RFID Glossary

RFID Glossary

Antenna
The component of the RFID tag that both transmits information stored on the tag's chip and receives radio frequency energy from the reader device which activates the tag.

Active tag
An RFID tag that is battery powered, allowing it to transmit its information over an extended distance.

Class 0 tags
These tags are read only (programmed only once), have 64-bit or 96-bit memory capacities, and operate in the UHF frequency band between 868 and 930 MHz

Class 0+ tags
Same as Class 0 tags, but are re-writeable

Class 1 tags
These one-time programmable (OTP) tags can be updated one additional time after being encoded, have a 96-bit memory capacity, and they operate between 868 and 930 MHz

Collision
Signals of different tags and readers interfering with each other.

Compliance labels
A label that is set up to a specific standard set by the industry or customer.

Data Synchronization
A technology that compares and reconciles selected transactions and other data between trading partners to ensure that each partner has the same information about items of interest at the same point in time.

EPC code
EPC is a unique number based on a global standard for product identification called a global trade item number (GTIN). This number uniquely identifies the manufacturer and product in any market in the world.

EPCglobal
An nonprofit trade organization that is an affiliate of the Uniform Code Council (UCC) and EAN International and is involved with creating different specifications for the frequency, encoding characteristics and other attributes of RFID technology.

Frequency
RFID tags are manufactured to transmit at different frequencies, which range from 30 KHz to nearly 1000 MHz. In supply chains, most tags are used in the frequency range of 13.56 MHz (high frequency) or 960 MHz (ultra high frequency).

GDSN
Global Data Synchronization Network, which is essentially a private "Internet"for global trading partners that allows partners to access standardized information about a product. Before a company can program EPC codes into RFID tags to meet basic RFID compliance requirements with major retail customers, it must ensure the codes meet global standards and that they are registered on the Global Data Synchronization Network. To register EPC codes, a company must subscribe with a trading partner that is a member of GDSN. Trading partners include UCC.net, Transora, World Wide Retail Exchange and many others.

GTIN
Global Trade Item Number. A 14-digit standard for global identification of an item in supply chain applications. For most companies in the United States, a UPC is used interchangeably with a GTIN.

HF
High frequency. Tags that are high frequency (HF) typically operate in the 13.56 MHz range.

Integrated circuit (IC)
A microelectronic semiconductor device comprising many interconnected transistors and other components. Most RFID tags have an IC chip which stores information about the attached object.

Interrogator
Also known as a Reader, an RFID interrogator detects compatible RFID tags within its range. An interrogator transmits an electronic field (radio waves) at a set frequency, which activates RFID tags designed to receive this frequency. When a tag activates, it transmits the information stored on its chip, which is received by the interrogator.

Memory
Capacity of the tag to store information, usually measured in bits.

Passive tag
An RFID tag that does not use a battery for power. Passive tags get their power to activate and respond from the electronic field (radio waves) transmitted by the reader-interrogator.

RFID
An acronym for radio frequency identification.

Reader
Also known as an interrogator, an RFID reader detects compatible RFID tags within its range. A reader transmits an electronic field (radio waves) at a set frequency, which activates RFID tags designed to receive this frequency. When a tag activates, it transmits the information stored on its chip, which is received by the reader.

Read-only tag
A tag that cannot be changed or appended once it has been programmed. Read only tags are the most common and are typically the least expensive.

Read-write tag
Also known as a reprogrammable tag, this kind of tag can be changed, appended and erased after it has been programmed.

Reader-writer
A device that can both program tags and receive data from tags that pass through its signal area. In addition, reader-writers usually have the ability to append or reprogram data on tags from which it receives data.

Smart labels
An RFID tag that is embedded inside of an adhesive label, which is typically printed with a barcode and other identifying information. This allows the dual purpose of being read by RFID readers and scanned by barcode scanners. Smart labels are sometimes referred to as smart tags and compliance labels.

Tag/Transponder
An RFID tag consists of an IC chip that contains information about an object and an antenna that receives information from a reader, which transmits information back to the reader. RFID tags are sometimes referred to as transponders.

UHF
Ultra high frequency. Tags that are ultra high frequency (UHF) typically operate at 915 MHz in the United States and 868 MHz in Europe.
U.P.C. Universal Product Code
The standard bar code symbol for retail food packages in the U.S.