3.1+IO+RFIDs,+Magnetic+Strip+Readers,+Barcode+Scanners


 * || Radio Frequency identification (RFID’s) || Barcode Scanners || Magnetic Strip Readers ||
 * Input/Output || Input || Input || Input ||
 * What is it? || RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to transfer data from an electronic tag, called an RFID tag or label, attached to an object. || A barcode scanner is an electronic device for reading printed barcodes. || A magnetic stripe is often found on the back of credit cards, is a type of card capable of storing data through its magnetic stripe. It stores details such as the card number, and expiry date ||
 * How does it work? || RFID tags are intelligent bar codes that talk to/communicate with a network system to track products, and can be used in a variety of different places. The tag's information is stored electronically. The RFID tag includes a small RF transmitter and receiver. An RFID reader transmits an encoded radio signal to interrogate the tag. The tag receives the message and responds with its identification information. RFID tags do not need a battery and rely on the radio energy transmitted by the reader as its energy source. || Like a flatbed scanner, it consists of a light source, a lens and a light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical ones. || The stripe is made up of tiny iron-based magnetic particles in a plastic-like film. Each particle is really a very tiny bar magnet about 20 millionths of an inch long. This is read by physical contact and swiping past a magnetic reading head. The tiny bar magnets in the stripe are magnetized, allowing it to be read. ||
 * Where is it used? || Shops (to track products), Banks, Cargo Planes/Shipments || Supermarkets || Credit Cards ||
 * Picture || [[image:itgs2011-jess/rfid-rev-3.jpg width="224" height="222"]] || [[image:itgs2011-jess/220px-Barcode-scanner.jpg width="132" height="145"]] ||  ||