Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a somewhat new technology that is used for automatic identification. Using this technology, data can be remotely retrieved through remote devices called RFID tags. Also known as transponders, RFID tags are chips which are attached or may be inserted into products, animals and even people. Radio waves are used to easily identify these chips and the information contained within. The transponders are normally made of silicone and are attached with antennas.

RFID tags are sometimes called transducers and are also known as proximity cards. They are available in three varieties: active tags, passive tags and semi-passive tags. Power is required for an active RFID system but no source is necessary for the passive type. Radio waves read information and instructions that are stored on RFID tag chips. These radio waves can read such information from up to 90 feet from where the chip is installed.
In the beginning RFID was used to identify dogs, cats and other pets as a means of permanent identification. It was said to be used in case the animal was lost or stolen. In today's world, RFID systems are used in almost every industry including but not limited to medicine, shipping and receiving, the automobile industry and libraries as well as being used in electronic devices and musical instruments.

The main purpose of RFID tags is to transfer data or any other information through particular mobile devices. These mobile devices are called chips and the RFID reader can read and process information according to the application.

RFID systems use an embedded in inexpensive tag that consists of a transponder containing a digital memory chip. Each tag has its own unique product code. The RFID transceiver will consist of an antenna, an interrogator as well as a decoder. When the transceiver remits a signal, better known as radio waves it activates the RFID tag. At this point information can be read or written into the memory chip. When a RFID tag makes its way through the electromagnetic field of its transceiver, it will detect the reader's activation signal. The point after the data has been read; the decoder can decode the data and pass it on to the host computer. The host computer will then process the data using Physical Markup Language (PML).


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