Can RFID Be Used for Long-Range Scanning? - RFID JOURNAL (2024)

FAQs

Can RFID Be Used for Long-Range Scanning? - RFID JOURNAL? ›

There are beam-steerable RFID reader antennas that can increase the read range of an ordinary passive UHF RFID tag to more than 60 feet (18.3 meters), but if you wanted to read tags from further away than this, you would need to use a battery-assisted passive (BAP) UHF RFID tag or an active tag.

Far-range UHF RFID tags can read at ranges as far as 12 meters with a passive RFID tag, whereas active tags can achieve ranges of 100 meters or more. The operating frequency of UHF RFID tags ranges from 300 MHz to 3 GHz, and UHF tags are the most vulnerable to interference.

Active RFID systems use battery-powered tags that broadcast their own signal with an active transmitter. These tags can actively transmit their signal to the reader. This allows for a long read range, but typically will have a limited lifetime compared to passive and semi-active tags.

An active RFID system can read tags from 1,500 feet away or more, as the tags broadcast a signal and the systems are designed for longer-range applications.

​​Disadvantages of RFID Technology

Limited Storage - Even most non-volatile memory requires power to keep its contents from degrading. Without an onboard battery, passive tags can't store much information. Requires Reader - Passive types of an RFID tag require a high-powered reader to even power on.

Furthermore the long-range RFID tags have a reading range that is usually up to 328' (100 m) and are designed with technology of low power consumption in order to ensure longer battery life.

Active RFID transponders have an energy source (usually a battery), which they use to broadcast a signal. The read distance can be 3,000 feet (914 meters) or more.

A high gain antenna increases the power received from the RFID reader. A longer range RFID system would typically need an antenna with a gain of 8 dBi or more. While a shorter range RFID system would likely need for an antenna with a gain of 7 dBi or less.

Active RFID systems typically operate in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band and offer a range of up to 100 m. In general, active tags are used on large objects, such as rail cars, big reusable containers, and other assets that need to be tracked over long distances.

GAO RFID provides long range RFID readers in two frequencies 433 MHz and 2.45 GHz. These long range readers are used to interrogate active RFID tags that use the 2.45 GHz and 433 MHz frequencies. These readers are FCC and ETSI certified.

Why are RFID readers so expensive? ›

Like barcodes and other asset-tracking solutions, RFID systems use scanners and software to read and store data. But unlike other asset tracking solutions, RFID tags contain microchips — which can make them more expensive.

Active tags can tell you that an item is within 300 feet of a reader, but there are also active RFID real-time location systems (RTLS) that can triangulate on a tag and tell you its location to within 10 feet.

Battery-powered tags typically have a read range of 300 feet (100 meters). These are the kinds of tags used in toll collection systems. High-frequency tags, which are often used in smart cards, have a read range of three feet or less.

RFID challenges

RFID is prone to two main issues: Reader collision. Reader collision, when a signal from one RFID reader interferes with a second reader, can be prevented by using an anti-collision protocol to make RFID tags take turns transmitting to their appropriate reader. Tag collision.

There is controversy regarding human applications of implantable RFID technology including concerns that individuals could potentially be tracked by carrying an identifier unique to them. Privacy advocates have protested against implantable RFID chips, warning of potential abuse.

Active: Active RFID tags usually last between three to five years, depending on the battery. Some tags may allow for battery replacement, while other tags may not. These tags also last much longer than other RTLS technologies such as ultra wide-band tags and WiFi tags).

High-frequency RFID system These range from 3 MHzto 30 MHz, with the typical HF frequency being 13.56 MHz. The standard range is anywhere from a few inches to several feet. UHF RFID systems. These range from 300 MHz to 960 MHz, with the typical frequency of 433 MHz and can generally be read from 25-plus feet away.

Although banks claim that RFID chips on cards are encrypted to protect information, it's been proven that scanners—either homemade or easily bought—can swipe the cardholder's name and number. (A cell-phone-sized RFID reader powered at 30 dBm (decibels per milliwatt) can pick up card information from 10 feet away.

Some passive RFID tags can only be read from a distance of a few inches, but most can be read from around three feet. Higher frequency RF waves can be detected from farther away than low frequency ones: Some high frequency RFID tags can even be read from one hundred feet away.

RFID tags can be integrated with sensors and GPS technology to provide asset condition data, in addition to location information. By integrating the solution with a wireless LAN, assets can be identified and located remotely in seconds.