859  RFID Fundamentals and Standards - Chapter Index

This chapter has been split into 5 focused sub-chapters for better readability and learning:

859.1 Chapter Organization

859.1.1 1. RFID Overview and Introduction

~6,700 words | ⏱️ ~35 min

Overview of RFID technology, getting started guide for beginners, real-world examples (warehouse inventory), interference scenarios, common pitfalls, and practitioner mistakes.

Key Topics: - Getting Started guide with Marco Polo analogy - Sensor Squad adventure for kids - Tag types (passive, semi-passive, active) - Frequency bands overview - Warehouse inventory worked example - Material interference scenarios (metal, liquids, collisions) - Common mistakes and practitioner pitfalls - Knowledge check quizzes


859.1.2 2. RFID Fundamentals and Operation

~850 words | ⏱️ ~5 min

Core RFID concepts, historical context, and basic operating principles.

Key Topics: - What is RFID? (definition and characteristics) - Historical milestones (1945-2020s) - How RFID works (basic operating principle) - Step-by-step operation flowchart - Video resources


859.1.3 3. RFID System Components

~590 words | ⏱️ ~4 min

Detailed breakdown of RFID system components including tags, readers, and antennas.

Key Topics: - RFID tags (passive, active, semi-passive specifications) - RFID readers (fixed, handheld, portal types) - Antennas and read zones - Marathon race timing system example


859.1.4 4. RFID Frequency Bands and Selection

~4,300 words | ⏱️ ~23 min

Comprehensive coverage of LF, HF, UHF, and microwave frequency bands with selection criteria.

Key Topics: - Low Frequency (LF): 125-134 kHz - High Frequency (HF): 13.56 MHz and NFC - Ultra High Frequency (UHF): 860-960 MHz - Microwave: 2.45/5.8 GHz - Frequency comparison table - Interactive frequency comparison tool - Decision framework for frequency selection - When to use each frequency band


859.1.5 5. RFID Standards and Summary

~4,300 words | ⏱️ ~23 min

ISO standards, EPC Gen2, NFC standards, worked examples, and chapter summary.

Key Topics: - ISO 14443 (HF proximity cards) - ISO 15693 (HF vicinity cards) - ISO 18000 (air interface standards) - EPC Gen2 (UHF supply chain) - NFC standards - Worked examples (retail apparel, warehouse pallets) - Visual reference gallery - Summary and related resources


859.2 Total Content

  • Total Words: ~16,600
  • Total Reading Time: ~90 minutes
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites: Networking Basics

859.3 Learning Path

Recommended reading order: 1. Start with RFID Overview to understand the technology and see real-world applications 2. Read RFID Fundamentals for core concepts and history 3. Study System Components to understand the hardware 4. Deep dive into Frequency Bands to learn selection criteria 5. Finish with Standards and Summary for specifications and wrap-up

Quick learners: Read chapters 1, 4, and 5 Deep dive: Read all 5 chapters in order Practical focus: Focus on chapters 1, 3, and 4


859.4 What’s Next

After completing this chapter series, continue to: - RFID Security and Privacy - Security concerns - RFID Hands-on and Applications - Practical implementations - NFC Fundamentals - NFC as a subset of HF RFID