Search Computing Unplugged's 15,305 article archive 
Home
EasyPrint
News details Click here for the RSS feed's XML code. This is not a browser URL.
Articles-only Click here for the RSS feed's XML code. This is not a browser URL.
Twitter Feed Click here for the Twitter feed.
THE COMPUTING UNPLUGGED INTERVIEW
Getting to know how RFID works
By David Gewirtz

What is RFID, really? What are the advantages and issues? In our quest to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the topic, we've been very fortunate to enlist the help of Martyn Mallick, one of the leading experts on RFID technology.

This is the second of three articles where we have the pleasure of talking to Martyn and learning all about RFID. If you're interested in emerging technologies, this is a series you won't want to miss.

David: How much does an RFID tag cost?

Martyn: Simple RFID tags like those embedded into printed adhesive labels cost in the neighborhood of 10 to 20 cents. The capacity of the microchip, the size/type of antenna and the type of substrate all factor into the cost, though, so a glass RFID tag meant to be embedded into an animal, or a rugged plastic keychain are obviously more expensive.

When you look at active RFID tags, they start around $20 and can get into the $100 range, once again depending on the capabilities of the tag itself.

Finally, there are WiFi based tags commonly used for real-time location tracking that have a similar price point to active tags.

David: What reads the tags? How expensive are the readers?

Martyn: RFID tags are read by RFID interrogators, which are often referred to as readers. In a passive RFID system, these devices have one or more antennas connected to them that emit the signal that powers the RFID tags and then keep track of the responses from the tags. They gather this data and send it on to software to be processed.

You can buy intelligent RFID readers with antennas from a number of different vendors for around $1,500 to $2,000. There are some less expensive in the $1,000 range, and some more expensive in the $3,000 range as well.

Just like RFID tags, there are different types of readers. There are "ruggedized" mobile readers that cost about $4,000-$5,000 and forklift readers for a similar price.

David: If everything's radiating a signal, are there any possible health implications?

Martyn: In the United States, the FCC governs the frequencies used by RFID and certifies all equipment for use. As with the frequencies used by cell phones, for example, the offices of the FCC, other international bodies, and companies in the various industries have performed and continue to carry out research and trials around the effects of radio frequency usage, ensuring the continued safe use of RFID


1  ·  2  ·  Next »
Other articles you might like
Home > Wireless > RFID (3 articles)
   An expert's look at RFID World 2007
   Understanding RFID
Get Weekly Email Updates
Subscribe to our regular weekly email newsletter. It's packed with tips, reviews, deep analysis, and the latest news.
 
Recent Computing Unplugged Articles
Eight steps to successful and reliable home backups
Exploring the dark side of social networks
Modding Fallout 3 for fun and firepower
Add To Any, the wicked widget with a dull name
How I turned my novel into an ebook
TealOS: great Palm software you are prohibited from buying
Incident report: denial of service attack against ConnectedPhotographer.com
Computing Unplugged News
Hybrid Satellite-Cell Pocket Phone May Arrive This Year
Apple Admits iPhone Overheating Issues -- Sort of
'The Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour' Second Stop - San Diego
Drink Guinness, win a space flight
Pirate Bay Heads to Davy Jones' Locker
The Myths of Security - What the Computer Security Industry Doesn't Want You to Know
Is Twitter the news outlet for the 21st century?
>> Read all the news
More from the ZATZ journals
David Gewirtz Online: CNN commentary and analysis
DominoPower: What to look for in a Domino-based document management solution
OutlookPower: Can Outlook run when it's not running (and other mysteries)?
-- Advertisement --

NO HASSLE PHOTO PRINTING, SHARING, AND STORAGE -- AS LOW AS $2.54 PER MONTH
Discover an easier way to share, print and manage your photos online! Get your own online photo album site for sharing photos, as well as easy-to-use editing tools to make sure your photos look their very best. You can even order high quality prints directly from your album -- and have them delivered right to your door!

Best of all, you can also get login-free photo sharing at your personal domain name (if you have one), so your friends and family don't have to hassle with signing up or logging in just to view your pictures. It's the perfect solution for sharing, printing and storing all your favorite images!

And it's only from The Duck! Tap here to get started.

-- Advertisement --

Write for Computing Unplugged!
Share your experience and expertise with other handheld device users. There are new opportunities at ZATZ for contributing authors and editors.

Write about something you're an expert on and get your name in lights.

For Writers' Guidelines and to discuss topics, contact Staff Editor Steve Niles. This is your opportunity to shine in front of your peers, your clients, and friends.

Click for more info!

ZATZ Home  ·  News  ·  Back Issues  ·  Credits/Trademarks ·  Link To Us
Copyright © 2003-2009, ZATZ Publishing. All rights reserved worldwide.
Editor's Login