What is it?
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses small tags to store and transfer data wirelessly to a reading device for the purpose of identifying and tracking an object.
RFID tags take many forms, including labels, plastic cards, keyfobs, even tiny sterile microchips that can be injected under the skin of animals, including humans.
- Passive RFID tags require no power source, but their readable range is limited to a metres.
- Active tags contact a battery, enabling them to always broadcast a signal. Their range can be one hundred metres or more.
- Hybrid, or “battery-assisted passive” tags contain a battery, but are only activated in the presence of a reader, extending the range to double that or more of passive tags.
There are several standard frequency ranges in which RFID systems operate. The best fit is determined by the required distance at which the tags need to be read, and what types of obstructions might interfere.
| Common Name | Type | Frequency Range | Standards | Read Distance | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LF | Passive | 120–150kHz |
ISO 14223 ISO 18000-2 | 0cm–10cm |
Animal identification Entry/access Micropayment |
| HF | Passive | 13.56MHz |
ISO 18000-3 ISO 15693 ISO 14443A | 4cm–100cm |
Micropayment (NFC) Library books Rentals Supply chain Parcel handling Asset management Anti-counterfeitting Theft-deterrent Season Tickets |
| UHF | Passive Hybrid | 860MHz–960MHz |
ISO 18000-6C | 1m–25m |
Supply chain Parcel handling Asset management Factory automation Luggage tracking Entry/access (long-range) Toll collection Travel documents |
| Microwave | Active | 2.45GHz |
ISO 18000-4 | 5–200m |
RTLS Factory automation Personnel tracking Patient tracking Vehicle tracking Toll collection Animal tracking Telemetry |
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Products
We carry a complete line of HF, UHF and RTLS readers and tags. We can also manufacture custom RFID tags for a variety of purposes.