Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), like barcode, magnetic stripe, voice data entry and other automatic identification technologies, is an information acquisition technology. RFID consist of a sensing device which transmits a radio-frequency signal to a specially designed tag, which responds with another radio message.
Advantages of RFID
The primary benefits of RFID are the elimination of clerical errors in recording data; faster data collection; and a reduction in labour and paperwork required to process data. The advantages of RFID over other ID technologies (such as barcode and magnetic stripe) include:
Reliable operation in a harsh environment (in wet, dusty, dirty conditions; corrosive environments; applications where vibration and shocks are considerations).
Non-contact operation.
Freedom from line-of-sight constraints (low frequency transponders can be read irrespective of orientation; through paint, even through non-ferrous solids).
By implementing RFID, a company can:
- Realise major gains in labour efficiency and productivity.
- Automate many manufacturing, assembly and quality control processes.
- Reduce waste and keep inventory levels at a minimum.
- Increase customer satisfaction.
- Improve profitability.
The system consists of two basic elements: the passive transponder (the ID tag) and the reader. The reader emits a low-frequency magnetic field via its antenna. When a transponder passes within range, it is excited causing it to transmit its ID code back to the reader. Transmission and reception occurs simultaneously. This makes for a very short read time.
No. The transponder contains no batteries and is hermetically sealed in a housing designed to tolerate harsh environmental conditions. The permanently programmed code is unique and cannot be modified or deleted. Thus, each transponder is completely maintenance free and, in principle, has an unlimited life span.
Compared to barcode and conventional ID technologies such as embossed serial numbers or tattoos, the TROVAN transponders can be a fraction of the size.
Compared to other RFID systems, the system
(1) Provides unprecedented read speeds,
(2) Can operate in areas with high levels of electromagnetic interference
(3) Provides superior performance on metals. Transponders mounted on steel parts or countersunk in metal, with only one surface exposed, can still be detected and read.
Comprehensive automatic test methods ensure that no code exists in duplicate in any of the TROAN UNIQUE™ transponder types, and that the codes are programmed correctly in a readable manner. In each transponder, 39 bits of memory are reserved for the code. That translates into 239 (or about 550 billion) possible unique codes. If one were to assign all 550 billion codes to transponder with the smallest dimensions known today, specifically the ID-100 Microtransponders with their length of 12 mm, and then line these transponders up end to end, the resulting string would measure 6.5 million kilometers in length, which is about 160 times the circumference of the earth.
Passive tags contain no internal power source, unlike active tags which depend on batteries with a typical lifespan of three to five years. They are externally powered and typically derive their power from the carrier signal emitted by the reader. Passive tags typically cost less and have fewer failure modes because they contain fewer components and connections. They can operate across a wider temperature range. Also, they typically have a longer life expectancy because there is no internal battery.
All TROVAN transponders are passive.
Pet owners are able to register their animals in databases that serve countries around the world. For more information on who to contact in your area, please go
here.
For more information on regulations in the principle jursisdictions that require microchips in traveling companion animals, please review:
European Union: click
here;
Australia: click
here.
Contact your area distributor.
