The abbreviation RFID stands for radio frequency identification. 

RFID allows to identify objects without visual contact. With this technique, data from a disk, the so-called transponder to transmit an RFID reader and vice versa. 

An RFID system consists of three components: 

The RFID transponder is a small chip and an antenna that can be incorporated into a housing such as a glass rod or an adhesive label or, in textiles. The term transponder is made from the words transmitter (transmitter) and responder (the responder together). Transponders are available depending on the application in many different sizes, types and classes of protection. There are different active and passive transponders. Active transponders obtain their energy from a built-in battery and can therefore send signals to the data itself. 

The RFID technology is using Electronic Product Code (EPC) for the standardized labeling of objects, comparable to the EAN bar code. Clear advantages over the barcode are:

• No line of sight required. 
• Transponder are rewritable, information can be added or deleted. 
• Increased storage capacity allows storage of important data for the customer, he needs to improve its processes. 
• Insusceptible to environmental influences, covering materials, etc. 
• High speed reading. 
• Bulk reading: Not every disk has to be scanned individually, but is gathered automatically during a read. 

The RFID antenna gain and thus ensures the transmission of radio signals from the reader to the transponder, and vice versa. An antenna can be used as stand-alone component contained in the RFID system or the RFID reader to be integrated. 

RFID antennas are available in different sizes and designs. Their shape and size depends strongly on the environment in which the system is integrated. Also, the desired read / write range affects your design. 

The RFID reader reads data without contact from an information carrier / transponder and can also describe this. The devices are available as stationary or mobile versions and produce different read and write ranges from one centimeter up to a hundred feet or more.