RFID For Dummies

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 408 pages
• Published by: For Dummies
• Edition: 1st Edition April 1, 2005
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 076457910X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0764579103
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.4 pounds

Reader Reviews
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is all the rage now. Unfortunately, most of the hype is for high-frequency RFID, i.e. 915 MHz and above. High-freq RFID systems are incredibly complicated, and are difficult to set up and get into good working condition, mostly because high-freq RFID is HIGHLY susceptible to electromagnetic interference, plus interference from water, liquids, metal, etc. People also need to be familiar with LOW-FREQUENCY RFID, which I'll get to in a moment. While Wal-Mart and the DoD are leading the push to integrate high-freq RFID into everyday supply-chain systems, many of the systems simply don't work; again, because of the limitations I discussed above. RFID for Dummies is a decent primer for HIGH-FREQ RFID, not low-freq RFID (125-134 KHz frequencies in the U.S.). In fact, the book only mentions low-freq RFID a couple of times. There's a tried-and-true system for low-freq that's been around for more than 15 years, while this high-freq RFID stuff has been struggling like a lost babe in the jungle. This book, again, is not for low-freq RFID, which is now used to track and ID animals, humans, medical devices, weapons, sensitive items, automobiles, gas cylinders, trees, etc. The high reliability of low-freq is unquestionable. More about this book: the physics section is weak, at best. The author obviously wasn't a physics or electrical engineering major in college or grad school. Too bad, because many people out there could use a good lesson in HOW RFID works. Some good diagrams and figures woulda done the trick here. I've talked with dozens of people who are now implementing RFID in their work, and ALL of them commented that they would love to see a simple set of figures and diagrams that illustrate how the technology works. So, if you're interested in a book about HIGH-FREQUENCY RFID, and you don't need a lesson in the physics of RFID, then I would recommend you read this book at the library. Unfortunately, there are NO really good general books about RFID out there. You're better off reading white papers found on various RFID web sites. WARNING: THIS BOOK DOES NOT DISCUSS LOW-FREQUENCY RFID. IT IS ABOUT HIGH-FREQUENCY RFID ONLY. Comment (1) | | (Report this)