This article explains the types of RFID tags, their functions, and the differences between active and passive RFID tags.
What are the two types of RFID tags?
The two types of RFID tags are active RFID tags and passive RFID tags.
In addition to the two main types, there are also semi-passive RFID tags that contain a battery to turn the tag on when a signal is received, but do not transmit a periodic signal like active tags.
What is an active RFID tag?
Active RFID tags have their own power source, usually a battery. This enables them to transmit signals over longer distances and with greater accuracy compared to passive tags. Active RFID tags can continuously broadcast their signal, making them suitable for real-time location tracking of assets or vehicles. They are often used in applications such as vehicle tracking, equipment monitoring, and personnel tracking.
What is a passive RFID tag?
Passive RFID tags do not have their own power source. They are powered by the electromagnetic energy transmitted from RFID readers. When the reader sends out a signal, it energizes the passive RFID tag, allowing it to transmit its information back to the reader. Passive RFID tags are commonly used for tracking inventory, access control, and supply chain management.
What is the difference between active RFID tags and passive RFID tags?
Active RFID provides longer range, higher data capacity and real-time tracking, while passive RFID offers lower cost and smaller size, making it suitable for high-volume applications. The main differences between active and passive RFID tags are as below.
Power Source
Active RFID tags have their own power source, usually a battery, to power the microchip and transmit a signal to the reader.
Passive RFID tags do not have a battery. They draw power from the electromagnetic waves sent by the reader, which induces a current in the tag's antenna.
Read Range
Active RFID tags have a longer read range, often over 100 meters, due to their onboard power source.
Passive RFID tags have a shorter read range, typically up to 20 feet, as they rely on the reader's signal strength.
Size and Cost
Active RFID tags are larger in size and more expensive compared to passive tags.
Passive RFID tags are smaller, cheaper to manufacture, and can be made into stickers or cards.
Data Transmission
Active RFID tags can transmit more data and have higher accuracy, as they can run more complex electronics.
Passive RFID tags have limited data transmission capabilities, as they only reflect the signal received from the reader.
Applications
Active RFID is better suited for tracking high-value assets over wide areas, monitoring environmental conditions, and applications requiring real-time data.
Passive RFID is commonly used for item-level tracking, supply chain management, access control, and other applications where cost is a key factor.
