Chapter 9 – Working With RFID Peripherals

This chapter is the role of peripheral devices in RFID. It explores three avenues: RFID printers, RFID label applicators, and RFID feedback devices. Smart labels represent the junction between two technologies: barcode and RFID. Smart labels are created using an RFID peripheral device called an RFID printer , which can print human-readable information on the surface of a label and can write data to the transponder (tag) inside the label. Furthermore, an RFID printer can verify the correctness of the data on the tag and can void the smart labels with faulty tags inside them. Smart labels, created by an RFID printer, can be applied by automatic label applicators to the items that need to be tracked. An automatic label applicator applies labels to products, typically on production lines, in an automatic fashion using one of three labeling techniques: blow-on, temp-down, or wipe-on. In the tamp-down technique, the label is simply pressed against the item; in a wipe-on technique, the label is tamped down with the help of a foam roller; and in the blow-on technique, the label is blown onto the item by a blast of air.