Chapter 2
RFID Tags: Categories, Frequencies, and Applications
RFID transmits data to a reader through different frequencies of electromagnetic fields.
RFID tags are categorised according to the frequency at which they are designed to operate. There are three major frequency ranges that RFID tags operate.
Low-Frequency (LF) Tags
High-Frequency (HF) Tags
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Tags - passive and active
1. Low-Frequency Tags (LF)
The primary frequency range of 125kHz – 134kHz
Can read a span of a few inches
Lowest data transfer rate among all the RFID frequencies
Store a small amount of data
LF Applications – Animal Tracking, Access Control, Car Key-Fob, Asset Tracking, and Healthcare
2. High-Frequency Tags (HF) - Most widely used around the world
The primary frequency range of 13.56MHz
Read range: 30 cm
The capability of reading multiple tags simultaneously
Can store up to 4k of data
Easily read while attached to objects containing water, tissues, metal, wood, and liquids.
HF Applications – Library Books, Personal ID Cards, Airline Baggage, and Credit Cards
3. Ultra-High Frequency Tags (UHF)
There are two types of tags that use different frequencies under UHF RFID.
UHF Passive Tags - use energy from the RFID reader
The primary frequency range: 860MHz – 960MHz
Read Range: 25 meters
High data transmission rate
Wide variety of tag sizes
UHF Passive Tag Applications – Supply Chain Tracking, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals and Electronic Tolling
UHF Active Tags - battery operated
The primary frequency range: 433MHz
Read Range: 30 - 100+ meters
Large memory capacity
High data transfer rate
UHF Active Tag Applications – Vehicle Tracking, Auto Manufacturing, and Construction
