The Past, Present and Future of RFID Research Paper

The Past, Present and Future of RFID - Research Paper Example It is that need for an obscure, yet handy source of data information storage that led to the development and rising use of the Radio Frequency Identifier chips. With the use of the RFID, all necessary information has become just a tag scanner away. No more losing files or misfiling information. RFID is the wave of the future although it is currently mired in doubt and controversy due to privacy issues and the high cost of creating the chip. But as the RFID becomes a truly integral part of our daily lives, the cost and distrust of the technology is bound to go down. Through this research paper, evidence shall be presented showing that there is a growing use for the RFID technology and that the public as slowly learning to get over their apprehensions of the technology's use. As more and more industries come to use the RFID technology in non obtrusive ways, we will find the people more accepting of it and perhaps some people, won't even be aware that have it on their person. In the end , this research paper will show that the RFID technology is the future of our society. It shall play an integral part in our military, social, medical, and financial field. RFID technology cannot be ignored. It is here to stay. The Past, Present, and Future of RFID The history of the RFID system can be traced back to the early RADAR detection systems of World War II. the RADAR technology was first discovered by Sir Robert Alexander Watson-Wyatt in 1935. His technology was created in order to identify incoming planes but it could identify if the plane was friend or foe. It was during this time of war that the passive RFID system was first developed by Germans who reflected the radar signals back as their rolled their planes upon return to base in order to identify themselves as German instead of allied aircraft. (Roberti, The History of RFID Technology). This particular technology led the British to develop the Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) system which was a transmitter located insid e each British plane. The system would receive ground RADAR signals and then send back a signal identifying it as friend. That is the concept that the modern RFID is based upon with a slight difference. An RFID receives a transponder signal which is then interpreter by the chip and answers with either a signal (passive) system or it broadcasts a signal as an active system. (Roberti â€Å"History of RFID Technology†) The early scientists had already seen the possible real world applications of the radio frequency technology beyond wartime use. Which is why research in the RF communications system continued well into the 1960's with the United States, Europe, and Japan all collaborating on its possible remote uses in the field of object identification. Commercially, stores began tagging their items in an effort to curb shoplifting by using radio waves to determine the payment status of an item. This is done through the use of electronic surveillance tags that are either turned on or off. Upon payment of the item, the cashier turns the tag off and it can clear the detectors standing at the exit doors of the store. (Roberti â€Å"History of RFID Technology†) The first patent for the RFID tag with a rewritable memory was awarded to Mario W. Cardullo on January 23, 1973. Charles Walton also received a patent in the same year for his passive transponder invention that could be used to unlock a door without a key. (Roberti â€Å"