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5 Revolutionary Applications of RFID Readers in Healthcare
458Discover how RFID readers transform healthcare with real-time tracking, patient safety, and operational efficiency. Explore Cykeo’s cutting-edge RFID solutions for medical settings.
MoreWhat Is Passive Rfid Tags
Differences Between Passive and Active RFID Tags
Power Supply
Active RFID tags have built-in batteries and can actively transmit radio frequency signals, much like a signal transmitter with its own power source. Their operating energy is entirely provided by the internal battery, which not only powers the tag’s operation but also partially supports the radio frequency energy needed for communication with the reader. In contrast, passive RFID tags do not contain batteries. They function like a delicate “energy harvester.” When entering the electromagnetic field emitted by the reader, the tag antenna converts the received electromagnetic wave energy into direct current, which activates the tag chip to complete data reading and transmission. This battery-free design gives passive tags unique advantages in cost, size, and service life.
Reading Distance
Since active tags have continuous power supply, their signals are strong and coverage wide, resulting in longer reading distances, typically reaching tens of meters or even about 200 meters. This makes them excellent for scenarios requiring long-distance identification, such as large warehouse management and vehicle long-distance recognition. Passive tags have relatively shorter reading distances, generally within 10 meters. However, their low cost and long lifespan make them advantageous in many applications where distance requirements are not high but cost and durability are important.
Cost and Lifespan
Due to built-in batteries and more complex circuitry, active tags are relatively expensive, and the battery life is relatively short, usually from 1 to 3 years. After battery depletion, replacement is needed, which increases both usage cost and maintenance effort. Passive tags, on the other hand, are inexpensive, and since they require no battery, their theoretical lifespan can reach up to 10 years, greatly reducing long-term costs and maintenance difficulty. This gives passive tags a significant cost advantage in large-scale applications.
Passive RFID Reading Distance
The reading distance of passive RFID tags is not fixed and is influenced by multiple factors. Among them, the RFID tag operating frequency plays a key role. Low-frequency and high-frequency RFID tags have relatively short reading ranges, generally around three feet (1 meter). Ultra-high frequency (UHF) tags have relatively longer reading distances, usually between 10 and 20 feet. Additionally, the power of the RFID reader also significantly affects reading distance. Readers with higher power can provide stronger energy to passive tags, thereby increasing the reading distance. RFID readers equipped with phased-array antennas can even extend the reading range of passive tags to 60 feet or more. Meanwhile, interference from surrounding RF devices can also impact reading distance. In practical applications, it is necessary to comprehensively consider these factors based on specific scenarios and needs to optimize the reading distance of passive RFID systems.
Passive RFID Frequencies
Passive RFID tags can be categorized into four types based on their operating frequency: low frequency (LF), high and mid frequency (HF/MF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and microwave. Each frequency range has its own unique characteristics and suitable application scenarios.
Low-frequency RFID tags typically operate at 125 kHz to 134.2 kHz. They are usually passive tags that obtain operating energy through inductive coupling from the reader’s coil radiation near field. Their reading distance is generally less than 1 meter. Low-frequency tag chips are inexpensive and suitable for short-distance, low data rate, and small data volume applications such as access control and attendance systems.
Mid- to high-frequency tags commonly operate at 13.56 MHz. Their working principle is basically the same as that of low-frequency tags and are also passive. Their reading distance is generally less than 1 meter.
For microwave-band RFID tags, the operating frequency for passive tags is mainly between 902 MHz and 928 MHz. Ultra-high frequency and microwave electromagnetic waves exhibit line-of-sight transmission characteristics with weak diffraction ability. Therefore, antennas for readers used in these frequency bands are usually designed as directional antennas, meaning that only tags within the antenna’s directional beam range can be read and written.
Passive RFID Tags
Passive RFID tags consist of an antenna and an integrated circuit. Though structurally simple, they are powerful in functionality. When the tag enters the electromagnetic field of a reader, the antenna receives the electromagnetic wave energy and converts it into electrical energy, activating the integrated circuit to enable data reading and transmission.
Passive RFID tags have strong anti-interference capabilities, and users can customize the read/write standard data. They can operate efficiently and quickly within specialized application systems. Their ultra-wide operating frequency range complies with relevant industry regulations while providing ample flexibility for development and applications. Moreover, multiple tags can be read and written simultaneously.
Passive RFID tags can also be made in various forms, such as stickers and cards, making them convenient for different usage scenarios. Additionally, they can be mass-produced at low cost, which has led to widespread use in supply chain management, asset management, and other fields.
Applications of Passive RFID Tags
Library Management
In libraries, Cykeo RFID tags play an important role. Traditional library management methods, such as manual borrowing registration and searching for books, are inefficient and prone to errors. With the introduction of Cykeo passive RFID tags, the borrowing process has been greatly simplified. Readers only need to bring books with RFID tags close to the self-service borrowing device, which quickly reads the tag information and completes the borrowing procedure, saving a significant amount of time.
For library staff, inventory checking has also become easy and convenient. Using handheld RFID readers, they can quickly scan books on shelves and accurately obtain the location and borrowing status of each book. This greatly improves inventory efficiency and reduces the workload and errors associated with manual counting.
In addition, RFID tags can be used to prevent theft. When books that have not been borrowed pass through the library exit, the system automatically triggers an alarm, effectively protecting the library’s resources.
Hospital Applications
In the hospital environment, Cykeo RFID tags also have a wide range of applications. For medical equipment management, each device is tagged with an RFID label, allowing medical staff to use readers to instantly know the device’s location, usage status, and maintenance records. This ensures timely maintenance and servicing, improves equipment utilization, and prevents medical work from being affected by equipment failures.
In pharmaceutical management, RFID tags enable full traceability of medicines. From procurement, storage, and dispensing to usage, every step can be recorded and monitored by reading the tag information, ensuring the quality and safety of medicines and preventing counterfeit drugs from entering the hospital.
In patient management, patients wear RFID-tagged wristbands, enabling medical staff to monitor their location and condition changes in real time, providing more timely and precise medical services. For example, in emergencies, medical staff can quickly locate patients through the RFID system, saving crucial treatment time.
RFID Tag Applications in Western Medicine
In the field of Western medicine, Cykeo RFID tags have brought transformative changes to medical management. In the disinfection management of medical instruments, attaching RFID tags to sterilization trays or instruments enables accurate recording of sterilization times, frequency, and status. This ensures that medical instruments undergo strict disinfection processes before use, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
In medical consumables management, RFID tags allow for precise control of supplies. Hospitals can monitor inventory levels, usage, and expiration dates in real time, facilitating timely replenishment and allocation to avoid waste and shortages. Additionally, analyzing consumable usage data provides valuable insights for hospital procurement decisions, optimizing purchasing processes and reducing costs.
Passive RFID tags, with their unique advantages, show great potential across numerous fields. Cykeo successful applications in industries such as libraries and hospitals offer enterprises efficient and convenient management solutions, helping improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. With continuous technological development and innovation, passive RFID tags will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in more fields, bringing greater convenience and transformation to our lives and work.
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