
Radio-frequency
identification
(RFID) is the wireless non-contact use of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data, for
the purposes of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to
objects. The tags contain electronically stored information. Some tags are
powered and read at short ranges (a few meters) via magnetic fields (electromagnetic induction). Others use a
local power source such as a battery, or else have no battery but collect
energy from the interrogating EM field, and then act as a passive transponder
to emit microwaves or UHF
radio waves (i.e.,
electromagnetic radiation at high
frequencies). Battery powered tags may operate
at hundreds of meters. Unlike a bar code, the tag does not necessarily need to be within
line of sight of the reader, and may be embedded in the tracked object.
RFID tags are used in
many industries. An RFID tag attached to an automobile during production can be
used to track its progress through the assembly line. Pharmaceuticals can be
tracked through warehouses. Livestock and pets may have tags injected,
allowing positive identification of the animal.
Since RFID tags can
be attached to clothing, possessions, or even implanted within people, the possibility
of reading personally-linked information without consent has raised privacy
concerns.
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