RFID Field Guide: Deploying Radio Frequency Identification Systems

Chapter 3. Components of RFID Systems

• Operational Description of RFID Systems 36

• Hardware Components 38

  • Tag 39

  • Reader 43

  • Antenna 47

  • Limitations of Tag and Reader Communications 49

  • Host Computer 49

• Software Components 50

  • RFID System Software 50

  • RFID Middleware 52

  • Host Application 53

• The EPCglobal Network 54

  • Electronic Product Code (EPC) 55

  • The ID System 55

  • EPC Middleware 56

  • Object Name Service (ONS) 56

  • EPC Information Services (EPCIS) 56

• Summary 57

Five Questions This Chapter Will Answer

• How does RFID work?

• What are the different types of RFID tags?

• What determines the size of an RFID tag?

• Why do I need to consider different operating frequencies?

• What is the purpose of the RFID middleware?

This chapter establishes the foundation required to successfully plan for RFID ...