Radio- Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that utilizes radio waves to track and identify different objects. This technology is quite similar to barcodes, but the only difference is that it has a much greater line of sight. Which means that the RFID reader does not have to face towards the tag to read it.
RFID technology lies in the category of Automatic Identification and Data Capture technologies. Which means that it can detect different objects, form a data and store it in the computer systems. The tags embedded on the objects comprise of a small circuit and an antenna which is detected by the readers.
This technology has recently shown its several utilities in different fields. From retail to education and aerospace to defense, the RFID tags are used in numerous fields to make managing different tasks hassle-free.
Generally speaking, there are two types of RFID tags; passive and active. Both have their different applications and are used interchangeably depending on the needs. In this blog, we will understand the difference between them and their applications in detail.
Generally speaking, there are two types of RFID tags; passive and active. Both have their different applications and are used interchangeably depending on the needs. In this blog, we will understand the difference between them and their applications in detail.
Power Sources
The major difference between the passive and the active RFID tags is between their power sources. The passive RFID tags have no internal power source. As a typical RFID system comprises a transponder, interrogator, and host applications, the passive RFID tags transmit their radio frequency waves to the interrogator to establish communication. On the other hand, active RFID tags have their own power source. They have a battery and a transmitter that transmits the information to the interrogator. This is the major reason that these tags have a long range and can communicate up to hundreds of feet.
Active RFID Tags
Active RFID tags are used for the tracking of high-value assets since they have a long range and good accuracy. This is also one of the reasons that they are the most expensive tags. Some common applications of these tags are tracking cars, aerospace equipment, shipping containers, etc.
Passive RFID tags
Passive RFID tags have several applications. Since they have a low range, their cost is also very low. These tags are used for tracking the bulk of items which are not much expensive.
Passive Low-Frequency RFID Tags
Among all the passive tags, passive low-frequency RFID tags have the shortest range with a frequency of 125 – 130 kHz. Interestingly, these tags can easily operate in moist surroundings and conditions. They have shown their good utility in the tracking of the animals and livestock.
Passive High-Frequency RFID Tags
Used most widely, Passive High-Frequency RFID tags have a comparatively good range. They have a frequency between 13.56 – 14.56 MHz. They also operate well in moist conditions. They are ideal for use in the pharmaceutical sector, retail sector, libraries, laundry businesses, etc.
Passive Ultra High-Frequency RFID Tags
Among all the passive tags, Passive Ultra High-Frequency RFID Tags have the highest range, as long as up to 12 m, which makes them ideal for the use in inventory tracking, logistics management, event management, and many other sectors. Are you looking for an RFID Tag solution for your business? Check out the website of Omnia Tags. They provide a wide of RFID tags, along with the customized tags based on the individual needs of the businesses.