Rfid Technology

RFID (radio frequency identification) is technology that uses tiny microchips to store and transmit information using different radio wave frequencies. The purpose of this technology is to track and identify certain things or people. An RFID system consists of a tag made up of a microchip with an antenna, and an interrogator or reader with an antenna. The reader sends out electromagnetic waves. The tag antenna is tuned to receive these waves. There are three types of tags; active, semi-passive and passive. Active and semi-passive RFID tags use internal batteries to power their circuits. An active tag also uses its battery to broadcast radio waves to a reader, whereas a semi-passive tag relies on the reader to supply its power for broadcasting. However, these tags contain more hardware than passive RFID tags, which makes them more expensive. If the tag is passive, the tag draws power from the electromagnetic waves from the reader and uses it to power the microchip's circuits. Passive tags have a shorter range and are disposable. The tag then sends the information encoded in the tag's memory to the reader. Unlike UPC bar-code technology, RFID technology does not require contact or any line of sight for communication. RFID data can be read through the physical objects such as the human body, clothing and other non-metallic materials.

There are many different ways RFID has been implemented in the present world. Some current applications to RFID technologies include: Supply chain management, Identification, traveling and livestock tracking. For supply chain management, its objective is to increase long term performance of individual companies by maximizing customer value and minimizing costs. Not all companies achieve these goals with the same strategy, but companies like Wal-Mart and Dell use RFID technologies to enhance data collection processes along their supply chain. EPC Global is the standards body that sets the standards for how basic product information is encoded in RFID chips. They developed a universal unique identification number called EPC (electronic product code) to put into every individual items RFID tag. This provides an enhanced supply chain control by pin pointing an item's location with almost one hundred percent accuracy, security, and authenticity. It also enhances customer service with faster check outs, returns, and personalization of service. Wal-Mart is a company who has benefited by using RFID in their supply chain to reduce labor costs, simplified business processes, and the reduced inventory inaccuracies.

While many business and customers are happy with RFID technology, some people feel insecure about the federal government's legislation mandating it to certain identification systems. On Aug. 14, 2006, the Department of State began issuing electronic passports, or e-passports. Prompted by recent terrorist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security proposed the e-passport as a security measure for air travel safety, border security and more efficient customs procedures at airports. Some of the e-passports security features include: a chip identification number, digital signature and photograph that acts as a biometric identifier. This also makes the passport extremely difficult to forge. But there have been many concerns raised about the e-passport's potential for identity theft. With RFID imbedded, personal information could be leaked out without the e-passport holder's knowledge. Two ways this can happen: