What technology does radio frequency identification use to identify goods?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology identifies goods using radio frequency. This technology employs electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. The RFID system consists of three components: a scanning antenna, a transceiver, and a tag. The transceiver emits radio waves, which communicate with the RFID tags that contain electronically stored information. When an RFID tag comes within range of the scanning antenna, it responds by transmitting its stored data back to the transceiver.

This method is efficient for tracking inventory and assets in various settings, making it a widely adopted solution in supply chain management, retail, and logistics. The reliance on radio waves allows RFID systems to operate in environments where visual line-of-sight is not possible, significantly enhancing their versatility compared to technologies like barcode scanning, which require direct visibility to function.

Other technologies mentioned, such as personal computers, satellites, and lasers, do not characterize the primary function of RFID, which is rooted in the use of radio frequency for identifying and tracking goods.