18 Commonly Asked RFID Questions [& Answers] – Part Two
Posted by Suzanne Smiley on Jul 23, 2019
Introduction
The world of RFID is, complex. Luckily, some of the most frequently asked questions are about general RFID knowledge. I polled the office to ask the atlasRFIDstore staff what question they hear the most about RFID, checkout the videos below to see their answers!
Continued from "18 Commonly Asked RFID Questions [and Answers] - Part One"
#7. Is NFC a Type of RFID?
Zac explains NFC’s relationship with RFID and the idea behind creating a short-range system to facilitate secure data exchange, like photo sharing and payment methods. It can also be a cool addition to museums and interactive displays so that viewers can tap the tag and learn more about the exhibit.
Links to Learn More – NFC vs. RFID, NFC Facts and Apps that will broaden your mind; A Guide to RFID Types and How They are Used
#8. Are There Different Types of UHF RFID?
Peter differentiates the two main types of UHF RFID – Passive and Active, and additionally mentions Semi-Passive UHF RFID. Each of these types vary greatly in terms of RFID tags in the way they receive power, how they communicate with readers, and their read ranges and tag sizes.
Links to Learn More – What Is RFID?; A Guide to RFID Types and How They Are Used
#9. How Much Read Range Will I Get with UHF RFID?
Casey addresses the difficulty in estimating the amount of read range you can expect with UHF RFID. Because RFID systems have a few different components, read range is dependent on a few factors like RFID tag size, antenna gain, reader transmit power, and the system’s environment. When calculating read range, tag size is the largest factor due to the sizable gap in range between a large tag which, can get up to 50 meters, and a small tag, which can only get a few centimeters.
Links to Learn More – 6 Factors that Affect Read Range; 3 Things to Know about UHF RFID Tags
#10. Will RFID Work for my Application?
Lindsey discusses an important topic surrounding RFID - the risk in investing in a technology that may or may not be successful for your application. In order to mitigate that risk, first analyze the feasibility – specifically cost and application. Will implementing RFID solve the problem at hand? And what does a feasible return on investment look like?
Links to Learn More – Deployment Guide
#11. Can you Help me with my RFID Application?
The answer to this question is always yes. Tyler talks about how we can help kick-start your application process by asking you questions about feasibility and then, help you develop an actionable plan.
Links to Learn More – I Have an Idea, Deployment Guide
#12. Can I use RFID for Real Time Item Tracking?
Selina discusses the reality of tracking items in real-time, and how GPS is usually the best way to track an item’s exact position at all times. RFID is ideal for reading and documenting when an item passes by an RFID antenna, for example, when a pallet comes into a warehouse, or even when that pallet moves into a different area. For more specific information on location and directionality, Impinj’s xArray and xSpan are newer RFID products that help bridge the gap between traditional RFID and GPS.
Links to Learn More – GPS vs. Active RFID, I have an idea for an Application
Conclusion
Want to see more Questions & Answers? Continue on to Part Three to learn all about RFID.
If you would like to learn more about all things RFID, check out our website, our YouTube channel, comment below, or contact us.
To read more about RFID basics, check out the links below!