RFID reader for an easy understanding
Using RFID, products and transit casing can be rapidly identified in a reliable, error-free manner, even under adverse environmental conditions. At the heart of the system is the “transponder”: a tiny computer chip equipped with an antenna. This chip stores a globally-unique serial number: the EPC (Electronic Product Code). In theory, applications are also possible that store a greater amount of data, such as individual article or serial numbers, use-by dates or lot numbers, for example.
The process of reading the data does not require line-of-sight contact between reader and storage unit, and multiple storage units can be read in one sweep. Label printers and label applicators that process RFID labels are fitted with a read/write unit that accesses the transponder. Over this interface, data is transferred from computer to label printer and is then simultaneously printed to the label and programmed into the transponder.
Contactless product identification makes applications possible that contribute to considerable savings in production and logistic costs. Various RFID solution models are available to suit the various application scenarios.
For anyone working in logistics, or having anything to do with marking or labelling of products, or even those tagging animals for research, RFID is most likely a familiar abbreviation. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology dates back to 1945, when the Russian inventor Léon Theremin created the first radio wave based espionage tool. This tool is today known as a predecessor of the RFID technology.
The first RFID solutions which can actually be compared to those of today, were developed in the 70s and were mainly used for electronic article surveillance (EAS). By the late 70s, the possibilities of RFID had been brought to a whole new level and their field of application was no longer limited to just product identification, but now also for tagging animals for agricultural and research purposes. Since then, this important technology has been continuously developed and has become of ever-increasing importance in a variety of different industries
The connection between transponder and RFID reader
For obtaining the encoded data on the chip, a special reader is required. The readers that are available today are able to read and decode the information on the RFID transponder, scan barcodes and in some cases, print new tags. For the interaction between both, three different systems exist:
- The passive tags
- The semi-active tags
- The active tags
The most common type of system is the passive tags. The popularity of passive tags comes down to their low cost. As these tags do not have their own electricity supply at their disposal, they are a lot cheaper than active tags with their independent electricity supply. To read the information of a passive tag, the RFID reader produces alternating magnetic fields or high-frequency radio waves which facilitates the simultaneous supply of energy of the transponder and subsequently the transmission of contained data.
Multifunctional devices for logistics and Co.
Weber Marking Systems uses this progressive technology for different product labelling solutions. With devices like RFID readers or special thermal transfer printers, logistical processes are much easier to manage. These handy readers are able to read different barcodes or transponders, and if required, automatically print new tags. It scans the barcode, converts it into an EPC (Electronic Product Code) and gives out a new encoded tag.
With the RFID solutions, work-flow is more straightforward and all processes are made as efficient as possible. Labelling and coding solutions for all types of products and businesses ensure smooth operations and lead to faster and better work-processing.
More information on RFID solutions and other devices developed using the latest technologies can be found on weber-marketing.com. Here you can find a wide range of printers and readers to make your daily business operations easier.