Radio Frequency Identification (rfid) Aaron Roy Prof. Johnson November 28, 2009

How do RFIDs benefit in my Life of Sports? What is a RFID? What does an RFID do? How could these radio frequencies produce more accurate stats in sporting events like triathlon and car or motorcycle races?

Answers A Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology uses wireless radio communications to uniquely identify objects or people. At their simplest, RFID systems use tiny chips, called "tags," to contain and transmit some piece of identifying information to an RFID reader, a device that in turn can interface with computers. Rfids are commonly used at triathlons to check how far the runner is away from the finish line and also to prevent cheating and taking alternate routes.

Why were RFIDs invented? There are many ways why these radio frequencies, for more than just measuring time sporting events. A RFID is most popular in: -Tracking animals -Anti-theft hard plastic tags attached to merchandise in department stores -Identifying trees and wooden items

History of RFID’s Radio frequency identification technology can be traced back to World War II. The first invention that was similar to a RFID tag or chip was invented in 1946 by Leon Theremin, which the Soviet Union used as an espionage tool. This device was more of a passive covert listening device, not a RFID tag or chip.

History Cont. In 1969, Mario Cardullo invented the first true ancestor of the current RFID tags or chips. This device was similar to modern passive RFID tags, as it had memory and a passive radio transponder. A few years later in 1973 the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory created the technology for the first reflected power RFID tags.

How it works This makes a RFID reader and the tag communicate between each other through a radio frequency. There are three main roles a RFID reader plays. A simple RFID system consists of a RFID reader and a RFID tag. Inside each tag consists of a radio transmitter and radio receiver.

3 Roles a RFID plays 3.After the incoming signals are slowed down, RFID then has the responsibility of decoding the incoming signals into the words or numbers 1.A RFID reader has the responsibility of keeping RFID tags powered up. 2.A RFID reader receives incoming signals from the RFID tag down.

RFIDs in Sports RFID football Helmet Jaguar race Timing Solution (Track) iPico (sports equipment)

NFL Helmets RFID Football Helmet which prevents athletes from falling prey to deadly heatstroke. The lightweight and shock resistant transponder attached to it takes note of body temperature of the player wearing it.

Jaguar Race Timing would give better results when compared to the other timing systems selling in the market. Handles the best in harsh weather.

iPico The company has a range of products which includes sports timekeeping bikes, shoe and other products. These solutions are used in sports events like cycling, cross country running, marathons and other events as a time keeping measure.

Conclusion A RFID can be used in many ways from timekeeping to tracking devices to security devices. Without these we could still live but they are a great help in society. RFIDs are useful in today’s world but as technology increases it will be very helpful in the future.