Automatic Identification technologies (Auto ID for short) have had a significant impact on automation in manufacturing and consumer applications. Although barcode technology is the most well know form of auto identification, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has made significant penetration over the last decade.

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) technology uses a semiconductor (micro-chip) and an antenna in a tag to communicate with a reader using radio frequency waves. RFID is currently being used to track material movements in manufacturing, track automobiles as they pass through toll gates, track people in secure facilities, automate credit card transactions and a host of other applications. RFID has now started to make significant penetration in the construction industry, bringing the benefits of wireless tracking to a challenging industry.

History of RFID

• Used in World War II for identifying fighter planes (Identification Friend or Foe)
• Developed for defense industry 20+ Years for missile-tracking and telemetry
• Smaller size and lower cost allowed use in 1980’s for animal and industrial uses
• Large-scale in Europe for animal tracking
• Large-scale in the North America for parking / toll collection

Types of RFID

There are two basic types of RFID technology: passive and active. Although both technologies are used, when they are used depends upon a number of factors.