There are two basic types of RFID transponders and tags: Passive and Active. While they are similar in some ways, they have some key differences. Active RFID systems use radio frequency identification, while passive ones use batteries. Learn more about the different types of tags in this article. Then, decide which type of RFID system is best for your facility. Hopefully, you'll know more about the benefits of each. Hopefully, this article has provided you with a good starting point.
Passive RFID Tags
RFID tags can be active or passive, depending on the type of transmitter used. Active tags operate on a higher frequency and can be read from several meters. Passive tags work only when they are near a reader, so they are less battery-hungry than active ones. But passive tags do not have the advantage of being battery-operated, and so they are cheaper than active ones. However, their batteries tend to be shorter, so they can't be used in as long as an active RFID transponder.
Passive RFID tags rely on radio waves to activate. The radio waves trigger a signal in the passive RFID tag, which wakes up the IC. The tags are often made of a simple chip, antenna, and integrated circuit. The number of tags and their range will depend on the application, but the best solution for most situations is to buy several of the same type. Passive RFID tags are also available in a variety of frequencies.
The use of RFID tags in hospitals reduces manual labor and contamination. For instance, passive RFID tags in Sanatoria Fianchetto, a medical clinic in Italy, help the facility keep track of 80,000 articles of clothing and linens. These tags are used to monitor which garments are currently in use, thereby reducing lost linens and unnecessary inventory. The passive RFID tags also save the organization countless hours spent counting linens.
Active RFID Tags
In contrast to passive RFID tags, active RFID transponders and systems operate at ultra-high frequencies and have a read range of 100 meters or more. In addition, they have a memory capacity of 512 kb and can store information about assets. When in use, these tags transmit signals that are sent to a reader at regular intervals. Active tags and transponders are most widely used in real-time location systems, such as tollways.
Both passive and active RFID technologies have advantages. Both technologies can protect people and assets. Both passive and active RFID use radio frequencies to transmit information between the device and reader. Active RFID tags and transponders from Guard RFID are available in a variety of types and support portal and long-range detection. This enables you to deploy a system that works on any number of assets. This technology is becoming increasingly common in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain applications.
While passive RFID transponders and tags conserve battery life by transmitting data when they are in range, active beacon tags respond to reader signals by transmitting data at higher frequencies. This makes them ideal for tracking objects, cargo tracking, and other similar applications. Active beacon tags can be read from hundreds of meters away and may be set to a lower transmit power for shorter distances. In either case, a low battery alert is sent out to help avoid any accidents.
Battery-powered RFID Transponders and Tags
Battery-powered RFID transponders and tags use batteries and are generally more energy efficient than beacons. Beacons emit signals periodically, but battery-powered tags emit them only when the RFID reader is nearby. Beacons are especially useful for real-time locating applications, such as tracking assets. Beacons are non-powered and emit signals at predetermined intervals - every few seconds, once a day, etc. Beacons receive signals from reader antennas on the perimeter of an area and communicate their position and ID information to the tag.
Batteries are used in battery-powered RFID tags to store and process ancillary information about assets. These tags are generally larger and more robust than passive ones and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. These tags also contain on-board sensors to monitor temperature and moisture levels. They are especially useful for tracking assets and monitoring the environment. In addition to their low cost, battery-powered RFID tags are also a good choice for tagging assets.
While battery-powered RFID tags have a defined life, they are not as versatile as those powered by batteries. They will become passive after five years. Battery-powered RFID tags can be bulkier and more expensive. But they are more reliable and don't require re-reading. They are also less likely to cause interference from environmental factors and allow the tag to track the movement of containers. In addition to battery-powered tags, battery-powered RFID transponders and tags are compatible with all kinds of other devices and technologies.