How is it better than barcodes? The principle of RFID electronic tags is revealed!

Have you ever wondered why ETC can automatically deduct fees without stopping? Why can a warehouse manager know what is on the shelf by shaking a machine? This is all thanks to a magical little thing – RFID electronic tag. Today, we will use the simplest way to reveal its working principle!

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What does an RFID tag look like

An RFID tag looks like a small sticker (or a laundry label), but it actually has two key components inside:

①, microchip: used to store data (such as product number, production date)

②, antenna: used to receive and send signals

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How does it work?

Step 1: The reader “calls”

Imagine the RFID reader as a “loudspeaker” that continuously emits radio waves (like a Wi-Fi signal). When the tag enters the signal range, it will be “woke up”.

Active tags: come with batteries, actively send signals like mobile phones (can be transmitted very far, 100 meters)

Passive tags: have no batteries, powered by the radio waves of the reader (like a solar-powered calculator)

Step 2: The tag “calls back”

The activated tag will use the antenna to “call back” the data in the chip. For example:

If it is a product tag, reply: “I am product A, produced in 2023″

If it is an ETC tag, reply: “I am license plate Beijing A12345″

Step 3: The reader “understands” and takes action

After the reader receives the reply:

Supermarket: add the product to the shopping list

ETC: deduct from the bound bank card

Warehouse: update the inventory quantity

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Application of RFID in life

①. ETC charging: the fee is automatically deducted when the car drives past

②. Supermarket anti-theft: tags that have not been demagnetized will trigger an alarm

③. Pet chip: scan to know who the owner is when the pet is lost

④. Express logistics: full box of goods are counted in seconds

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RFID tags are smaller than rice grains and can be implanted in trees to prevent felling

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In the future, supermarkets will be able to use RFID to achieve automatic checkout with “grab and go”

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RFID electronic tags are like “small speakers” for items, allowing them to “talk” across the air. Although a little more expensive than barcodes, its convenience is changing our lives. The next time you see ETC or supermarket anti-theft doors, you will know what black technology is hidden inside!