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RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology comes in different types based on frequency ranges and power sources. Here are the main types of RFID:
How does it work?
- The card has an RFID chip and antenna
- When the card is in range of a card reader, the antenna sends a signal to the card reader
- The card reader receives the signal and exchanges encoded information with the card
Based on Frequency Range
1. Low-Frequency (LF) RFID (30 kHz – 300 kHz)
- Short read range (up to 10 cm)
- Slower data transfer
- Used in animal tracking, access control, and automotive key fobs
2. High-Frequency (HF) RFID (3 MHz – 30 MHz)
- Read range up to 1 meter
- Moderate data transfer speed
- Commonly used in NFC (Near Field Communication), smart cards, and library book tracking
3. Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) RFID (300 MHz – 3 GHz)
- Read range up to 12 meters (passive) or more (active)
- Faster data transfer
- Used in supply chain management, retail inventory, and airport baggage tracking
Based on Power Source
a. Passive RFID
- No internal power source; powered by the reader’s signal
- Shorter range (up to 12 meters for UHF)
- Low cost and widely used in retail, logistics, and access control
b. Active RFID
- Has an internal battery for power
- Longer range (up to 100 meters)
- Used in asset tracking, vehicle tracking, and industrial applications
c. Semi-Passive (Battery-Assisted Passive) RFID
- Has a battery but only activates when near a reader
- Longer range than passive but shorter than active RFID
- Used in temperature-sensitive shipments (cold chain monitoring)
Each type of RFID is suited for specific applications based on range, power, and cost requirements.
