Cykeo RFID IoT Solution Products R&D Manufacturer
What Is an RFID Reader? Your Plain-English Guide
313Discover what RFID readers are, how they function, different types available, and where they're used. Learn key selection tips for your business needs.
MoreCan all RFID tags be rewritten or reprogrammed?
No—rewritability depends entirely on the tag’s memory architecture. RFID tags fall into three categories:
- Read-Only (RO): Factory-programmed, immutable UIDs (common in anti-counterfeiting)
- Write-Once-Read-Many (WORM): Allows one-time encoding after manufacturing
- Read/Write (RW): Fully rewritable, supporting thousands of update cycles
Over 68% of industrial RFID tags sold today are RW-type for lifecycle tracking.
1. How RFID Rewriting Works: Technical Process
Memory Structure
Rewritable tags partition memory into:
- Reserved Bank: Lockable permanent UID
- EPC Bank: Stores rewritable product data (e.g., stock numbers)
- User Memory: Custom data storage (updates 10k–100k times)
Reprogramming Workflow
- Reader Authentication: Authorized device verifies access password
- Data Erasure: Overwrites existing EPC/User Memory blocks
- New Data Encoding: Writes updated info in hexadecimal/ASCII
- Lock Settings: Optional permanent lockdown of memory sectors
Key limitation: UIDs in Reserved Banks are rarely rewritable—physical replacement needed for ID changes.
2. Top Applications for Rewritable RFID
| Industry | Use Case | Data Rewritten |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | Dynamic pricing | Promotions, discounts |
| Manufacturing | Work-in-progress | Quality test results |
| Logistics | Reusable pallets | Route history, handler ID |
| Healthcare | Patient records | Medication schedules |
Cykeo’s RW tags cut hospital asset-tagging costs by 92% vs. single-use tags.
3. Security & Compatibility Considerations
Risks
- Unauthorized Rewriting: Password-protect writers to prevent data tampering
- Write Fatigue: EEPROM memory degrades after ~100,000 cycles
- Frequency Mismatch: Ensure reader supports tag’s RF band (e.g., 902-928 MHz UHF)
Best Practices
- AES-128 encrypt write commands
- Use “kill” commands to deactivate retired tags
- Audit rewrite history via cloud logs
4. Rewritable vs. Non-Rewritable Tags
| Feature | Rewritable RFID | Non-Rewritable RFID |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Type | EEPROM/FRAM | ROM/PROM |
| Cost | Higher upfront (0.20–1) | Lower (0.05–0.20) |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years | Single-use or permanent |
| Environmental Durability | ✓ Withstands rewrites in harsh settings | ✘ Often disposable |
5. Step-by-Step Reprogramming Guide
- Tag Selection: Choose high-endurance tags (e.g., FRAM-based)
- Software Setup: Connect writer to Cykeo TagSync software
- Access Control: Enter encryption password
- Field Rewriting:
- Select target memory bank (EPC/User)
- Enter new data (text/hex values)
- Apply cyclic redundancy check (CRC)
- Verification: Scan tag to confirm updates
6. Future Innovations
- Quantum-Tunneling Chips: Rewrite 1M+ times without degradation
- DNA Storage Tags: Microbial data encoding for ultra-high capacity
- Cykeo’s Project Phoenix: Self-destructing tags via voltage overload
Relevance
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