tag’s antenna captures this energy, powers the chip, and reflects back the stored data.
- Range: Typically 1–10 meters (UHF) depending on reader power and environment.
Active Tags:
- Battery-Powered: Continuously broadcast signals, enabling longer ranges (100+ meters).
- Applications: Real-time tracking of high-value assets like shipping containers.

3. Key Differences: Passive vs. Active Tags

Feature	Passive Tags	Active Tags
Power Source	Reader’s RF energy	Internal battery
Cost	0.10–2.00	20–100+
Lifespan	Unlimited (no battery)	3–10 years (battery-dependent)
Range	Short (1–10m)	Long (100m+)

4. Common Applications

Retail: Inventory management, anti-theft systems.
Healthcare: Tracking medical equipment and patient records.
Logistics: Monitoring shipments in real time.
Access Control: Secure entry via RFID badges.

5. Cykeo’s RFID Innovations

Cykeo’s EcoTag Series offers ultra-thin passive tags for retail and logistics, achieving 99% read accuracy in challenging environments.
Their ActiveTrack Platform supports battery-powered tags for industrial asset tracking.

6. Challenges & Solutions

Metal/Liquid Interference:
- Use specialized tags (e.g., Cykeo’s MetalFocus) with anti-detuning layers.
Tag Collision:
- Anti-collision algorithms allow readers to scan hundreds of tags per second.

Case Study: 95% Faster Warehouse Audits

A logistics company reduced inventory audit times by 95% using Cykeo’s passive RFID tags, scanning 500+ boxes per hour without line-of-sight.

PgUp: RFID Antenna Polarization: Linear vs. Circular for High-Density EnvironmentsPgDn: Can an RFID Reader Read Multiple Passive RFID Tags at Once?

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