WELCOME TO THE
RFID Roadmap.
Learning a new technology is difficult. It's hard to sort through all the information to get a clear picture, and where do you even start? We combined 44 articles, 8 eBooks, & 1 infographic - to create the ultimate beginner's roadmap to RFID technology.
We've divided the information up into 10 sections - RFID Overview, RFID Readers, RFID Antennas, RFID Tags, Hardware, Software, & Firmware, Auxillary Equipment, Advanced Principles, Ideal Equipment Performance, Deploying Your RFID System, & Different Types of RFID.
EASE-OF-USE FEATURES
Each Step of our RFID Roadmap has:
Question Forms
Key Takeaways
A Detailed Summary
What You'll Learn:
This section will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of RFID, as these guides and articles will guide you through the fundamentals. You will gain knowledge about various aspects, such as how RFID functions, detailed information about the most commonly used RFID frequency types, and insights into how RFID systems communicate across a wide frequency spectrum. Furthermore, explore thirteen prevalent RFID applications that are present in your everyday surroundings.
What's Inside?
- What is RFID? The Beginner's Guide to RFID System
- A Guide to RFID Types and How They Are Used
- How is RFID Used in the Real World
- UHF RFID Frequency Regulations
What You'll Learn:
In this section, you will gain knowledge about the various factors related to RFID readers that influence the decision-making process when making a purchase. You will explore three significant factors that help in narrowing down the most suitable RFID reader for your specific application. Additionally, at an intermediate level, you will learn about the concept of transmit power and find answers to common inquiries surrounding this subject matter.
What's Inside?
- Intro to RFID Readers: Basic Options & Features
- How to Select a UHF RFID Reader
- 10 Facts about Reader Transmit Power
What You'll Learn:
In this section, you will learn about RFID antennas. This includes understanding their nature, the flow of energy through them, and determining the optimal antenna for your specific application. We will discuss the three crucial factors to consider when selecting an RFID antenna. Furthermore, you will gain insights into the distinctions between linear and circular polarization, as well as learn about the electromagnetic field that surrounds the RFID antenna.
What's Inside?
- #9 Tactics for Choosing An RFID Antenna 3 Guidelines For Choosing A Passive UHF RFID Antenna
- Circular Polarization vs. Linear Polarization: Which is the Right Antenna
- Understanding Near-Field and Far-Field Antennas
What You'll Learn:
Within this section, we explore the fundamental elements of an RFID tag. This encompasses what RFID tags are, how they function, and their composition. We cover the three primary component distinctions among RFID tags including IC type, antenna, and encasement. Furthermore, you will gain insights into the seven essential factors to consider when seeking an optimal tag for your specific application. Then, we address the challenges associated with mounting RFID tags on metal compared to other materials.
What's Inside?
- RFID Basics: What is an RFID Tag|
- 3 Things to Know About UHF RFID Tags
- The Best RFID Tag For Your Application: 7 Key Factors to Consider
- RFID on Metal: A Few Things You Should Know about RFID & Metal Surfaces
What You'll Learn:
This section provides definitions for application firmware, middleware, and software, highlighting their significant similarities and differences. You will find answers to eight frequently asked questions concerning RFID firmware, and explore the functionalities. You will gain insights into the benefits from firmware, middleware, and software.
What's Inside?
- Firmware, Middleware, Software: What's the Difference
- RFID Firmware: 8 Common Questions Answered
- 6 Things RFID Middleware Can Do For You
What You'll Learn:
In this section you will learn about the functions of RFID antenna cables, cable connectors, and adapters in an RFID system. We discuss the components of coaxial cables, how to assess cable loss, and comparing the capabilities of adapters with cables. A comprehensive guide on RFID printers is provided, offering information on different printer types, printing techniques, and vital printer specifications. Additionally, we explore the concept of General Purpose Input (GPI) and General Purpose Output (GPO) devices and their applications.
What's Inside?
- A Guide to Cables, Connectors, and Adapters
- A Guide to RFID Printers
- The Top 10 Most Asked Questions about RFID Printers
- General Purpose Input/Output Devices
What You'll Learn:
In this section we cover the advanced principles, communications, and security aspects of RFID technology. You will learn about RFID physics, including how energy flows throughout an RFID system. We discuss a range of principles, starting from the basics and progressing to more advanced concepts, regarding the communication of UHF RFID passive tags through backscatter. Additionally, we define and explore the topics of coupling and frequency hopping within an RFID system.
What's Inside?
- RFID Physics: How Does Energy Flow in an RFID System
- Explaining Backscatter - From Basic to Advanced Principles
- Operating Principles: Coupling
- What is Frequency Hopping?
What You'll Learn:
This section focuses on RFID performance, covering various factors such as RFID cables, tag memory, tag positioning and attachment, and security measures. We provide valuable insights into cable selection and highlight applications that often benefit from high-memory tags. Furthermore, we cover the three aspects of tag orientation and angle, including pitch, yaw, and roll, discussing their significance in RFID operations.
What's Inside?
- 6 Factors that Affect RFID Read Range
- RFID Antenna Cables: Getting the Highest Performance Possible
- Which Applications Need High Memory RFID Tags?
- Pitch, Yaw, and Roll: Positioning RFID Tags
What You'll Learn:
Within this section, you will learn essential information about deploying your RFID system effectively and maximizing its success. We highlight key considerations for implementing an RFID system, providing insights into its suitability for your specific application, and addressing potential challenges that may arise. We also discuss the significance of testing to ensure a successful RFID system implementation. Additionally, we offer tips for in-field tagging and achieving consistent tag reads, ensuring a smooth and reliable operation.
What's Inside?
- Deploying RFID
- The Importance of Testing RFID Solutions
- RFID Tag Best Practices: 13 Tips for in the Field Tagging
- How to Prep Your Tagging Surface for RFID Tags
What You'll Learn:
This section dives into the various types of RFID technology, including active, passive, NFC, HF, LF, and more. We address several frequently asked questions concerning RFID and NFC, as well as provide an explanation of BAP RFID tags and their functionalities. We highlight the key distinctions between the two primary types of RFID systems, including passive and active, along with differentiating between GPS and active RFID technologies.
What's Inside?
- RFID vs. NFC
- Active vs. Passive RFID: What's the Difference?
- GPS vs. Active RFID: What are the Top Differences?
- What are BAP RFID Tags?
Want to Learn More?
Take a look at some of our other top RFID resources: