RFID, which stands for Radio Frequency IDentification, is a technology which exploits radio frequency signals for the automatic identification.
The RFID system is made of:
- The Transponder: it is the electronic part of the label. It includes the chip which has an internal data storage and it is connected to an antenna
- The Reader: it is a tool to receive and read the information coming from the RFID labels
- Management system: it helps managing the information coming from the RFID tags
Some common applications of the RFID technology
Automatic payments (Telepass): this famous system works by employing an active RFID tag in the tool inside the vehicle which can send the information to the reader set at the toll booth.
Passport: more and more Countries are opting for the RFID technology for the newest passports. The chip can save all the information printed on a common passport and it can also save a digital photograph of the owner.
Animal identification: the RFID technology is used as a replacement to the ink stamp to track the livestock but it is also used for domestic pets.
Electronic tickets: Paris, London, Rome, Milan, Turin and Venice are now using an RFID system to manage payments on public transports.
Sport events: an increasing number of marathon, including those in Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles, are using passive RFID tags attached to the shoelace of the runners to support and help the time-keepers.
