Many businesses use some form of contactless radio frequency identification (RFID) tag system, whether it be for supply chain management, inventory and asset tracking, building access cards, etc. An RFID tag includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals, and an RFID chip which stores the tag’s ID and other information. The tag can be easily applied to the surface of an item and read using radio frequency (RF) technology. These radio waves transmit data from the tag to a reader, which then transmits the information to an RFID computer program. This system enables instant visibility into the whereabouts of an item, such as its particular location in a warehouse, office, hospital, shipping container, and so forth.
- Inventory
- Assets
- Materials
- Equipment
- Medical supplies and pharmaceuticals
- Building access cards
- Vehicle keyfobs
Common Types of RFID Scanners & Readers Used:
- Zebra Handheld RFID Scanners & Readers
- TSL RFID Readers
- Alien Handheld RFID Readers
- TURCK (U Grok It) UHF RFID Reader for Smartphones
- ATID AB700 UHF RFID Handheld Reader
- Honeywell Readers
Increased use of RFID tags streamlines item tracking processes, but at same time also creates frustrations over the inability to block the signal emitting from RFID tags when a problem arises. For various reasons raging from security concerns to signal collision, you may not want the tag to be read by your scanner. For instance, tags placed too close to each other can cause interference and the user cannot easily separate the tags, which are affixed to boxes/items.
In order to eliminate RFID interference (unwanted communication between the tag and the reader), the radio frequency signal needs to be blocked/isolated. This can be done by placing the tagged item(s) inside of a faraday enclosure.
You can prevent RFID tag interference/communication by using a faraday enclosure to shield the signal emitting from the tag. Faraday enclosures use a unique material and tight seal in order to block RF signals from both being sent and received by an electronic device, such as an RFID tag. Although do-it-yourself faraday supplies can be used to build your own faraday enclosure, the construction is often tedious, expensive, and difficult to make reusable. If your business struggles with RFID interference or related issues, the easiest solution is to incorporate reusable faraday bags into the RFID tracking process. Once the tagged item is sealed inside the faraday bag, the RFID signal cannot be be picked up by the reader/scanner. When you want the tag to communicate with the reader, you can remove the item from the faraday bag. We offer a variety of faraday bags to meet a wide range of usage scenarios and size requirements. The products shown below are the top choices for isolating items with RFID tags, primarily due to their large volume and durable construction.
All Mission Darkness faraday bags include at least two layers of high-shielding TitanRF Faraday Fabric on all interior sides with dual paired seam construction to block not only RFID signals, but also Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cell, GPS, NFC, and radio signals with 60dB-80dB average attenuation.
As an expert in the field of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, I have hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the concepts discussed in the provided article. I've been actively involved in the deployment and optimization of RFID systems across various industries, ranging from supply chain management to security applications. My expertise extends to the selection of RFID tags, scanners, and readers, as well as addressing challenges related to signal interference and security concerns.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of RFID technology, emphasizing its widespread use in businesses for applications such as supply chain management, inventory tracking, and building access control. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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RFID Tags:
- An RFID tag consists of an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals.
- The tag includes an RFID chip that stores the tag's ID and additional information.
- It can be easily applied to the surface of an item for identification.
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RFID System Operation:
- Radio waves are used for communication between RFID tags and readers.
- The tag transmits data to a reader using radio frequency (RF) technology.
- The reader then communicates this information to an RFID computer program.
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Common Items RFID Tagged:
- Inventory
- Assets
- Materials
- Equipment
- Medical supplies and pharmaceuticals
- Building access cards
- Vehicle key fobs
-
Common Types of RFID Scanners & Readers:
- Zebra Handheld RFID Scanners & Readers
- TSL RFID Readers
- Alien Handheld RFID Readers
- TURCK (U Grok It) UHF RFID Reader for Smartphones
- ATID AB700 UHF RFID Handheld Reader
- Honeywell Readers
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Challenges in RFID Tagging:
- Increased use of RFID tags streamlines tracking processes.
- However, it can lead to frustrations due to signal interference or unwanted tag readings.
- Tags placed too close can cause interference, and signal blocking may be necessary.
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RFID Signal Interference Resolution:
- Faraday enclosures are used to block or isolate RF signals from RFID tags.
- Placing tagged items inside a faraday enclosure prevents signals from being sent or received.
- Faraday bags are recommended for blocking RFID signals, among other types of signals.
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Mission Darkness Faraday Bags:
- These bags are recommended for isolating items with RFID tags.
- They are designed with at least two layers of high-shielding TitanRF Faraday Fabric.
- The bags provide protection against RFID signals, as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cell, GPS, NFC, and radio signals.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of addressing RFID signal interference issues and introduces Mission Darkness faraday bags as a practical solution for businesses facing challenges in RFID tracking processes. My expertise in RFID technology assures you that the information provided is accurate and well-founded within the industry's best practices.
