Getting And Using An RFID Reader

By Ruth Fisher


It used to be that in order to keep track of something, one had to use their eyes. Once it was out of sight, it was practically lost. But as society evolved, so did the tools used by humanity. Nowadays, keeping track of something is as easy as slapping a tag on it and using a CSL RFID reader connected, wirelessly or otherwise, to a computer.

RFID stands for radio frequency identification. This is accomplished through tags. Passive tags have no internal or external power source and must use the energy given out by the radio waves being given out by a reader. An active tag is powered by a battery and often has a greater range than a passive tag.

UHF means ultra high frequency. Most wireless communications operate on radio frequencies in some form of another, and uhf is the frequency at which many of the most necessary wireless systems operate on. Wi-Fi, mobile phone coverage, and GPS are among the systems which operate on an ultra high frequency.

RFID tags are used widely in for security purposes. Items embedded with an RFID tag will often go off if taken out in a store. Similarly, identification cards can often contain chips in them, especially if there are systems in place to deny entry to outsiders. A chipped card simply allows entry into such places. Similarly, casinos chips are often tagged to prevent theft.

An RFID chip can also be used to track living creatures. A pet can be embedded with one, making it easier to find in case it wanders off. They have applicability to zoos, for the same reason, to keep track of animals.

The applications of RFID technology are limitless, governed only by the imagination. The technology can make shopping at a physical location much easier. Items can be tagged with chips and instead of waiting in line at a counter, a customer can simply walk out, with RFID readers automatically reading both the chips and the credit or debit card of a customer and charging the latter the amount for the former. If shopping at a physical location does not completely fade away, it should be revolutionized. The technology can also be applied to health, as dust can be made that can be introduced into the human bloodstream to monitor overall bodily health. The main challenge to such technology is the fear that it applied to tracking animals can crossover and be applied to tracking people.

Picking an RFID reader is as easy as simply going out and buying one. Like any other piece of tech, the market is flooded with all kinds. A customer is practically spoiled for choice.

Start with the price. Even a low cost device can cost hundreds of dollars. It might be a solid investment but is still a hefty one to make. Next, is the durability. Some devices will have to remain outside, because cars and trucks can also be tagged. Find one that can withstand being outside.

Technology has changed the world, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. But, mostly for the better. There are those whose lives will be negatively impacted as technology continues to progress, but there are many more who will benefit greatly.




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