Understanding RFID Tags: How They Work and Their Growing Applications

September 25, 2024

We live in a world of connected devices where Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are a foundational technology shaping various industries. From supply chain efficiency to inventory management and even patient tracking in healthcare, RFID tags have become an integral part of daily life. As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands, the potential for RFID technology is only growing.

In this post, we’ll dive deeper into how RFID tags work, explore their different types, and highlight why they are key to IoT innovation across industries.

What Are RFID Tags and How Do They Work?

At its core, an RFID tag is a tracking system that uses radio waves to communicate information between a tag and a reader. These smart labels can store a wide range of data, including serial numbers, descriptions, and authentication details. Some RFID tags even come equipped with cryptographic security features for enhanced verification and authentication, making them essential for industries that demand data security and supply chain transparency.

RFID tags are generally categorized by their operating frequency:

Low Frequency (LF): Operates between 30 – 300 KHz with a read range up to 10 cm. Often used in access control and livestock monitoring.
High Frequency (HF): Operates at 13.56 MHz, with read ranges up to 6 cm. Widely used in electronic payments, ticketing, and user experience applications.
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF): Operates between 860 MHz – 950 MHz, with read ranges up to 12 meters, commonly seen in retail inventory tracking, parking access, and asset management.

Passive vs. Active RFID Tags: What’s the Difference?

RFID tags come in two primary types: passive and active.

Passive RFID Tags

Passive RFID tags are the most commonly used and do not require a direct line of sight to function, though they offer a shorter read range. Lightweight, compact, and affordable, passive RFID tags are perfect for:

Supply chain and inventory management
Asset tracking and personnel tracking
Industrial applications
Brand protection and anti-counterfeiting
Access control systems
Pharmaceutical and healthcare solutions

Active RFID Tags

Active RFID tags, on the other hand, have their own transmitter and power source, making them more robust but also bulkier and more expensive. These are ideal for real-time location systems (RTLS), medical monitoring, and environments that require continuous data transmission. Examples include beacons for RTLS and theme park attendance monitoring.

NFC Technology: An Essential Subset of RFID

A specialized form of RFID technology is Near Field Communication (NFC), which operates under high frequency (HF) and allows for two-way communication between devices. NFC is increasingly used in IoT ecosystems to enable secure, contactless transactions and interactions between smart devices. From smart packaging to contactless payments, NFC offers limitless potential in connecting everyday objects in a secure, seamless manner.

How Industries Are Leveraging RFID and NFC Technologies

Today, industries ranging from healthcare to retail are adopting RFID and NFC solutions to improve efficiency, safety, and customer experiences. Here’s how:

Healthcare uses RFID for tracking patients and medications, improving patient safety and enhancing operational efficiency.
Retailers leverage UHF RFID tags to manage inventory more accurately, reducing theft, and offering better customer experiences.
Logistics companies use RFID tags for real-time tracking, helping improve supply chain transparency and minimizing errors.

Identiv’s RFID Tag Portfolio: Innovation Meets Sustainability

At Identiv, we are constantly evolving our portfolio to meet the diverse needs of industries worldwide. Our wide range of RFID products includes inlays, tamper labels, and eco-friendly solutions. We are particularly proud of our Eco-Friendly RFID Tags, which have the industry’s lowest carbon footprint — demonstrating our commitment to sustainability.

Build Your Custom RFID Solution with Identiv

Ready to transform your business with custom RFID solutions? Whether you’re looking for smart seals, tamper-proof labels, or specialized tracking systems, Identiv offers tailored RFID solutions to suit any application.