RFID Labels

Types of RFID Systems

RFID systems can be broken down by the frequency band within which they operate: low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands. . There are also two broad categories of systems~passive and active RFID. In the sections below we will explore the frequencies and types of RFID systems.

Radio waves behave differently at each of these frequencies and there are advantages and disadvantages associated with using each frequency band.

For example, if an RFID system operates at a lower frequency, it has a slower data read rate, but increased capabilities for reading near or on metal or liquid surfaces. If a system operates at a higher frequency, it generally has faster data transfer rates and longer read ranges, but more sensitivity to radio wave interference caused by liquids and metals in the environment. However technology innovations in recent years have made it possible to use ultra-high frequency RFID systems around liquids and metals.

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Active RFID Systems

In active RFID systems, tags have their own transmitter and power source. Usually, the power source is a battery. Active tags broadcast their own signal to transmit the information stored on their microchips.

Active RFID systems typically operate in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band and offer a range of up to 100 m. In general, active tags are used on large objects, such as rail cars, big reusable containers, and other assets that need to be tracked over long distances.

There are two main types of active tags: transponders and beacons. Transponders are “woken up” when they receive a radio signal from a reader, and then power on and respond by transmitting a signal back. Because transponders do not actively radiate radio waves until they receive a reader signal, they conserve battery life.

Beacons are often used in real-time locating systems (RTLS), in order to track the precise location of an asset continuously.

Passive RFID Systems

In passive RFID systems the reader and reader antenna send a radio signal to the tag. The RFID tag then uses the transmitted signal to power on, and reflect energy back to the reader.

Passive RFID systems can operate in the low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio bands. As passive system ranges are limited by the power of the tag’s backscatter (the radio signal reflected from the tag back to the reader), they are typically less than 10 m. Because passive tags do not require a power source or transmitter, and only require a tag chip and antenna, they are cheaper, smaller, and easier to manufacture than active tags.

Passive tags can be packaged in many different ways, depending on the specific RFID application requirements. For instance, they may be mounted on a substrate, or sandwiched between an adhesive layer and a paper label to create smart RFID labels. Passive tags may also be embedded in a variety of devices or packages to make the tag resistant to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals.