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According to the power supply method, RFID Tags can be divided into Active RFID tags, Passive RFID tags and Semi-passive RFID tags. Each type has its own unique advantages, and the choice between them will depend on the specific needs of the application.
Active RFID tags: Active RFID tags rely on their own power source to transfer the information to RFID readers. These tags typically have small batteries that need to be replaced periodically. The advantages of active RFID tags are that they offer long communication ranges and continuous tracking.
Embedded power: communication over large distance
Has unique identifier / identification number
Use other devices like sensors
Better than passive tags in the presence of metal
Passive RFID tags: These tags do not have their own power source and rely on the energy from the RFID reader to power the tag and transmit data. Passive RFID tags are the most widely used type of RFID tag and are typically less expensive than active RFID tags. They are commonly used in applications such as retail inventory management, asset tracking, and access control. Passive sensors are also used in embedded solutions where the tag offers an unique ID for the product over its lifetime.
No need embedded power
Tracking inventory
Has unique identification number
Sensitive for interference
Semi-passive RFID tags: Semi-passive RFID tags have batteries but communicate with RFID readers using electromagnetic energy, just like passive RFID tags. These tags are very similar to passive tags in terms of sizing and appearance. However, because of their in-built batteries, they have longer communication ranges (860 MHz—960 MHz range). Semi-passive RFID tags have applications in logistics, IT, and healthcare industries.
Small battery powers the tag’s circuitry
Middle ground in terms of cost, range, and lifespan
Active RFID tags | Semi-passive RFID tags | ||
Working principle | Powered by an external power supply and actively sending signals to the reader. | The reader reads the radio electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna and then generates signal transmission inside the tag. | Normally, semi-passive RFID tags are in a dormant state. When the tag enters the recognition range of the reader, it will be activated and enter the working state. |
Main working frequency band | Higher frequency band in 433MHz, 2.4GHz, 5.8GHz. | Lower frequency band in 125-135KHz, 13.56MHz, 860-960MHz. | The reader first uses a 125KHz low-frequency signal to accurately activate the tag within a small range to enter the working state, and then transmits information to it through 2.4GHz microwave. |
Features | The transmission distance is Longer, generally up to 120-150 meters; the transmission speed is high Multi-Tag reading is faster but more expensive. | Because the power supply system is omitted, the tag size can be on the order of centimeters or even smaller, with low cost, low failure rate, and long service life, but the effective recognition distance is relatively short. | Multiple readers need to be placed at different locations to activate semi-passive RFID tags. They are mostly used in situations where there are both positioning requirements and information collection and transmission requirements with wide coverage of frequency signals. |
Typical application | Highway electronic non-stop toll collection System | Shoes and clothing retail, books and archives, express logistics, industry, etc. | / |
Since most of the tags in the market are passive, the next article will focus on passive RFID.
This is the first one.
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