cykeo_official

  You can set up all the   RFID readers   and tags you want, but in my experience, the system doesn’t really come alive until you get the EPC right. It’s the brain. The rest is just nerves and muscle. EPC is just an ID card, really Electronic Product Code – the name sounds fancy, but it’s basically an ID number for a physical thing. A unique one. Think of it like this: every item in your warehouse already has a serial number, right? EPC does that, but for everything – from a single screw to a whole shipping container. And it’s global, unlike some messy internal coding system that only your own team can understand. It’s managed by GS1, the same folks who handle barcodes. The 96-bit version is the most common, and honestly, it’s enough for most jobs. So what does EPC actually do in the system? Here’s where people get confused. RFID is the hardware, the tech. EPC is the data on the chip – it’s the soul of the operation. From what I’ve seen, EPC does two critical things: It b...

  Let’s talk RFID frequencies. Honestly, picking the right one isn’t rocket science, but it does make a huge difference. Your choice affects how far a tag can be read, how fast data zips over, and whether your system actually behaves in the real world or just “works on paper.” There are basically three main frequency types:  Low Frequency (LF) ,  High Frequency (HF) , and  Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) . Each has its quirks, pros, cons, and ideal use cases. Let’s break them down. 1. Low Frequency (LF) RFID Frequency Range:  30 kHz – 300 kHz (usually 125 kHz or 134.2 kHz) Read Range:  Around 10 cm – yep, really short. Coupling Type:  Inductive (near-field) So LF tags—these guys are old-school but reliable. They use electromagnetic induction, which basically means the reader has to be close, like really close. And yes, they’re slow compared to the other types. But here’s the kicker: metal or water? Doesn’t faze them. That’s why vets, car key systems, or som...

If you’ve ever played with RFID modules , chances are you’ve come across the RC522 library . The RC522 module uses the MFRC522 chip and is one of the most popular RFID readers for hobbyists. It’s small, cheap, and surprisingly versatile. With the right library, you can read and write RFID cards, track access, or integrate RFID into DIY projects. I’ve put together a full guide covering both the Arduino and ESP32 versions of the RC522 library, how it works, what it supports, and practical tips from real-world use. What Is the RC522 Library? In simple terms, the RC522 library is a set of code that lets your microcontroller talk to the RC522 RFID module. There are two main implementations people use: Arduino RC522 Library (Miguel Balboa) Works via SPI on Arduino boards. Reads and writes 13.56 MHz RFID cards, mainly MIFARE Classic 1K, 4K, and Mini. Comes with examples for reading card UID, writing and reading data blocks, and authenticating sectors. The library is stable and widely used, t...

  It’s strange how often RFID comes up in business discussions without most people truly understanding what’s going on behind the scenes. Radio Frequency Identification — better known as RFID — has quietly slipped into warehouses, hospitals, libraries, even clothing stores. It speeds things up, connects data with physical objects, and makes tracking almost effortless. But here’s the thing — the same technology that keeps supply chains running smoothly also raises some uncomfortable questions. About privacy. About surveillance. About where the line should be. Let’s unpack what RFID really is, why it’s so powerful, and why it keeps sparking controversy. What RFID Actually Does At its simplest, RFID is about identifying and tracking objects through radio waves. Each RFID tag carries a tiny microchip and an  rfid antenna . The chip stores information — sometimes just an ID number, sometimes more. The antenna allows the tag to “talk” to a  reader , which sends or receives radi...

  Let’s be honest — hospitals and large facilities are chaos in motion. Equipment moves constantly, staff rotate, patients shift rooms, and supplies vanish like socks in a dryer. That’s where RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) quietly steps in. It’s not some futuristic buzzword anymore — it’s the real backbone of smart facility management. In this article, let’s break down what RFID actually does in healthcare, how  UHF RFID  systems work under the hood, and what kind of gear (like handheld readers) makes it all practical. What RFID Does in Healthcare Facility Management Think of RFID as a way to give every object a voice — from wheelchairs and infusion pumps to patient wristbands. When tagged, these items start to  talk  through radio waves, helping facility managers see where everything is, who’s using it, and when it needs attention. RFID in healthcare mainly helps with: Application Description Frequency/Tag Type Asset Tracking Medical equipment like venti...

Are Rfid Tags Really Unique? Honestly, at first I didn’t pay much attention to RFID unique identifiers. I thought you just stick the tag on, scan it, and that’s it. But later, when I was testing with a  Cykeo  RFID reader, I realized things aren’t that simple. Every RFID tag does have an ID — it’s like its personal ID card — but uniqueness is relative, not absolute. Once, I put two tags that looked exactly the same in the same reading range, and the system couldn’t tell which one was which. You see, the ID only really matters in the database. If the environment or operation goes wrong, even a “unique” ID can fail. I didn’t think about it at first, but later I realized that the reader itself has an ID. Sounds weird, right? But it’s necessary. You need to know which  rfid reader  saw which tag and when. Especially in large warehouses or logistics centers, the same tag might be read by multiple readers at the same time. Without the reader’s ID, you’d have no idea where ...