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Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) provides a highly functional and efficient means of collecting relevant data about products and assets. Where traditional barcodes are used to manually identify an item, RFID offers high level information via the transmission of radio waves. With the ability to acquire data from numerous items simultaneously, business processes become more efficient, drastically reducing time and cost, and ultimately improving the bottom line. RFID devices typically fall into two categories, Active and Passive. There are three key differences between Active and Passive RFID: power source, read distance, and memory capacity. Active RFID tags carry an on-board power source (battery) which allows the device to perform transmission and sensor functions independent of the reader. Passive RFID tags, on the other hand, receive power for functionality from the electromagnetic field transmitted by a reader. Active tags can transmit over long distances, in some cases, up to several hundred feet. Passive tags transmit over short distances, ranging from inches to up to several feet. Active tags can store sensor data and other information with on-board memory, whereas in most passive tags, the amount of on-board memory is sufficient for identification only. Each type of tag achieves a different type of solution. Depending on the application, ZAPATA can recommend the most appropriate system to meet your needs.
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