Microwaves Are Everywhere: RFID-Do You Know Where Your Pet Is?

This is the third article in our continuing series of general interest tutorial papers on the applications of microwaves in areas of science and technology that might not be appreciated by every engineer. The tagging of people, animals, and all manner of things for individual identification purposes has been an obsession of humanity since the earliest days of community existence and personal property. Doing so permanently, discretely, and without the possibility of removal or alteration was the realm of science fiction and spy novels until very recently. In this article we examine, from a microwave perspective, the techniques, devices, development and basic operation of the now ubiquitous RFID industry which, in my humble opinion, and like so many technological and science innovations, takes on the mantra of the Roman deity, Janus: transitioning from a past seeking change for the better, to a future which promises both benefits and dangers in the embrace of new technology. The author hopes you will enjoy this month's "Microwaves are Everywhere."