Programming an Active Tag

Active tags are programmable, allowing you to change information stored on them. However, in most cases, their ID's are fixed during manufacture, and software is used to track the item/object that each tag is attached to. However, since the transponder can be updated with new information on the fly, this permits applications for product tracking and reusing tags.

An RFID tag stores the ID in an EEPROM. A writer can 'program' a tag directly by means of a special signal (which is usually of higher power than the usual communication signal power) or in the presence of a special field (UV) that allows the EEPROM to be written. The programmed data is stored into the transponder's EEPROM.

The transponder also contains a lock feature that allows the user to lock the data permanently on the tag that can't be modified. Every transponder contains a unique factory code that allows for tag trace ability and can't
be duplicated by the manufacturer.

For any deployment, the sensor configuration is decided based upon a number of factors, including

1.The topography of the area in which the RFID system is to be deployed. For outdoor use, this needs to be decided taking into account the land topography (which determines any signal 'shadow' areas), natural obstacles like trees or rocks, and other features of the terrain. For indoor use, the different floors, including any open spaces, need to be considered and analyzed separately to determine the optimal deployment configuraiton of sensors.

2.The elecromagnetic quality of the deployment area. Several features, including the existing communication equipment, as well as available spectrum need to be considered while deciding the technology to be used for the deployment.

Analytica usually carries out a 2-3 week on-site study to determine the optimum configuration and technology for each deployment.