An RFID uses tags or labels attached to the objects to get the information. The bi-directional radio transmitter-receivers called interrogators or readers send a signal to the tag and read its response. The purpose of rfid reader is process automation and data collection; RFID detectors can help you when you need to remember specific information about an item.

How does the RFID reader work?

RFID is a similar tech in theory to bar codes. It provides a unique identifier for that object, and just like a barcode or magnetic stripe, the RFID device must be scanned to retrieve the identifying information.

RFID is different from a bar code in that it does not need to be within the scanner’s line of sight, nor does it require any contact or swiping to get the information. The RFID reader device emits a signal that carries the identifying information to the scanner, but no data is contained in the tag, unlike a bar code. The tag has only a unique serial number, allowing a database to lookup more detailed information such as price, manufacturer, color, and size.

A reader antenna sends a radio signal to activate the microchip’s circuitry. The microchip uses its internal power source, whether a battery or the power from the reader, to transmit data back to the reader via radio waves. The reader translates the radio waves into digital information that can be passed on to computers that can use the data.

In an RFID system, there are two parts, the tag itself and the reader or scanner. In addition, there is a computer database with software that can analyze and make use of the transmitted data.