Understanding The Different Types Of RFID Systems

When most people think of RFID systems, they typically think of the passive tags that are often used to track inventory. However, there are a number of different types of RFID systems available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of RFID systems and discuss some of the considerations you need to keep in mind when choosing one for your business.

 

What Is RFID Technology?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to track and identify objects. 

RFID tags are small devices that contain a chip and an antenna. The chip stores information uniquely identifying the object to which it is attached, and the antenna enables the tag to communicate with a nearby RFID reader. 

When an RFID tag comes within range of an RFID reader, it transmits its information to the reader, which then uses that information to track the tag. 

RFID technology is used in a variety of applications, including inventory management, security, and asset tracking.

 

What Are The Benefits Of RFID Systems? 

RFID application is becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, and it offers a number of advantages over traditional barcodes. 

One of the biggest advantages of RFID is that it can store more information than a barcode. An RFID tag can store up to 2,000 characters of data, while a barcode can only store around 20. This means that RFID tags can be used to store much more information about an item, such as where it was manufactured, when it was shipped, and its expiration date. 

In addition, RFID tags are much more resistant to damage than barcodes. They can withstand being bent, folded, or even crumpled without being damaged. This makes them ideal for tracking items that are subject to a lot of wear and tear, such as returnable transport items (RTIs). 

Finally, RFID tags can be read quickly and easily since they don’t require a line of sight. A handheld reader can scan an entire shelf of products in just a few seconds, whereas a barcode scanner has to be passed over each individual barcode. This makes RFID technology much more efficient for inventory management and other applications.

 

How Can RFID Systems Be Categorized?

RFID systems can be categorized in a number of ways, the most common of which are by RFID frequency types and by whether the system is active or passive.

RFID Frequency Types 

There are three RFID frequency types based on frequency range: low frequency, high frequency, and ultra-high frequency. The read rates and read ranges of RFID tags vary depending on the frequency band used.

• Low-frequency (LF) RFID systems operate at frequencies between 30 kHz and 300 kHz. These systems are typically used for short-range applications such as access control or inventory tracking. Low-frequency RFID tags are relatively inexpensive, but they have limited range and speed.
• High-frequency (HF) RFID systems operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. These systems are typically used for longer-range applications such as supply chain management or asset tracking. High-frequency RFID tags are more expensive than low-frequency tags, but they offer greater range and speed.
• Ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID systems operate at frequencies above 900 MHz. These systems are typically used for very long-range applications such as vehicle tracking or people tracking. Ultra-high frequency RFID tags are the most expensive type of RFID tag, but they offer the greatest range and speed.

 

Active And Passive RFID Systems 

RFID systems are classified as active or passive based on the type of RFID tag used.

• Active RFID systems use tags that operate off of their own power source, usually a battery, to broadcast a signal. This signal can travel up to hundreds of feet, making active RFID tags ideal for tracking large objects or for applications where long range scanning is necessary.
• Passive RFID systems, on the other hand, utilize asset tags that derive their power from the electromagnetic energy transmitted by the reader. This limits the range of passive RFID tags to just a few feet. However, because they don’t require a power source, passive RFID tags are significantly cheaper to manufacture than active tags. As a result, passive RFID is often used for low-cost applications such as product tracking in retail environments.

 

How To Choose The Right RFID System For Your Business

RFID technology has come a long way in recent years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. This means that more and more businesses are looking into incorporating RFID into their operations. 

But with so many different RFID systems on the market, how can you choose the right one for your business?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an RFID system:

1. First, consider what you’ll be using the system for. Do you need to track inventory? Track assets? Both? There are different RFID systems designed for different applications, so it’s important to choose one that will meet your specific needs.
2. Second, take into account the environment where the system will be used. Different RFID tags perform differently in different environments, so if you’ll be using the system in a warehouse or other industrial setting, make sure to choose tags that are designed for that type of environment.
3. Third, think about your budget. RFID systems can range in price from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget.
4. Finally, don’t forget to factor in future expansion. As your business grows, you may need to add more readers or tags to your system. Make sure to choose an RFID system that is expandable and can accommodate your future needs.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to choose the right RFID system for your business.

 

Get Started With Radiant’s RFID Solution  

RFID technology is more complex than you may think. There are different types of RFID systems, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. 

It’s important to understand the differences between these systems before making a purchase so that you can find the right system for your business needs. 

Radiant offers a comprehensive RFID solution that will get your business up and running with this innovative technology. Request a demo below to see how we can help you take advantage of all that RFID has to offer.

Last Updated on November 2, 2022 by Radiant