RFID systems are divided into three frequency ranges:

Ultra High Frequency (UHF 840 – 960 MHz)

- UHF systems have very high transmission speeds and ranges

- The EPC (electronic product code) of the UHF tag (transponder) can be changed at will

- For the tag antenna, a dipole instead of a coil is sufficient

- Transponder inlays (chip + antenna) can be produced as continuous foils

- Typical applications: Warehouse management, retail, logistics, asset tracking, RFID tags on goods.

High Frequency (HF 13,56 MHz)

- HF systems have high transmission rates and high clock frequencies

- Short wavelengths, requiring only a few antenna windings -> RFID transponder antennas can be smaller and simpler

- Transponder inlays (chip + antenna) can be produced as continuous foils

- NFC and LEGIC RFID technologies belong to the HF frequency range.

- Typical applications: Payment systems, identification in public transport, library management, NFC (Near Field Communication).

Low Frequency (LF = 125 kHz oder 134.2 kHz)

- LF systems have low transmission rates and distances

- RFID transponders use the near field of magnetic waves to provide a passive power supply through inductive coupling

- RFID transponders are relatively insensitive to metal and liquids in this frequency range

- Typical applications: Waste management, animal identification, industrial object identification.

It is important to note that the use of certain RFID frequencies may depend on the regulations and guidelines of individual countries. For example, some frequencies may be approved for free use, while others must be licensed or are restricted.

The read ranges of RFID devices vary depending on the RFID technology used, the frequency, the power of the reader and the type of RFID tags (transponders). In general, read ranges can be divided into the following categories:

Low Frequency (LF, 125 kHz or 134 kHz):

Typical read range: a few centimeters.
LF tags typically have a limited range and are often used for applications where a short distance is sufficient, such as animal identification and access control systems.

High Frequency (HF, 13,56 MHz):

Typical read range: a few centimeters to about one meter.
HF tags are used in applications such as access control, payment systems and near field communication (NFC) applications.

Ultra High Frequency (UHF, 860 – 960 MHz):

Typical read range: a few centimeters to several meters.
UHF tags have a longer range and are often used for applications such as inventory management, logistics, warehouse management and RFID tags on goods.


It is important to note that the actual read range of RFID devices is affected by several factors, including the environment in which the RFID tags and reader are used and the type of RFID tags (active or passive tags). Active tags with a built-in power source can typically have a longer range than passive tags that receive their power from the reader. In addition, the use of special antennas and power regulation can influence the range to meet the specific requirements of the application.

- RFID Waste Management for automatic detection and identification of waste containers

- RFID Container Tracking for automatic identification of containers

- RFID Medical Technology & HealthCare for patient identification

- RFID Access Control & Access Control for automatic monitoring of access areas and vehicle identification

- RFID Industry 4.0 for automation of production processes

- RFID Logistics, Warehousing & Retail for goods and transport tracking

- RFID Library for easy and faster check-ins and check-outs

- RFID Public Transportation for information from traffic control devices, vehicle movement monitoring, and passenger tracking

- RFID Supply Chain Management for security, efficiency, and visibility

- RFID parts tracking & laundries for complete traceability

- Unique identification: Each chip with unique coding that can be assigned worldwide.

- Non-contact data capture: Exchange of electronic storage and programming of data

- Long range: Identification of an RFID chip and data collection occur at a distance of a few centimeters to several meters

- Application-specific designs: Size, shape, range or storage medium

- Key role in automation: improving efficiency of industrial operations and work processes and increasing profitability

- Material penetration: Radio waves penetrate materials such as cardboard, wood, plastic and textiles

- Robust component: Microchip is robust against environmental influences such as dirt or moisture and can be used safely in challenging environments

- Pulse detection: Simultaneous detection of up to 1000 parts marked with transponders accelerates processes and makes RFID technology suitable for mass use in industry.

RFID readers are equipped with a radio frequency module, a controller and an antenna as a coupling element. The devices generate an electromagnetic field with a standardized RFID frequency. This enables the RFID systems to identify the corresponding transponder and read its data. Usually they are called readers, but the systems can do much more. They can also be designed as a read and write unit to write data to the RFID chip. Mobile RFID readers, handheld systems and fixed RFID readers exist for different applications.

Data is transmitted via a magnetic or electromagnetic field, which supplies the passive RFID transponder with energy. As long as the transponder is in the electromagnetic field, data can be exchanged. No direct contact or line of sight between reader and transponder is necessary. Transponders can be read through all electrical non-conductive materials. RFID readers can be categorized by location, reading range, power supply, frequency range, application and mobility.

Active and passive RFID transponders differ mainly in terms of their energy source, range and application areas. Here are the main differences between the two:

Energy Source:

- Passive RFID transponders: passive transponders have no internal power supply and get their energy only from the reader during communication. The reader emits electromagnetic waves that activate the transponder and allow it to transmit data.

- Active RFID transponders: Active transponders have their own internal power source, usually a battery. These transponders can therefore operate independently and do not need to rely on external power sources.

Range:

- Passive RFID transponders: due to their lack of internal power supply, passive transponders generally have a more limited range compared to active transponders. The read range of passive RFID tags can range from a few centimeters to several meters, depending on the frequency and the reader.

- Active RFID transponders: Thanks to their own power supply, active transponders can offer a much longer range. Their reading range can extend from a few dozen meters to several hundred meters, depending on the power of the transponder and the reader.- Active RFID transponders: Thanks to their own power supply, active transponders can offer a much longer range. Their reading range can extend from a few dozen meters to several hundred meters, depending on the power of the transponder and the reader.

Application areas:

- Passive RFID transponders: passive tags are often used in applications where low-cost, short-range, contactless identification of objects is sufficient. Examples include access control, retail inventory management, library management, and animal identification.

- Active RFID transponders: active tags are often used in applications that require longer range or longer tag life. This includes areas such as asset tracking, warehouse management, logistics tracking, vehicle identification and toll systems

RFID readers can be available with or without a housing to meet different requirements and usage scenarios. The decision whether an RFID reader has a housing or not depends on various factors:

1. Protection and robustness: RFID readers in a housing provide additional protection against dust, dirt, moisture and physical damage. This is especially important when the RFID reader is used in environments that have harsh conditions or high exposure, such as industrial facilities, warehouses, or outdoor areas.

2. Flexibility and customizability: RFID readers without enclosures offer the possibility to install the reader in an existing enclosure or special device. This allows them to be seamlessly integrated into custom solutions that may have specific size, shape or mounting requirements.

3. Space and aesthetics: RFID readers without enclosures can be more compact and space-saving, which is an advantage in some applications. For example, if the RFID reader must be integrated into a narrow opening or into a device with limited space, a housing may be a hindrance.

4. Costs: RFID readers without housing can be more cost-effective in some cases, as the housing is an additional component that can increase production and material costs. This can be especially important for mass production.

5. Design and special applications: In some cases, an RFID reader without an enclosure may be advantageous in special design applications or creative projects where the reader needs to be visible or meet a specific aesthetic component.

RFID readers can be available with and without an antenna to meet different requirements and usage scenarios. The decision whether an RFID reader has an integrated antenna or not depends on various factors:

1. Flexibility and adaptability: RFID readers without an integrated antenna offer the option of connecting an external antenna or using a special antenna for specific applications. This allows the reading range and reading efficiency to be adapted to the specific requirements of the application. External antennas can be available in different sizes and shapes to optimize the range and directionality of the RFID reader.

2. Space and design: RFID readers without integrated antenna can be more compact and space-saving, which is advantageous in some applications. This is especially important when the RFID reader needs to be integrated into devices or equipment that have limited space or require a specific aesthetic design.

3. Cost efficiency: RFID readers without an integrated antenna can be more cost-effective in some cases, as the antenna is an additional component that can increase production and material costs. This can be especially important in mass production.

4. Special applications: In some applications, special antennas are required that go beyond standard antennas to meet special requirements. RFID readers without integrated antennas allow these special antennas to be used with the reader to improve the performance and reliability of the RFID solution.

Testing an RFID reader depends on several factors, including the type of RFID reader, the frequency (LF, HF, UHF), and the RFID tag (transponder) used. iDTRONIC provides a Software Development Kit (SDK) with each device to make testing and configuration easier.

Here are some general steps and ways you can test an RFID reader:

1. Power and connect:

Make sure the RFID reader is properly powered. This can be via USB, AC power, or another power source, depending on how the reader is operated.
Check the connection of the RFID reader to the host device (computer, smartphone, etc.). Use the correct cables or communication interfaces such as USB, RS-232, Ethernet, or CANbus.

2. Prepare RFID tags:

Make sure the RFID tags you want to test are compatible with the RFID reader. Check the frequency and type of RFID tag to make sure they will work with the reader.
Active RFID tags should be fully charged to work properly.

3. Test reading range:

Place the RFID tags at different distances from the reader and check up to which distance the reader can read the tags successfully. Note that the reading range depends on the frequency and power of the reader as well as the size and type of the RFID tag.

4. Test data transmission:

Ensure that the RFID reader is properly configured to read and transmit the desired data from the RFID tags. Verify that the read data is displayed or processed correctly.

5. Performance tests:

Perform tests with multiple RFID tags simultaneously to ensure that the reader is capable of processing multiple tags in its environment.

Test the reader’s reading speed to determine how quickly it can identify RFID tags.

6. Avoid interference:

Ensure that there are no potential sources of interference or metallic objects near the RFID reader or tags that could interfere with communication.

7. Software testing:

If the RFID reader uses custom software, check the software features to ensure that they meet the requirements of your application.

When performing RFID testing, it is important to follow the RFID reader’s technical specifications and instructions, as well as the RFID tags it supports. Testing should be systematic and identify potential errors or problems to ensure the performance and reliability of the RFID system.