Radio frequency identification(RFID) uses radio waves to automatically identify an item, the application of this technology is ranges from retailing through health care to library. RFID provides improved security and decreases man power effort.It can be used for security screening to billing and locating.The advantage of RFID from bar coding is that,it does not need eye contact. This makes it easy in stock taking and related task. the only draw back being cost factor,which is slightly higher than other similar technologies.

Introduction
RFID stands for radio frequency identification. It uses a technology of radio waves , this radio wave is used to identify an object, which transmits a radio wave from a stored chip to a reader.Thus it uses a chip, radio waves and receiver for automatic identification of the object. having its orgins from military use during second world war, it has became one of the sought after technologies in transportation, handling, retailing, manufacturing, distribution, processing security and law enforcement.

Components
1.RFID tags,which has an unique identification number.
2.RFID receivers and sensors that provides power to tags.
3.Server or docking station.

Tags
Tags consist of an IC chip and antenna and an integrated circuit.The integrated circuit has memory and processing capability.The memory may be a ROM or RAM.In response to signal from reader, it sends a signal to server. Active tags have its own power source and are small and its power source is the reader signal itself and are cheaper

Readers
Readers detect the information stands in tags. It powers antenna to generate a radio frequency field. When TAG/RF passes through radio field, information stored in TAG is read by the reader. Readers may be portable or be placed in different locations.

Servers
The server acts as a communication gateway among various components of an RFID system.It has application and database interferences..The RFID readers sends the information to server which verifies it and stores it in database for future report generations.

Advantages
It is fast and capable of processing multiple RFID tags at a time.It can be used for status control and security checks.

Draws backs
Cost around USD 100,000 for a single system of around 200,000 items. Radio frequency interference and its inability to pass through metals make it impossible for areas with high RF frequency or magnetisable metalic objects.