What is an RFID chip?

Bar code patent was issued in 1952, and has been widely used since then, especially in grocery stores and department stores. Most of us didn't notice that bar code existed before 1950s, so it is generally considered as a new technology. Now there is a new technology, that is, RFID tags, and bar codes are about to withdraw from the historical stage. Believe it or not, RFID chips have become an important part of our daily life. This is because human beings are always eager to adopt better and more advanced technology. RFID technology was invented in 1969 and patented in 1973. RFID tags are actually microchips. An RFID chip is a transponder, or what we call a transmitter/transponder. It is always ready to receive wireless signals sent by transceivers or RFID readers. After receiving a specific wireless signal, the RFID chip will respond by sending its unique ID code back to the transceiver. Most RFID chips have no batteries themselves, and they always start to work after the wireless signal wakes up and asks for the answer. Compared with bar code, RFID chip has many advantages. There are no restrictions on how to place RFID chips. The only requirement of RFID chip is that it must be placed within the coverage of the reader and cannot be separated by water or metal. RFID chip has read-write protection function, and the data stored in RFID tag can only be read or modified by authorized users. RFID chips can be divided into two categories, namely, chips with passive technology and chips with active technology. In the early days, the production cost of RFID chips was very high, but experts predicted that its price would decrease sooner or later. RFID chips can be used for most items, even creatures on earth. RFID chips are widely used in the security field, such as being tied to luggage and articles at airports, to reduce the loss of luggage and simplify the tracking of luggage in case of any technical failure. When the customer's flight plan changes, the RFID chip can also help the staff to modify the baggage transportation itinerary. At present, several famous manufacturers and retailers use RFID chips to manage the supply chain process: from production to shipment, to putting goods on the shelves of stores. For example, RetailGiant, one of the largest employers in the United States, has adopted "smart shelves", which can automatically remind administrators and staff to replenish the items on the shelves. Wal-Mart and other large supermarkets want all suppliers to support RFID tracking, so that they can know the goods in any sealed container without opening each box or using a barcode scanner. In addition, major banks also try to issue new Visa cards, which combine the advantages of smart cards and RFID chips and can easily complete transactions without any cash or coins. These smart cards can also be installed in mobile phones or other electronic devices to help users pay parking fees or purchase goods without paying for bags. Using RFID chip to track assets can reduce the loss or misplacement of assets and improve the safety of these items. The use of RFID chip can improve the security of sensitive items and can be used as an additional verification means.