| RFID technology is becoming more widespread in | | | | Libraries have begun to replace barcodes with RFID |
| everyday life. If you've used a transport pass, bought | | | | passive tags. These can directly store information |
| security-tagged clothes, or even borrowed a library | | | | such as a book's title, author, or category without the |
| book, chances are that you've encountered RFID | | | | need to refer to a separate database. The RFID tag |
| technology without realising it. | | | | can also act as a security tag, replacing the need for a |
| An RFID transponder, or "tag", consists of a microchip | | | | separate security system. |
| that can store a small amount of data, and an antenna | | | | Modern RFID passive tags can be mass-produced |
| that can transmit this via radio waves over a short | | | | cheaply enough to be used disposably. Tagging goods |
| distance to an RFID reader. An active RFID tag also | | | | allows them to be tracked through inventory |
| contains a battery and can transmit a signal, but is | | | | management systems all the way from manufacture |
| more expensive, while RFID passive tags contain no | | | | to point of sale. |
| battery, are cheaper, but need to be activated by a | | | | Pets can be "chipped" by their owners with RFID tags |
| reader in order to access the data stored on them. | | | | containing the owner contact details to help identify |
| Most everyday RFID applications use RFID passive | | | | them if they are lost. The chips can also be used to |
| tags. | | | | maintain health details like vaccinations dates. Nature |
| Many transit pass systems (e.g. Washington's | | | | programs can tag animals and birds to help determine |
| SmarTrip, London's Oyster card) use embedded RFID | | | | migration patterns and track individual animals. |
| tags to store balance details which are updated when | | | | Smart labels have RFID passive tags embedded |
| swiped at an exit gate, or when the card is topped up. | | | | between the printed label and the adhesive backing. |
| Similarly, many toll systems offer some form of | | | | They can be used like barcodes, but hold more |
| "easypass" for barrier-free tolling, where drivers mount | | | | information, and the stored data can be updated. |
| an RFID tag on their dashboard which is read as they | | | | As technological developments allow RFID tags to be |
| pass through the toll, allowing them to be billed later. A | | | | further miniaturised and produced even more cheaply, |
| growing number of countries are including RFID chips in | | | | their use will become even more common in everyday |
| passports to allow for the storage of additional | | | | society. |
| information such as biometric data. | | | | |