The distance from which a tag can be read is called its read range. Read range depends on a number of factors, including the frequency of the radio waves uses for tag-reader communication, the size of the tag antenna, the power output of the reader, and whether the tags have a battery to broadcast a signal or gather energy from a reader and merely reflect a weak signal back to the reader. 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. UHF tags-the kind used on pallets and cases of goods in the supply chain-have a read range of 20 to 30 feet under ideal conditions. If the tags are attached to products with water or metal, the read range can be significantly less. If the size of the UHF antenna is reduced, that will also dramatically reduce the read range. Increasing the power output could increase the range, but most governments restrict the output of readers so that they don’t interfere with other RF devices, such as cordless phones.
FAQs
From how far away can a typical RFID tag be read? ›
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.
How far away can you read an RFID 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.
How far can active RFID tags be read? ›Active RFID Systems
Active tags broadcast their own signal to transmit the information stored on their microchips. Active RFID systems typically operate in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band and offer a range of up to 100 m.
Type of reader
A typical working range for a mobile handheld reader is up to one meter, again, depending on tag configuration. A fixed mount reader has more power available, and a larger antenna. Read range in normal practical conditions can be up to 6 meters.
HF RFID readers: HF RFID card readers have good anti-metal and liquid interference performance, and the reading distance is mostly within 1m. RF RFID tags have a faster transmission speed, but poorer anti-noise interference performance. Generally, they have read and write and anti-collision functions.
What is far distance for RFID? ›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.
Is RFID long range? ›Active RFID
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.
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.
How accurate is RFID distance? ›Because the tag is sending out a signal, like a cell phone, the tags can be read from much further away—1,000 meters or more. You can cover a large area with fewer readers than a passive RTLS, but the tags cost more. The location accuracy of an active RTLS is usually within 3 meters.
What is the best range for RFID? ›| Frequency Bands | Antenna | Read Range |
|---|---|---|
| Very High Frequency (VHF) 433 Mhz – Active Tags | Internal Custom Design | High 1-1000 feet |
| Ultra High Frequency (UHF) 860 MHz – 960 MHz | Single or Double Dipole | Medium 1-30 feet |
| Microwave Frequency 2.45 GHz & 5.4 GHz | Single Dipole | High 1-300 feet |
What is the maximum range of RFID? ›
Active RFID systems, on the other hand, can typically be read from 300 feet (90 meters) away, but many can now go up to 1,500 feet (460 meters) or more by employing signal repeaters.
What is the range of RFID skimming? ›Unfortunately, long-range RFID skimmers don't need to be directly next to an RFID credential to read its information. Instead, most skimmers can read from a distance of up to 19 inches, or 50 centimeters.
What is the range of RFID location tracking? ›Active RFID tags with embedded GPS receivers can provide GPS location coordinates as part of their normal beacon payload. This tag type can either be read through an active RFID reader or through a beacon directly to a satellite.
Can phones detect RFID tags? ›Read/Write Capability: Not all mobile phones can read and write RFID cards. Phones with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality are more likely to support RFID card interaction.