What is RFID? What role does RFID play in IoT devices?

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is a popular technology in production to identify, record and control moving objects.

RFID is very useful in identifying objects and even people. For example, it is possible to find an RFID chip in the latest biometric passport.

RFID is also used in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to track large objects such as boxes or pallets (inventory sheets). However, in this article, the role of RFID in IoT will be described in much more detail than in industrial goods.

Learn about Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology

1. What is RFID? How does it work?
   1. 1. RFID tag
   2. 2. RFID reader device
   3. 3. RFID Application / Software
2. RFID applications in IoT devices
   1. Smart home
   2. Health care
   3. Smart traffic

What is RFID? How does it work?

Technology that makes RFID has been present for at least 5 decades. This technology uses radio waves and electromagnetic fields to transmit data, as well as identify objects. Basically, an RFID system consists of three components:

1. RFID tag

RFID tags often appear in product bar codes at supermarkets. However, these are just "passive" RFID tags that are easy to activate, because they do not have their own power supply.

In contrast, 'active' RFID tags may include a microchip or antenna and sensors. For example, a fresh fish purchased at a store can be fitted with a thermal sensor in an RFID tag to determine when a perishable product is overdue.

2. RFID reader device

RFID reader is a device that uses radio waves to identify RFID tags and transfer the status of this tag to software or RFID applications. RFID readers can be handheld, USB-controlled or even Bluetooth-enabled.

Note : Contrary to popular belief, barcode scanners are not RFID readers unless they have an RFID module. However, RFID readers can certainly read barcodes.

3. RFID Application / Software

There is usually a software or even a mobile application to control and monitor RFID tags. RFID Application / Software can use Bluetooth technology or Beacon to communicate with RFID reader devices.

Below is a simple diagram of an RFID system along with a mobile application. This diagram shows various simple applications including hospital beds, airplanes, food, cars and many more connected devices via RFID tags.

RFID applications in IoT devices

In IoT, RFID is used together with camera, GPS, smart sensors to locate and identify objects.

Smart home

RFID is a economical way to make household items more 'smart'. Attaching RFID chips on common objects does not take time or money. Do you have smart clothes? With an intelligent washing machine that can read RFID labels, you can control the washing cycle and dry it.

One of RFID's commercial applications is Nest Tag, a keychain for $ 25 (580,000 VND) that can activate Google's Nest alarm system.

Health care

Their health data is automatically recorded and updated in the EHR system. A tool for EHR reporting could also be used to improve data management. Some concerns about infringement of privacy may be raised, but HIPAA Privacy rule provides standards to safeguard patient information. However, this also raises concerns about the body's infringement of privacy.

Smart traffic

Smart vehicles in different cities around the world use RFID tags to control traffic. RFID tags can read passenger data as well as keep traffic system warnings up to date.

RFID tag has some problems in practical application. For example, they are susceptible to interference and can cause conflicts between objects. Moreover, RFID networks are currently vulnerable to IoT security issues. There have been a number of recorded DDoS and eavesdropping attacks.

It must be said that the large and low-cost range of RFID systems has made them an ideal proposition for both consumers and IIoT.

Micah Soto

Update 26 May 2019