RFID systems operate across various frequency ranges and types, each with distinct characteristics and applications. Below is an overview of the main types of frequencies:
1. Low Frequency (LF) RFID:
- Frequency Range: 30 kHz to 300 kHz (typically 125 kHz or 134 kHz)
- Read Range: Short (up to 10 cm)
- Characteristics:
- Lower data transfer rates.
- Good penetration through non-metallic materials.
- Less susceptible to interference from water or metal compared to higher frequencies.
- Lower cost.
- Applications:
- Access control.
- Animal tracking.
- Industrial applications.
2. High Frequency (HF) RFID:
- Frequency Range: 3 MHz to 30 MHz (typically 13.56 MHz)
- Read Range: Short to medium (10 cm to 1 m)
- Characteristics:
- Moderate data transfer rates.
- Moderate sensitivity to interference.
- Widely used in smart card applications.
- Applications:
- Contactless payment systems (NFC).
- Electronic ticketing.
- Access control.
- Smart cards (MIFARE).
3. Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID:
- Frequency Range: 300 MHz to 3 GHz (typically 860 MHz to 960 MHz)
- Read Range: Long (up to 12 m)
- Characteristics:
- High data transfer rates.
- More susceptible to interference from metal and liquids.
- Lower cost tags.
- Applications:
- Inventory management.
- Supply chain tracking.
- Retail applications.
- Toll collection.
Key Considerations:
- Read Range: The distance at which a reader can communicate with a tag.
- Data Transfer Speed: The rate at which data can be exchanged.
- Interference: The susceptibility of the signal to disruption from other materials or signals.
- Cost: The cost of tags and readers varies by frequency.
- Regulations: Frequency regulations vary by region.
Comprehending these RFID frequency types is essential for choosing the right RFID technology for a particular application.