RFID & Beyond!!

Are RFID systems new?
The concept of RFID systems have been around since WWII when the British Royal Air Force (RAF) used the technology to identify friend and foe aircraft. Since then, new technology combined with today's demanding competitive environment have made RFID more attractive and thus increasingly tested for the real world. Now that companies are learning about the potential, and the technology has had time to mature, the demand is rising for extensive use worldwide.

What is the typical read range for RFID devices?
Read range depends on many factors, but whether the tag is passive or active is the main one. Most RFID tags have a read range of less than 3 feet. Another consideration is the frequency band in which the system operates. RFID systems using the UHF frequency have a longer read range. Some tags can be read at distances of up to 300 feet depending on the requirements of the application.

What are frequency ranges for RFID systems?
When selecting an RFID system, frequency range is a significant factor. Currently, there is no single recommended frequency and each frequency has advantages and liabilities. However, a frequency of 868/915 MHz (UHF) has the most momentum and the widest installed base in industry.

Low frequency 125 KHz: Short to medium read range - low reading speed.
High frequency 13.56 MHz: Short to medium read range - medium reading speed. Most passive tags use this frequency.
High frequency 433 MHz: Short to long read range - medium to high reading speed. Most active beacon tags use this frequency.
UHF frequency 868-928 MHz: Long read range - high reading speed. Most active "response" tags and some long-range passive tags use this frequency.
Microwave 2.45-5.8 GHz: Long reading range - high reading speed.

Are there any broadcast power restrictions?
The FCC in the United States and the EC in Europe, along with other governing bodies worldwide, restrict the output power of RFID systems. It is illegal to exceed these limits, and in most countries it is a condition of sale that the equipment meets these requirements. In addition, the frequencies themselves at which RFID systems operate are regulated.

Is RFID a true threat to consumer privacy?
RFID is no different in its impact on our privacy than debit card systems, cell phones, gas passes, toll tags, or credit cards. Suppliers of RFID systems need to support responsible deployment of RFID systems so that convenience is balanced with consumer protection. Softech-RFID through its partners respects the risk of "eavesdropping" transmitted data. We address these risks through over-the-air protocols, tamper detection, data encryption methods and smart data-housing to promote security and prevent illicit use.