Noise reduction schemes are provided in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system for use with RFID intelligent tags. Fiber optics are used to communicate analog tag response signals from the output of the receiver circuit to the input of a tag response signal analyzing module, which includes a digital signal processor (DSP). The fiber optics creates electrical isolation between these circuit elements breaking ground loops, stopping internal switching noise from the DSP from entering the receiver circuitry, and preventing common mode signals from interfering with the desired RFID tag signal.