time division multiple access, TDMA
A method of solving the problem of the signals of two readers colliding.
Algorithms are used to make sure the readers attempt to read tags at different times.
transceiver
A device that both transmits and receives radio waves.
transponder
(s), transponder
(pl) (nouns)
1. A radio transmitter-receiver that is activated when it receives a predetermined signal.
RFID transponders come in many forms, including smart labels, simple tags, smart cards and keychain fobs. RFID tags are sometimes referred to as transponders.
2. A technical name for a tag.
ultra-high frequency, UHF
From 300 MHz to 3 Ghz. Typically, RFID tags that operate between 866 MHz to 960 MHz.
They can send information faster and farther than high-frequency and low-frequency tags, but radio waves don’t pass through items with high water content; such as, fruit, at these frequencies.
UHF tags are also more expensive than low-frequency tags, and they use more power.
Uniform Code Council, UCC
The nonprofit organization that overseas the Uniform Product Code, the barcode standard used in North America.
unique identifier, UID
A serial number that identifies the transponder.
The U.S. Department of Defense has also developed an identification scheme called UID.
universal product code, UPC
The barcode standard used in North America.
It is administered by the Uniform Code Council.
WORM
Write once, read many.
A tag that can be written to only once by the user; after that, the tag can only be read.
write
The transfer of data to a tag.
write rate
1. The rate at which information is transferred to a tag, written into the tag's memory and verified as being correct.
2. The rate at which information is transferred to a tag.
write-once and read-many tag, WORM
A tag that can be part or totally programmed once by the user and afterward only read others.
XML query language, XQL
A method of searching a database based on the extensible markup language (XML).
Files created using the Auto-ID Center’s Physical Markup Language can be searched using XQL.
