Choosing the right RFID tag is not an easy task. You must understand the differences between the different types of labels.
When choosing a label, you should pay attention to operating frequencies, materials, shape, mounting method, reading range and speed, environmental conditions and of course cost.
Types of RFID tags
There are 2 broad categories that most tags can be classified into. These are active and passive tags. Each has its own characteristics that affect their application.
Passive tags are cheaper than semi-passive or active ones. The cost of the tag should be considered relative to the cost of the tagged items. For example, a $ 100 active tag attached to a shipping container is economical, while a 25-cent tag attached to a cereal bag is clearly ineffective.
UHF passive RFID smart tag is often used to track boxes and pallets.
Some objects require the use of well-defined labels. For example, to monitor the temperature in a refrigerated truck, you need semi-passive or active tags with temperature sensors.
An active tag with an intrusion sensor can be used to monitor the safety and integrity of the shipping container. The plastic container used in the food processing plant can be equipped with a semi-passive tag. Since these containers move within the plant, the cost of the tag is not a big concern.
As for where to buy RFID tags, this can be done, for example, on Scanberry. Read on to learn how to choose the right label - passive or active.
Active tags
Active tags have a wider reading range than passive tags. The reading range of active tags can reach over 100 meters, while passive tags usually have a reading range of about 10 meters. However, reading ranges may vary depending on the product and manufacturer.
Due to the design of active tags, they are often much larger than passive tags, which are usually designed as smart tags. Active mecti are usually battery operated. They last a couple of years on average and must be replaced when the battery runs out.
Active tags can be divided into two separate categories: transponders and beacons.
- Transponders - in such systems, the active RFID reader first transmits a signal, and then the active transponder transmits information in response. Transponder tags are very effective as they extend battery life when the tag is out of range of the reader. Active transponder tags are often used in access control systems and payment terminals.
- Lighthouses - in such systems, beacons display specific information with an interval of 3 to 5 seconds. The reading range of an active beacon tag easily exceeds 100 meters. The transmission power can be adjusted to extend battery life. Beacon tags are widely used in the oil and gas industry, and can also be used in mining and cargo tracking.
Most active RFID tags are enclosed in a protective shell, which gives them increased resistance to environmental hazards such as high temperatures.
Active RFID tags are usually larger than passive tags. In addition, several active tags contain sensors that measure environmental parameters. These sensors can track key measurements such as temperature and humidity that a customer may wish to use for their application. Active tags are most commonly used for real-time tracking.
Passive tags
Passive tags are usually much cheaper than active tags. When the passive tag is not in range, it cuts off the power and does not function. They have no internal power source, they get it from the electromagnetic energy emitted by the RFID reader.
A standard passive tag consists of an integrated circuit (IC) and an internal antenna. Due to the lack of internal power supply, passive tags are unable to contain any sensors that require continuous power supply. Passive tags are usually designed with minimal functionality and are capable of carrying and transferring small amounts of data. They are generally much simpler and cheaper than active tags.
Passive RFID tags operate on a wide variety of frequencies. The frequency range is highly dependent on the attributes of passive tags such as read range, environmental resistance, and usability.
Frequencies of cues
The choice of the tag frequency depends on such elements as the read range, the material to be tagged, and the baud rate. Both low frequency and high frequency tags use magnetic fields to inductively transfer energy. As a result, the signal is clear, but rather weak. Microwave and microwave tags, in turn, use an electric field to transmit energy through propagation. This method offers excellent range but increases the variation in readings.
Reading range
Low-frequency and high-frequency tags have shorter read ranges and are ideal for devices such as payment terminals where a higher range is a security risk. In addition, unnecessary use of a large read range can contribute to interference.
Devices requiring a larger reading range are suitable for ultra-high frequency tags. For extreme ranges, active labels can be considered instead.
