Drones and RFID tags utilized for efficient inspection in Xixia district of Yinchuan city, within the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It collects the necessary information and transmits it to the local power supplier.
At the end of 2022, State Grid's Xixia Power Supply Co began using drones equipped with RFID tags to inspect the power grid. This approach has significantly enhanced work efficiency and reduced labor costs.
An RFID tag, or radio frequency identification tag, is an electronic device that communicates with an RFID reader using radio waves. It helps identify items, track their location, and monitor their movement.
Currently, all local utility poles, transmission towers, transformers, and ring main units are fitted with RFID tags, improving the efficiency and accuracy of their management and deployment.
The company has also equipped drones with high-resolution cameras and RFID readers and developed an online system to consolidate data on local electrical equipment. During inspections, the drones read the RFID tags to understand the equipment's operational status and compare it with historical data in the system, enabling the effective identification of potential hazards.
What are RFID Transponders?
RFID transponders, also known as RFID tags, are key components in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. They are electronic devices used to store and transmit data to an RFID reader through radio waves.
Components of RFID Transponders
Microchip (Integrated Circuit):
Function: The microchip stores the data or information about the item or asset to which the RFID transponder is attached. This data can include identification numbers, product details, or other relevant information.
Operation: It processes the information and communicates it to the RFID reader.
Antenna:
Function: The antenna enables the RFID transponder to receive and transmit radio signals to and from the RFID reader. It plays a crucial role in the communication between the transponder and the reader.
Types: The design of the antenna can vary depending on the application, including coil antennas for passive tags or more complex designs for active tags.
Tag Housing:
Function: The housing protects the microchip and antenna from physical damage, environmental factors, and interference. It can be made from various materials such as plastic, metal, or specialized coatings.
Types: The housing can be designed for different environments, including rugged outdoor settings or cleanroom environments.
Types of RFID Transponders
Passive RFID Tags:
Power Source: These tags do not have their own power source. Instead, they draw power from the radio signals emitted by the RFID reader.
Range: They typically have a shorter read range compared to active tags but are more cost effective and have a longer lifespan.
Applications: Commonly used in inventory management, asset tracking, and access control.
Active RFID Tags:
Power Source: These tags have an internal battery that powers the microchip and antenna.
Range: They offer a longer read range and can actively transmit signals to the reader.
Applications: Often used in large-scale asset tracking, vehicle tracking, and high-value asset management.
Semi Active (Battery Assisted Passive) RFID Tags:
Power Source: These tags have a small battery that powers the microchip but rely on the reader's signals for communication.
Range: They offer a longer read range than passive tags but are generally more affordable than active tags.
Applications: Used in applications requiring moderate read ranges and additional functionality, such as temperature sensitive monitoring.
How RFID Transponders Work
How does RFID technology operate, and what features must transponders have to function effectively? This article explores these questions by examining the capabilities of RFID transponders and their role in identification. System integrators may find the insights provided here particularly useful for addressing the needs of their customers.
RFID technology utilizes transponders, commonly known as tags, which can also appear as cards. These transponders are embedded with unique ID numbers in their chip memory. 'Smart card' transponders offer additional memory beyond a simple ID number, allowing for the storage of more extensive data. This extra memory is often used in applications requiring security, such as payment systems, time or location specific access control, or other scenarios where substantial data storage is needed.
Smart card transponders also support advanced encryption protocols during identification processes. This enhances security, especially in cases where the transponder's unique ID alone may not provide sufficient protection.
Some RFID readers have the capability to write data to transponders during transactions. This feature is useful in applications such as payment systems and tokens, where the transponders keep track of a limited number of authorized transactions. Each transaction decreases the remaining balance, which the reader then updates on the transponder.
RFID transponders are categorized into active and passive types, based on their communication methods with readers. All Idesco transponders are passive and do not have an internal power source. Active transponders, on the other hand, have a power source that strengthens the signal between the transponder and reader. Active transponders, used for applications like pallet and railroad car identification, can be read from distances of up to tens of meters. Passive transponders typically have a reading range from a few centimeters to fifteen meters. They are generally less expensive and have a longer lifespan compared to active transponders, whose lifespan is limited by their power source.
Passive transponders do not emit signals independently. Instead, they rely on a reader's interrogation via induction. These transponders only function when within close proximity to a reader. The reader then sends the data obtained from the transponder to the system for authentication. Advanced transponder technologies, such as MIFARE DESFire, use specific security keys for mutual authentication, ensuring that a transponder can only be read by a pre-programmed reader. 128-bit AES encryption protects DESFire transponders from copying or hacking.
Identification Technologies and Their Applications
Passive identification technologies are typically categorized by their operating frequency: 125 kHz, 13.56 MHz, and UHF. These technologies can be either standardized (open technologies) or proprietary (closed technologies). Open technologies, such as MIFARE® smart card technology and EPC UHF technology, provide a wider range of compatible suppliers for future system expansions. Closed technologies, however, restrict compatibility to a single supplier.
Passive UHF technologies offer identification distances ranging from a few meters to fifteen meters. They are commonly used in vehicle identification, logistics, and person identification where the transponder can be read without close proximity to the reader.
125 kHz and 13.56 MHz technologies provide shorter identification distances, typically up to a couple of centimeters. These are frequently used for access control and asset marking.
GUOYUAN ELECTRONICS can offer a wide range of transponder rfid tag with different specifications and features. You can visit our website or contact us directly to inquire about rfid transponder tags offerings, specifications, pricing, and any other details you may need to make an informed decision.
