Radio Frequency Identification Device - RFID

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the utilization of radio waves to recognize the objects. Unlike barcode, in RFID one can find a product without virtually coming in touch with it. The tracking number is stored in a micro-chip, which is connected to the aerial. The chip is then enables to put on the air any tracking data to the receiver. Finally the information will be converted into a digital format, which is read by the computers.

A usual RFID tag holds a microchip attached to an aerial escalated on a substrate. The data storage capacity of a chip ranges from 64 bits to 2 kilobytes. For e.g., information about a manufactured goods or consignment-date of production, and destination, can be downloaded to a tag.

A reader is necessary to recover the data stored on an RFID tag. A reader is a device, which has one or more aerials that releases radio wave and take delivery of signals reversed from the RFID tag. The reader then forwards the data into digital form to attached computer.

RFID Advantage

Whether you are related to tracking record in a warehouse or keeping a large bunch of apparel assortments, there is a requirement of a completely automated data receiving and evaluation system which will help out to sustain track of precious assets and equipments. RFID technology offers exclusive solutions to hard data tracking of record or equipment- specifically in applications, where optical based systems not succeed and when write/read capabilities are necessary. The technology is constantly developing, with unlocked designs becoming more and more accessible.

Benefits of RFID vs. Barcode

The barcode's optical nature needs labels which can be detected by lasers. The straight line between reader and labels is usually difficult, not practical, or even unfeasible to attain in industrial atmosphere. In a move to achieve proper functionality, a barcode reader requires clean and clear optics, label must be spotless and free of scratch, and the label and reader must be rightly oriented to each other. On the other hand, RFID technology makes tag enabled to read from a larger distance, even in worst environments.

Additionally, the data imprinted on a barcode is set and cannot be distorted. On the other side, RFID tags have electronic memory as same as to the common computer or digital camera to hold data and this can changed or updated dynamically.

RFID presents particular features which are not accessible with any other automatic identification technologies. Albeit, not all RFID systems offer every single feature, following are few common advantages of RFID.

. Enduring identification or read/write ability
. Do not require contact or straight sight line for reading
. Practical resistance from incomprehensible paint, dirt etc.
. Automated functioning
. Broad range of tag alternatives and frequencies
. Reading capability ranges from few inches to several feet
. Tremendously high data reliability

RFID Applications can be used in many trades other than retail, which includes animal recognition, supple production (tracking and control), laundry tracking, asset identification, and many many more.

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Five Things You Should Know About Contactless RFID Credit Cards

What is a contactless credit card and how does it work?

For decades, credit cards have relied on magnetic stripes located on the reverse side of the card to store data. To transmit this data, the card must be swiped through a magnetic reader, making physical contact with the stripe. A contactless credit card, on the other hand, stores its data on a chip embedded in the card's plastic. This data is transmitted not magnetically, but rather via a tiny radio signal when the card comes in close proximity of a special reader at the checkout stand. This works through radio frequency identification technology, also known as RFID. When the chip comes close enough to the reader, an antenna on the chip is jolted to life by the electromagnetic field created by the reader, and transaction data is sent to into the system.

What are the advantages of contactless credit cards?

For starters, these RFID credit cards are much faster and more convenient than traditional magnetic stripe cards. A cardholder simply waves the card over the reader, waits a moment for the acceptence signal from the machine, and that's it. There's no need to fumble for cash, and with transactions under $25, there is no need to key in a PIN code or sign a receipt. Just wave and go. Also, since the card never leaves the user's hand, it is considered by some to be more secure.

What are the disadvantages of contactless credit cards?

Some opponents to contactless credit cards have contended that there are security risks with using these RFID credit cards, as the radio transmission could potentially get intercepted by a criminal with malicious intentions. The good news, however, is that the actual credit card number is not transmitted via radio wave. Rather, it is a unique encrypted code only good for RFID transactions. Also, just like ordinary cards, cardholders are not liable for any fraudulent charges.

Where can contactless credit cards be used?

Currently, Visa Contactless, American ExpressPay, and MasterCard PayPass are available at select retailers in certain locations in the United States, including 7-Eleven, McDonald's, KFC, Arby's, Walgreens, Sony Style, Wawa, Sheetz, CVS Pharmacy, and a variety of movie theaters. Retailers capable of handing contactless credit card transactions will have a special symbol on their credit card reader located at the checkout stand. RFID credit cards can also be used at any location that accepts ordinary credit cards, since the new contactless cards will still have a regular magnetic stripe on the back. Who offers contactless credit cards?

All new American Express Blue and Blue Cash cards now come equipped with the contactless feature. Also available from American Express is an RFID key fob that can be linked to most existing credit card accounts. Chase has teamed with MasterCard and Visa to offer Chase blink cards in a variety of styles.

Joey Loma recommends Find Credit Cards to apply for a contactless RFID credit card

Conspiracy Theorists and the Mark of the Beast; RFID Implants

The Radio Frequency Identification Tags are able to help streamline distributions and transportation systems in a way, which was never possible before. They allow products and inventory with complete tracking while on the shelf of the store, warehouse or in route. As a matter of fact they can track just about anything you see. Anything you ask, or anybody? Indeed if implanted they could track anybody or every body from cradle to grave.

Do you really believe that RFID implants will lead to the "Mark of the Beast" scenario? Do you believe in that hokum? In the future small implants will allow the body to talk to medical devices, ask for nutrients it needs and deficiencies, even warn of problems. Implants can also help us track "Child Molesters" or our Soldiers or even volunteer peace workers in places they might be kidnapped? RFID Tags can help us track cargo, trucks, shipments to improve the flows of civilization as well.

Are you worried about your rights as a citizen or being implanted with an RFID Tag? Do you believe this is going to lead to the seven-year tribulations in Revelations? Are you spooked yet? Do you believe in secret societies and conspiracy theories? Boo! Think on this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

RFID: Blink!

 

JP Morgan Chase & Co. will begin issuing contactless "blink" cards to millions of MasterCard and Visa credit cardholders next month.

A "blink" card looks like a regular credit card, but is embedded with an RFID chip that allows the bearer to wave the card at an RFID-enabled terminal rather than swipe it or hand it to a cashier.

If you already wave cards at toll collection booths and gas station pumps, the "blink" card may be an easy transition for you. I envy you that. I have yet to find anything about RFID that is an easy transition for me.

I'm actually less concerned about the security of "blink" cards than I am about many other RFID applications. The selected interface protocol supports a read range of only a few inches, so any would-be identity pirate would have to be stationed between my hand and the reader in order to steal my information. I'm confident that even if I'm temporarily overwhelmed by the joy of saving ten seconds during checkout, I would notice them there.

Chase's initial plan is to link "blink" cards only to credit card accounts, not debit or bank cards. I don't know if this decision is motivated by consumer interest or Chase's self-interest. Either way, it provides a layer of personal security. If a crafty digital thief does manage to slip in when I'm blinking, they will be plundering my Chase credit card account, not my personal bank account.

The June fleet of "blink" cards is slated for Chase account members in two undisclosed cities. Chase is keeping the undisclosed target cities undisclosed for undisclosed reasons.

I can't help but note that Merriam-Webster defines "blink" as:

1 to look with half-shut eyes
2 to shine dimly or intermittently
3 to look with too little concern

Sally Bacchetta - Freelance Writer/Sales Trainer

Sally Bacchetta is an award-winning freelance writer and sales trainer. She has published articles on a variety of topics, including RFID, selling skills, motivation, and pharmaceutical sales.

You can contact her at sb14580@yahoo.com and read her latest articles on her website.