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RFID Technology

Robert P. Jackson, P.E.


Course Outline

This four ( 4 ) hours course attempts to follow a logical progression, moving through three primary areas of focus.  These are as follows:

I have included many figures and tables in support of the text and feel these add a great deal of clarity to the overall course.    The case studies given and other applications point out the present day uses of RFID and those uses that could possibly be considered over the next decade.

This course includes a multiple choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

Upon completion of this course the student should have a thorough understanding of RFID concepts and will:

Intended Audience

This course is specifically for individuals desiring in-depth knowledge preparatory to making an investment in RFID technology.   It is a technical course but easily understood by “non-engineering” types.  As such, we dive into detailed explanations regarding topics such as UHF, VHF, microwave frequencies, “tags” (transponders), interrogation methodologies and equipment, “back-end” software, RFID antennas and other subjects necessary for a complete understanding of existing RFID technology.   With this in mind, people with the following disciplines would enjoy and benefit from taking this course:

Benefit to Attendees

The purpose of this four (4) hour course is to provide necessary information so an individual will gain an appreciable understanding of the technology.  This certainly includes operational parameters, hardware and the necessary software to drive the system of components.  The course is structured to go beyond the basics and make it possible for a potential user to gain knowledge that will facilitate informed conversations with suppliers, interrogators and software specialists.  To support the text, we provide a comprehensive glossary of terms integral to an understanding of the technology.  After successful completion, an individual will have a much broader ability to recognize possible applications and determine if RFID is right for those applications.  Quite frankly, I feel the Glossary at the end of the course is worth the cost of the course itself.

There is a quiz at the end of the course which will provide a review and serve as a quick summary of the major points found in the text.

Course Introduction

Radio Frequency Identification ( RFID ) is an automated means of using radio waves to identify and track the presence and movement of objects.  RFID has been called “the first important technology of the 21st century” and has become one of the most “talked-about” technologies in business and government today.  The application of RFID has definite benefits relative to tracking objects in supply chain movement.  It allows for the positive identification and control of tangible objects such as:

There have been several “dooms-day” profits crying that RFID “chips” will be applied to individuals and these chips will be the “mark of the beast” mentioned in the Bible. Anyone desirous of pursuing commercial ends will need this “mark of the beast” to do business.  Until that happens, this course will address the more useful applications of that marvelous technology and strive to help the student understand the verity of application possibilities and the hardware necessary to bring about those applications.

Course Content

The course content is in a PDF file:

RFID Technology

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Course Summary

RFID is one of those technologies that “sneaks up” on you.  It has actually been in use for quite a few years and has taken several forms, such as:

These uses are very visible and “out front” relative to uses within a warehouse, library, or commercial storage area for equipment.  RFID was discovered long before companion technologies made it possible for commercial use.  The actual history is quite fascinating and definitely shows an evolutionary process and not a revolutionary process.  We devote a section to the history of RFID and show how each decade has brought additional development that truly make it a technology of the 21st century.   With this being said, we have only scratched the surface of its potential.  This is due, in part, to the privacy aspects of the technology.  Independent bodies are addressing these concerns in an ongoing fashion.  The money saved through improved operating efficiencies can be very very significant.  If you feel the need to “do it better”, then RFID is definitely worth the look.  Those companies presently using bar code techniques will recognize definite similarities, a yet many differences, between the two technologies.  The process of incorporation will be much the same with “up-front” planning a real must for success.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

Take a Quiz


DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.