Types of RFID Tags:

RFID tags can be either active, semi-passive or passive:

• Passive RFID tags have no internal power supply and rely on the reader to excite an electromagetic response.
• Semi-passive RFID tags are very similar to passive tags except for the addition of a small battery which allows for faster response and an extended reading radius.
• Active RFID tags, or beacons, have their own internal power source which allows them to generate an outgoing signal to transmit information directly to a reader.

The particular information retrieved by an RFID reader is ultimately processed according to the needs of a particular application. The information data may provide identification or location information, or specifics about the product tagged, such as price, color, date of manufacture, etc.

RFID System Frequency Ranges:

RFID systems operate within 4 major frequency ranges. Genearally speaking, low-frequency systems are distinguished by short reading ranges, slow read speeds, and lower cost. Higher-frequency RFID systems are used where longer read ranges and fast reading speeds are required, such as for vehicle tracking and automated toll collection. Microwave requires the use of active RFID tags.

RFID Tech News:

Digital Angel defends sale of VeriChip stake
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:37:28 GMT
A VeriChip microchip is held in a pair of tweezers. Digital Angel announced Nov.

ThingMagic Scores Intelligence-Based Investment
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:25:04 GMT
The RFID reader company gets a funding infusion from In-Q-Tel, which focuses on advanced technologies for the intelligence industry.

How the Aware Home Works
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:44:50 GMT
Toothman, Jessika. "How the Aware Home Works." 13 August 2008. HowStuffWorks.com. 20 November 2008.

Is it illegal not to have a name?
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:37:47 GMT
Conger, Cristen. "Is it illegal not to have a name?." 05 May 2008. HowStuffWorks.com. 20 November 2008.

How Passports Work
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:37:26 GMT
If you've ever traveled outside the United States, one of the most important tasks you had to complete before your trip was applying for a passport.

How Wal-Mart Works
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:31:40 GMT
Wilbert, Caroline. "How Wal-Mart Works." 26 April 2006. HowStuffWorks.com. 20 November 2008.

Can you use a cell phone as a credit card?
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:06:12 GMT
Layton, Julia. "Can you use a cell phone as a credit card?." 12 January 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. 20 November 2008.

How RFID Works
Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:03:45 GMT
Bonsor, Kevin, and Candace Gibson. "How RFID Works." 05 November 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. 20 November 2008.

RFID News Roundup
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:41:14 GMT
Visa's contactless payWave cards debut in Germany; 3M intros protective sleeve to keep smart cards safe; Gowlings Lafleur Henderson law firm employs RFID to track, manage files; Sirit obtains ETSI certification ...

CASAGRAS Says the Internet of Things Should Be More Than RFID
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:41:05 GMT
An interim report argues that the network linking the virtual and the physical worlds should make use of automatic identification and data capture technologies, as well as other sensor and communication ...

Networking &Comm sponsored by Blue Coat
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:33:34 GMT
Dealing with networks. See network, LAN and enterprise networking. Full Networking Definition>> iPhone vs.

Ingram Micro Acquires Two Leading European Data Capture/Point-Of-Sale Distributors
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:51:39 GMT
World's Largest Technology Distributor Strengthens its Presence in Key Technology Area by Purchasing Eurequat and Intertrade SANTA ANA, Calif.

Society's Secrecy Fetish
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:43:12 GMT
A hot topic of conversation at last week's CRN/IEET seminar on Global Catastrophic Risks was the whole issue of privacy, surveillance, security, and anonymity.

NXP Introducing New LF Chip for Livestock, Asset Tracking
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:25:10 GMT
Compliant with the ISO 11784 and 11785 standards, the new IC offers an anti-collision algorithm so multiple tags can be read simultaneously, and read-write speeds that are twice as fast as those supported by ...

Revised NanoMarkets Numbers Show Conductive Silver Inks Market at $1.6 billion by 2015
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:05:03 GMT
NanoMarkets, a leading industry analyst firm based here, today announced it has released an updated analysis of the conductive silver inks market.

Think NFC is Just Ticketing and Payments? Think Again.
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:47:20 GMT
Near field communication is a viable enabling technology for activities ranging from securely exchanging medical records to popping perfect popcorn, attendees were told this week at a webinar presented by the ...

Belgium Hospital Revamps Network to Support Tracking
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:26:32 GMT
St. Trudo Hospital, a 310-bed hospital that serves the Limburg and Vlaams-Brabant regions of Belgium, has installed a Cisco AeroScout 's Unified Asset Visibility solution, including Wi-Fi-based active ...

N3L Introduces Interactive Retail Technology in New Bay Area Sport Performance Eyewear Store
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:27:49 GMT
State-of-the-Art Store Simulates Outdoor Environments, Includes RFID "Smart Mirror" and Touch Screen Displays to Deliver an Innovative Shopping Experience San Mateo, CA November 20, 2008 -- N3L Optics is proud ...

Privacy Group Hopes Hopes To Shape Policy
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:55:32 GMT
A newly-formed group of privacy experts are seeking to influence policy decisions of President-elect Barack Obama.

Coulomb Technologies Announces California Smart Charging...
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:46:37 GMT
CAMPBELL, Calif. November 20, 2008: Coulomb Technologies today announced it will provide the first smart charging infrastructure installation base for new and existing alterative fueling stations within ...