Know and understand characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) including tracking stock, passports, automobiles, contactless payment

6 ICT Applications – Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

What is RFID?

Radio‑Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification technology that uses radio waves to identify and track tags attached to objects. It allows data to be read without line‑of‑sight and without direct contact.

Core components of an RFID system

• Tag (transponder) – stores an identifier (and possibly additional data) and communicates with the reader.
• Reader (interrogator) with antenna – emits radio signals, powers passive tags and receives the tag’s response.
• Back‑end system – database, spreadsheet or cloud service that records, processes and displays the information.

How RFID works

• Energy harvesting (passive tags) – the reader’s electromagnetic field induces a voltage in the tag’s antenna, powering the chip long enough to send its data back.
• Active / semi‑passive tags – contain a battery that powers the chip (and sometimes the antenna), giving longer read ranges and higher data capacity.
• Anti‑collision protocols – when several tags are in the reader’s field, the reader uses algorithms such as ALOHA or binary tree splitting to read each tag in turn, allowing many tags to be captured almost simultaneously.

Tag types and memory capacity

Frequency bands, typical ranges and common applications

Standards & protocols (syllabus requirement)

• ISO/IEC 18000 series – defines air‑interface parameters for LF, HF, UHF and microwave.
• EPCglobal (GS1) – specifies the Electronic Product Code (EPC) format used in supply‑chain RFID.
• NFC Forum specifications – govern short‑range (HF) communication for contactless payment and e‑passports.

Key characteristics of RFID (AO1)

• Operates without line‑of‑sight.
• Read‑only or read‑write memory.
• Multiple tags can be read simultaneously (anti‑collision).
• Various tag types (passive, semi‑passive, active) give flexibility in range and cost.
• Works across a range of frequencies, each with specific environmental strengths and weaknesses.
• Data from the tag is transferred to a back‑end system where it can be linked to product details, timestamps, sensor readings, etc.

Uses of RFID – Cambridge syllabus examples

1. Stock & inventory management – real‑time location of pallets, automated stock counts, reduced need for manual barcode scanning.
2. e‑Passports – HF chip stores personal data, digital photograph and biometric information for rapid border checks.
3. Automobiles

   • Electronic toll collection (e‑toll gates).
   • Parking‑lot entry/exit.
   • Immobiliser and anti‑theft systems.

4. Contactless payment – credit/debit cards, mobile wallets and wearables use NFC (HF) for tap‑to‑pay transactions.
5. Other common applications

   • Livestock identification (LF tags).
   • Library book tracking.
   • Event ticketing and access control.
   • Asset tracking in hospitals, schools and factories.

Advantages of RFID (AO2)

• Speed – multiple tags read in seconds; anti‑collision allows bulk scanning.
• Reduced labour – automation removes the need for manual barcode handling.
• High accuracy – fewer human errors and real‑time updates.
• Security options – encryption, authentication, password protection, and block‑tags are available.
• Durability – tags resist water, dust, chemicals and extreme temperatures.
• Scalability – once the infrastructure is installed, adding more tags is inexpensive.
• Cost considerations – passive tags can be cheaper than printed barcodes when bought in bulk, while active tags are more expensive but add range and sensor capability.

Disadvantages of RFID (AO2)

• Initial investment – readers and especially active tags cost more than simple barcodes.
• Interference – metal surfaces and liquids attenuate radio signals; specialised tags or shielding may be required.
• Privacy & e‑safety concerns – unauthorised readers could capture tag data (see section below).
• Integration complexity – linking RFID data to existing spreadsheets, databases or ERP systems may need custom software or middleware.
• Regulatory constraints – frequency allocations differ by country (e.g., 860‑865 MHz in Europe, 902‑928 MHz in the USA). Compliance with local spectrum rules is mandatory.

e‑Safety and Data‑Protection Issues (AO3 – 8.2 eSafety, 8.3 Security of data)

• Unauthorised reading (skimming) – anyone with a compatible reader could capture a tag’s UID.
• Personal data on tags – e‑passports and some contactless cards store personal or biometric data, making GDPR and other data‑protection legislation relevant.
• Mitigation measures

  • Encryption and mutual authentication between tag and reader.
  • Use of “kill” commands or block‑tags that permanently disable a tag after purchase.
  • Legal safeguards: clear privacy notices, consent forms and compliance with national data‑protection laws.

• e‑Safety advice for users – inform users that a tag is present, provide instructions on how to disable or shield it if desired, and ensure that RFID‑enabled devices meet electromagnetic‑compatibility (EMC) standards.

Link to other ICT applications (AO3)

Summary matrix – Characteristics, Advantages & Disadvantages

Suggested diagram