What is RFID Tags

RFID tags are a type of tracking system that uses smart barcodes in order to identify items. RFID is short for “radio frequency identification,” and as such, RFID tags utilize radio frequency technology. These radio waves transmit data from the tag to a reader, which then transmits the information to an RFID computer program. RFID tags are frequently used for merchandise, but they can also be used to track vehicles, pets, and even patient’s wheel chair. An RFID tag may also be called an RFID chip.

How RFID Tags Work

An RFID tag works by transmitting and receiving information via an antenna and a microchip — also sometimes called an integrated circuit or IC. The microchip on an RFID reader is written with whatever information the user wants. 

There are two main types of RFID tags: Active (battery-operated) and passive. As the name suggests, battery-operated RFID tags contain an onboard battery as a power supply, whereas a passive RFID tag does not, instead working by using electromagnetic energy transmitted from an RFID reader. Battery-operated RFID tags might also be called active RFID tags.

RFID Tags: Active and Passive  

There are two general categories of RFID tags: active and passive. The type of RFID tag you choose depends on what you want to accomplish and the type of capabilities you are looking for.

Passive RFID Tags:  Passive RFID tags are one of two general categories of radio frequency identification tags. They are typically smaller and less expensive than active tags, although their read ranges are shorter.

How Do it Work?

Passive RFID tags have no power of their own and are powered by the radio frequency energy transmitted from RFID readers/antennas. The signal sent by the reader and antenna is used to power on the tag and reflect the energy back to the reader. Passive RFID tags use three main frequencies to transmit information: 125 – 134 KHz, also known as Low Frequency (LF), 13.56 MHz, also known as High Frequency (HF) and Near-Field Communication (NFC), and 865 – 960 MHz, also known as Ultra High Frequency (UHF). The frequency used affects the tag’s range. 

When a passive RFID tag is scanned by a reader, the reader transmits energy to the tag which powers it enough for the chip and antenna to relay information back to the reader. The reader then transmits this information back to an RFID computer program for interpretation. There are two main types of passive RFID tags: inlays and hard tags. Inlays are typically quite thin and can be stuck on various materials, whereas hard tags are just as the name suggests, made of a hard, durable material such as plastic or metal.

What Are Passive RFID Tags Used For?

The flexibility and cost-effectiveness of passive RFID tags makes it possible to attach or embed them to a wider range of objects than active tags. UHF (ultra-high frequency) passive tags are commonly used for item-level tracking of pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.

Active RFID Tags:

Active RFID tags are one of the two general categories of radio frequency identification tags. They are typically larger and more expensive than passive tags, and offer longer read ranges that in some cases can extend up to 100m. However, active tags typically have a more limited lifespan than passive tags.

There are two types of active RFID tags: beacons and transponders. Transponders help conserve battery life by only “waking up” when they receive a radio signal from a RFID reader, while beacons emit a signal at a pre-set interval.

How Do it Work? 

Active RFID tags have a built-in power source (usually a battery) and their own transmitter. These are mostly UHF solutions.

Active RFID tags use one of two main frequencies — either 433 MHz or 915 MHz — to transmit information. They contain three main parts, including a tag, antenna, and interrogator. The battery in an active RFID tag should supply enough power to last for 3-5 years. When it dies, the unit will need replaced, as the batteries are not currently replaceable. There are two main kinds of active RFID tags: beacons and transponders. Beacons send out an information ping every few seconds, and their signal is readable from several hundreds of feet away. Because they are sending out data so frequently, their battery tends to deplete quicker. Like passive RFID tags, transponders require the use of a reader to transmit information. When within range of one another, a reader first sends out a signal to the transponder, which then pings back with the relevant information. Because they only activate when near a reader, transponders are much more battery-efficient than beacons.

What Are Active RFID Tags Used For?

Active tags can often support sensors that measure and transmit conditions like temperature, light, and humidity. This makes them popular in harsher environments. They are typically used to track larger assets like vehicles and cargo containers.

How to Select the Right RFID Tag

Now the time  variety of RFID Tracking system in USA market  available that can be used in wet environments or on metal assets, and even tags that can survive exposure to extreme temperatures, chemical contaminants, and other harsh environments. Selection of RFID tags depend on your environment, data requirements, and size of the item(s) you’re tagging.