Sensing security

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology commonly used to keep track of goods of all shapes and sizes, but it isn’t without its limitations. Let’s delve into the technology behind RFID and explore how ASIC integration can elevate it to the next level.

RFID technology, which relies on radio waves to operate, is commonly found in sectors such as healthcare and retail. Rather than using barcode stickers, which can be easily damaged and rendered unreadable, RFID provides a more robust way of identifying objects, without them needing to be within the line of sight.

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Two types of RFID tag exist: active and passive. Passive tags operate without a battery, relying on a scanner to transmit radio waves of just enough energy to activate the chip. This gives them a longer operational lifetime as they aren’t as reliant on a battery, but their low power means they have a much more limited signal range.

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For some applications, such a short range isn’t practical. For example, a vehicle trying to gain access to a restricted site is likely to be more than a few centimetres away from the scanner. In cases such as this, active RFID tags are used. These are battery-operated, which increases their signal range up to around 100 metres.

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But this battery requirement can be an issue, particularly when the internal circuits consume a lot of power. It’s often not viable in these systems to replace the batteries, and so when they reach the end of their lifetime, the tag is usually replaced entirely. But short-lived batteries aren’t cost-effective or sustainable in the long run — so what’s the solution??

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Achieving battery longevity with ASICs

The answer lies in Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). An ASIC is a custom chip designed exactly to a customer’s specification, offering an enhanced and optimised performance within a smaller footprint.

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In the case of battery-powered systems such as active RFID, opting for an ASIC can have huge benefits. By removing additional and unneeded functionalities, the power consumption of an ASIC can be designed to be much lower than a standard chip. This can be achieved by optimising performance characteristics and employing sophisticated power saving techniques.

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Such techniques can include putting parts of the ASIC into a dormant state when not required to conserve power. ?This functionality extends the battery life greatly, which is key in enabling RFID tags to operate over a lifetime of several years.?

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Though RFID is an established technology, there’s still room for improvement — and ASIC integration can offer just that. With reduced power consumption, smaller footprint, and an optimised performance, choosing an ASIC not only broadens the potential applications of RFID, but takes the technology one step further.

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Swindon is a global leader in the manufacture and supply of ASICs for a range of applications. For a confidential meeting to discuss your project, fill out our contact form on our website or call us on +44 (0) 1793 649400.?