RFID and bar codes are both data-carrying technologies that store product information on tags, but they have very different functions. So how do you distinguish and choose between these two labels and scanning devices?
First of all, what is the difference between RFID and bar code?
1. Different functions
Bar code is a machine readable code, the width of a number of black bars and white space, according to a certain coding rules, used to express a group of information graphic identifier. A common bar code is a pattern of parallel lines arranged by black bars (referred to as bars) and white bars (referred to as blanks) with very different reflectance. When a bar code reader, smartphone or even desktop printer scans the bar code, it can identify the information about the item. These barcodes can come in all shapes and sizes, and the content they identify is not affected by the shape and size of the bar code.
RFID is a non-contact data communication between the reader and the tag to achieve the target identification of radio frequency identification technology. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags consist of microchips and radio antennas that store unique data and transmit it to an RFID reader. They use electromagnetic fields to identify and track objects. RFID tags come in two forms, active and passive. Active tags have their own power supply to transmit their data. Different from passive tags, passive tags need nearby readers to emit electromagnetic waves and receive the energy of electromagnetic waves to activate the passive tags, and then the passive tags can transfer the stored information to the reader.
2. Different applications
RFID has a wide range of applications. At present, typical applications include animal chip, car chip burglar alarm, access control, parking lot control, production line automation, material management, goods marking, etc. Barcodes can mark the country of production, the manufacturer, the name of the commodity, the date of production, the book classification number, the starting and ending place of the mail, the category, the date and many other information, so they are widely used in many fields, such as commodity circulation, library management, logistics management, banking system and so on.
3. The working principle is different
Radio frequency identification technology through radio waves do not contact fast information exchange and storage technology, through wireless communication combined with data access technology, and then connected to the database system, to achieve non-contact two-way communication, so as to achieve the purpose of identification, used for data exchange, series up an extremely complex system. In the recognition system, the reading, writing and communication of electronic tag are realized by electromagnetic wave.
Barcode technology is born with the development and application of computer and information technology. It is a new technology which integrates coding, printing, identification, data acquisition and processing.
In real life, we can often see bar codes and RFID tags in a variety of different product packaging, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, daily necessities to see bar codes more tags, in clothing shoes and bags and other products such as more RFID tags, why does this happen? Let’s first understand the advantages and disadvantages of bar codes and RFID tags and reading and writing devices.
Advantages and Disadvantages of bar Codes
Advantages:
1. Barcodes are universal and easy to use, because stores with barcode readers can handle barcodes from other places.
2. Bar code tags and bar code readers are cheaper than RFID tags and readers.
3. Bar code tags are smaller and lighter than RFID tags.
Disadvantages:
1. Bar code reader has a short recognition distance and must be close to tag.
2. Barcode is more paper label is directly exposed to the air, easy to wear and tear, easy to be damaged by water and other liquids, after the damage of the barcode function will be ineffective.
3. Labels store less data.
4. The bar code reader must be scanned individually and does not support group reading, which leads to low reading efficiency.
5. Labels are easy to be forged, and the forging cost is low.
Advantages and Disadvantages of RFID
Advantages:
1.RFID tag and reader reading distance is far.
2. Multiple tags can be read at a time, data reading speed.
3. High data security, encryption, update.
4.RFID tag can ensure the authenticity of the product and has the function of anti-counterfeiting and traceability.
5.RFID electronic tags are generally to have the characteristics of waterproof, antimagnetic, high temperature resistance, to ensure the stability of the application of radio frequency identification technology.
6.RFID technology according to the computer and other storage information, up to a few megabytes, can store a lot of information, to ensure the smooth progress of the work.
Disadvantages:
1. The price of RFID tag and reader is higher than bar code.
2. RFID tags and readers need to be selected according to the reading frequency, distance and environment, and more RFID experience and technical knowledge are needed to ensure that the required reading rate is achieved.
It can be seen from the above that the performance characteristics of barcode, RFID tag and supporting reading and writing equipment are different, so customers need to choose the appropriate products according to the actual use needs.
Post time: Oct-27-2022