What is radio frequency identification(RFID) technology ?

RFID Technology Overview

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless communication technology. Automatically identifying and tracking the corresponding frequency band tags on attached objects by emitting electromagnetic waves of different frequency bands emitted by different electromagnetic fields. Each tag contains tiny chips and antennas that store information. Tags can store data information in a specific format (unique information: TID; User-defined information: ECP).

A simple RFID system consists of three parts: tags, readers, and antennas. The reader can send a radio signal via the gain antenna to activate the tag. Then tag returns the data information stored in the chip. More specific links: RFID system connected and use

Development of RFID

RFID technology’s development dates back to the 1940s, initially used in military applications. During World War II, the Allies used RFID technology to distinguish between friendly and enemy aircraft. In the 1970s, RFID technology began to be used in commercial fields, particularly in supply chain management and logistics. Entering the 21st century, RFID technology has rapidly developed with reduced costs and improved performance. Expanding its application areas to include retail, healthcare, transportation, security, and more.

RFID Frequency Bands

RFID systems can be categorized into low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), ultra-high-frequency (UHF), and microwave (Microwave) based on the operating frequency band. Different frequency bands have different characteristics and are suitable for different applications:

1, Low Frequency (LF, 30 kHz to 300 kHz): Commonly used frequencies are 125 kHz and 134.2 kHz. Low-frequency RFID tags have the characteristics of strong penetration, but the reading distance is short, usually within 10 cm. It is mainly used in animal identification chips, check-in access control, etc

2, High Frequency (HF, 3 MHz to 30 MHz): The common frequency is 13.56 MHz. The reading distance of high-frequency RFID tags is between 10 cm and 1 meter, and Cykeo‘s HF band R&D products are widely used in cabinet item positioning management, ID identity binding, ticketing system terminals, etc.

3, Ultra-High Frequency (UHF, 300 MHz to 3 GHz): Commonly used frequencies are 840 MHz to 960 MHz. The reading distance of UHF RFID tags can reach several meters, and most of Cykeo‘s UHF band R&D products can be frequency adjusted through the gain antenna, and the distance control can be about 0-30 meters, which is used in a wide range of identification scenarios such as new retail, long-distance access control, item control, logistics and warehousing, and asset tracking.

4, Microwave (3 GHz to 30 GHz): Common frequencies are 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz. Microwave RFID tags have a long reading distance, but are greatly affected by the environment, and are mainly used in vehicle identification, ETC systems, etc. A number of related products are under development by Cykeo.

Cykeo has extensive experience in UHF and HF band applications and solutions. Now contact us for advice on the best fit.

Choose Right Frequency Band

The selection of the appropriate RFID frequency band needs to consider the following factors:

1, Reading distance : If a longer reading distance is required, choose UHF or microwave frequency band; If the reading distance requirement is short, the reading distance can be reduced by the way of software control gain antenna, or choose LF or HF band. UHF has more choice and control space in terms of reading distance and number of group reads.

2, Application scenario: Different application scenarios have different requirements for frequency bands, the close-range sign-in access control system usually chooses LF or HF frequency band, the security portal EAS access control system usually chooses UHF, and logistics and warehousing also tend to choose UHF frequency band.

3, Environmental Factors: RFID systems in different frequency bands have different sensitivities to the environment, such as metal and water have a greater impact on the UHF frequency band, and Cykeo also has a way to deal with this, by using anti-metal tags and waterproof washing tags to solve the above problems.

4, Cost factor: The cost of RFID tags and readers in different frequency bands varies greatly, and with the maturity of the times and productivity, the price of tags and end products in the UHF frequency band has become very reasonable, and there will be opportunities to develop into mainstream frequency bands in the future. Although the cost of LF and HF bands is low, they face various drawbacks and problems.

RFID Technology Application

RFID technology has been widely used in various fields, including but not limited to the following:

1. Supply Chain & Logistics Management: Track goods through RFID tags, from production to distribution, to improve supply chain transparency and efficiency.
2. Retail Management: In the retail industry, RFID technology is used for fast payment, inventory management, outbound inventory, anti-theft, and smart shelf systems to enhance the shopping experience.
3. Medical industry: RFID tags are used for patient identification, medical high-value item management/low-value item management and medical equipment tracking to improve the quality and safety of medical services.
4. Traffic management: RFID technology is applied to ETC system, vehicle identification and public transport ticketing system to improve traffic management efficiency.
5. Security and access control: Realize personnel access management through RFID cards, enhance security and improve management efficiency.
6. Industry 4.0 Intelligent Manufacturing: In the manufacturing industry, RFID tags are used for production line management, product uniqueness, anti-counterfeiting traceability, quality control and equipment maintenance to promote intelligent production.

Cykeo insists on R&D and innovation of RFID wireless communication technology, continuously promotes the mature application of solutions, and continuously promotes the development of RFID IoT, bringing new opportunities to all walks of life and bringing higher value to customers. Choosing the RFID frequency band and technology application scenarios recommended by Cykeo can maximize its advantages and achieve the goal of intelligent, automated and data-based management.