What RFID Technology is Right For You?
There are three types of RFID tags: active RFID tags, passive RFID tags, and semi-passive RFID tags. Active RFID tags are typically larger and more expensive to produce, since they require a power source. Active RFID tags broadcast their signal to the reader, and are typically more reliable and accurate than passive RFID tags. Since active RFID tags have a stronger signal, they are more adept for environments that make it hard to transmit other types of tags, such as under water, or from farther away.
Passive RFID tags, on the other hand, do not have internal power supplies and rely on the RFID reader to transmit data. A small electrical current is received through radio waves by the RFID antenna, and power the CMOS just enough to transmit a response. Passive RFID tags are more suited for warehousing environments where there is not a lot of interference, and relatively short distances (typically ranging anywhere from a few inches to a few yards). Since there is no internal power supply, passive RFID tags are much smaller and cheaper to produce.
Semi-passive RFID tags are similar to active RFID tags in that semi-passive RFID tags have an internal power supply, but they do not broadcast a signal until the RFID reader transmits one first.
| Requirements |
RFID- 915 MHz |
RFID- 13.56 MHz |
Active RFID |
Barcode Linear |
2D Image |
Distance Range |
Long up to 20'
(Passive) |
Short – Up to 3’
(Passive) |
Long – up to 100’ |
Long or Short |
Short 6 " |
Writing on the tag |
Read and Write Once |
Read and Write Multiple |
No |
Read Only |
Read Only |
Common Components |
Overhead or Door Reader, Handhelds |
Handheld Reader, Fixed readers |
Readers, Activators |
Handheld Fixed |
Imager, Handheld |
Costs for entry system* |
$3K - $10K
3 stations |
$10K - 15K
3 stations |
$6K - $12K |
$15K - 20K
3 stations |
$15K - 20K
3 stations |
Average Cost of Tags |
$.15 |
$.65 |
$25 |
$.01 |
$.01 |
Which technology is best for my application? |
- Package Content Tracking
- Inventory Tracking
- Quality Assurance Tracking
- Compliance Mandate Requirement
- WIP
- Asset Tracking |
- Asset Tracking
- Medical Tags
- Inspection
- WIP
- Tote Management |
- Asset Tracking
- Personnel Tracking
- Security |
- UPC Inventory
Part No. ID
Route Tracking |
- Lot
- Expiration
- Large quantity of information stored on a small label |
Savings |
Improved Productivity |
Greater Efficiency |
Better Visibility |
Inventory Reduction |
Carry Costs |
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