RFID Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
RFID Tags – RFID Tags, RFID Tag
How much information can a tag store?
	That depends on the vendor and the application of the tag.  Most tags will use a 96-bit serial number.  These are the simple tags that will be used in most throw away packaging.  The tags though can have up to 2KB of data, but these are not to be used just once and thrown away
What’s the difference between read-only and read-write RFID tags?
	The read-only tags have all the information the manufacturer placed on them, but no more information can be stored on the tag.  Read-write tags can be used to place additional information on the tag or the tag can be completely erase and used again in another product
What are WORM tags?
	WORM stands for write once, read many.  This means the tag is a read only tag and the information is permanent
What are the differences between active and passive RFID tags?
	Active tags have a power source linked to them like a battery.  The power is used to broadcast the signal to the reader.  Passive tags draw their power from the reader.  The passive tags use the electromagnetic waves from the reader to induce the antenna on the tag to send out the information.  Active tags are much more expensive, but have a much farther read range
What is the read range for a typical RFID tag?
	There is no simple answer for this question.  Low frequency tags have a range of about 1-2 feet.  UHF tags have a range of 20-30 feet and active tags can boost the signal to 300 feet
What is tag collision?
	This is when many tags or transponders send a signal back to the reader at the same time.  The reader then becomes confused.  Different vendors have come up with different ways to help cingulated the tags
What is energy harvesting?
	Most passive RFID tags just reflect back the waves with the information on it.  Energy harvesting is when the tag gathers the energy and stores it for a brief moment.  The information is then sent back to the reader at a different frequency.  This method will help the passive tags performance dramatically
What is a chipless RFID tag?
	Chipless tags are a generic term used to describe a tag without a microchip inside.  Instead of a microchip, the radio frequencies take a “picture” of the tag to identify the product.  A computer takes the wave “picture” and uses it like a fingerprint to identify the product
RFID doesn’t work on metal or water products right?
	Well, yes and no.  Certain frequencies have a hard time with metal and water.  Low end and high end frequencies have been working well around metal and water.  Some low end frequencies have actually been imbedded into some metal car parts without any RFID problems