RFID ( Passive, Active, Semi Passive )

It’s the way to identify people or objects using radio frequency, recalling pre-stored information in a chip for identification purposes.

Passive tags do not have batteries and have indefinite life expectancies.  When an incoming radio frequency signal frequency is received, a small electrical current is induced in the antenna which provides power for the CMOS IC to transmit a response. It may contain an EEPROM for storing data.

Semi-passive RFID tags are similar to passive tags; however they contain a small battery. This removes the need for the aerial to be designed to collect power from the incoming signal and allows the tag IC to be constantly powered. Processing of response is faster because of a stronger reading ratio.

Active Tags are powered by batteries which act as their internal power source to provide power to the IC and generate the outgoing signal. This may allow increase in range and data storage capabilities.

Barcode ( 1D, 2D, Color Barcode )

A barcode is a representation of data as lines and spacing between each which are parallel to each other. This typical form is the 1 dimensional barcode. There is another symbology consisting of squares, dots and other patterns, this represents a 2 dimensional barcode. The third type is a color barcode which is used to increase the amount of information in the code itself when compared to the two earlier 1D and 2D barcodes. Some of them are able to hold twice as much information which is useful.

All these are widely used and are very capable codes, good reliability in holding information as well as excellent density.

 Anti-counterfeit Technologies (DNA Ink, Micro-tagging)

DNA Ink is an important identification and authentication technology which can be used to identify products accurately and with a secure capability. Using artificially synthesized DNA which developed from chemical DNA synthesis, it creates a unique and specific DNA sequence. This sequence can then be combined with normal ink which make DNA ink. The result may or may not be visible to the naked eye, which is then inserted into materials as a marker to differentiate the real from fake.

To read the DNA, it may require some time which is a drawback to this system, as it is ineffective to use where results are required immediately. To help with this issue, fluorescence dyes may be combined with DNA ink which enables detection on the spot. This type is called the 1^st Generation DNA ink. When moving on to the next generation, or 2^nd Generation DNA ink, which is more advanced and allows for anyone to use it anytime.

Moving on to the next technology to prevent counterfeiting is micro-tagging, which makes use of a microtaggant defined as a microscopic and traceable identification particle used to trace explosives or other hazardous materials or to prevent counterfeiting(thefreedictionary.com). Each micro-tag particle contains a numeric code sequence, within a chemical used in the manufacture of products and product packaging.

Micro-tags serve as a means for identifying and authenticating genuine products. Other technologies include digital watermarking and fingerprinting, holographic technologies, RF and Electromagnetic identifications.