All RFID systems transmit digital data between a reader and transponder via radio waves. PDC is focused on passive RFID systems in which an inlay – a combination of microchip and antenna – receives and transmits data only when coupled with a reader and antenna, typically at a range of 5 inches or less. The reader is controlled by a host computer or on-board microprocessor and determines the appropriate read or write operation.

Active RFID systems use transponders with an on-board battery to boost the effective operating range of the tag, and are often used for real-time location systems or environmental sensing and storage. This added functionality comes at a significant cost vs. typical passive systems.

PDC Smart® Wristbands describes PDC’s patented product line of RFID wristband products, widely used today in a growing number of hospitality and healthcare applications.

PDC Smart® wristbands contain a securely sealed waterproof RFID tag, which is programmed with a unique alpha-numeric code which can be linked in a host database to the wearer. When scanned by an RFID reader, a low-power radio wave activates the chip to securely collect and transfer data. 

PDC Smart® wristbands replaces traditional forms of identification and access credentials including keys, badges, and door cards that can de-magnitize, or don’t mix well with water. From cashless point-of sale, to keyless entry, and social media integration, PDC Smart® Wristbands drive any variety of guest-convenience applications with a
simple wave of the wristband.

Unlike a magnetic stripe or bar code, RFID allows for passive data transfer without the need for physical contact or line-of-sight reading.  RFID is not likely to completely replace bar codes, but RFID has specific advantages over bar codes that make it the technology of choice for a growing number of applications. Benefits include:

• RFID does not require line-of-sight to communicate between tag and reader. This feature improves efficiency and also enables RFID to be used in harsh or dirty environments. 
• RFID is a dynamic data carrier. Many RFID devices are read/write capable, which enable updates to the encoded data in the tag. With barcodes, any changes to the data require printing a new barcode.
• RFID provides increased security over barcodes, which are easy to copy and duplicate. With RFID, different levels of security are possible depending on the sensitivity of the data stored or accessed by the RFID tag. Data encryption techniques, secure or private communication protocols, or public/private keys are proven techniques to safeguard the security of a RFID system.
• The first time read rate of a RFID tag is higher than a barcode, which improves efficiency of a system. Unlike barcodes, RFID is not sensitive to sunlight, making it the ideal credential for outdoor parks or resorts. Also, curvature, especially in a wristband, has minimal impact on reading a RFID tag, whereas curvature in a barcode can render it useless, depending on the symbology or orientation.

Since passive RFID transponders must be closely coupled with a reader to transmit information, the read distance is generally limited to short distances, rendering passive RFID tags impractical for tracking purposes. A passive RFID system may be configured to provide ‘last known location’ based on the last read of the transponder at a specific location, but it cannot provide real time tracking.

Active UHF transponders use a battery to power the chip’s circuitry and broadcast a signal to a reader. Transmission distances can reach 100 feet or more, enabling active systems to track items or people in closed loop environments.

No. RFID utilizes the low-end of the electromagnetic spectrum. The waves emitted from readers are no more dangerous than radio waves signaled to your car stereo.