RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that consists of an integrated chip and an antenna for receiving and transmitting the radio waves signal exchanging data between a reader and an electronic tag attached to an object, for the purpose of identification and tracking.
- There are two types of RFID systems:
1. Active RFID tag :
This functions with a battery and can transmit signals autonomously.
2. Passive RFID tag:
Needs no battery and can transmit signals but needs a device to provoke that.
SALIK card in Dubai uses the second type of RFID tag which is the Passive RFID. Below is a picture with detail of how the SALIK works with RFID tag as a car gets through one of the SALIK gates.
- Non-line of sight identification of tags
- Unattended operations are possible, minimizing human errors and high cost.
- Ability to identify moving elements that have tags embedded.
- Larger area of coverage. Up to several feet.
- Can be used in diverse environments, including live stock, military, and scientific areas.
- RFID can be used in addition to Bar Code. These two technologies can be complementing each other.
- Automatic integration with back end software solutions provide end to end integration of data in real time.
- Disadvantages of RFID:
- Expensive compared with Bar code
- Bulkier, due to embedding of electronic components in the tag. However, with advanced techniques, it is possible to reduce the size, and weight of the tags to a large extent.
- Prone to physical/electrical damage due to environmental conditions. For example, tags that are subjected to space exploration may encounter extreme temperatures. The tags required to be designed for a given application, and may be costly when designed for use under extreme environmental conditions.