Unpacking RFID Tags: Which One Is Right for You?

Commentaires

RFID Tags Unleashed: Know Your Options

Electronic tags (Étiquettes RFID) come in a variety of designs, shapes, sizes, and operating frequencies, all of which depend on the physical properties of the object to which the tag is attached and the specific application requirements. In the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, electronic tags are widely used and come in various types, each differing in structure, appearance, and function.

When selecting a tag, multiple factors must be considered. The following guide sorts out the classification and characteristics of electronic tags from the perspectives of working mode, readability, operating frequency, packaging form, and more.

Classification by Working Mode

Taper	Has Own Power Supply	Working Characteristics	Scope of Application
Active	✅	Actively sends data, long distance	Logistics, container management, etc.
Passif	❌	Relies on reader power supply, low cost	Retail, books, asset management, etc.
Semi-active	✅ (powered only)	Relies on reader activation to backscatter data	Temperature and humidity monitoring, industrial equipment, etc.

💡 Tips: Most of the RFID tags on the market are passif, because they do not require power, are small in size, low in cost, and offer great cost-effectiveness.

Classification by Readability and Writability

🟡 Read-only Electronic Tags

The information in the chip is written by the manufacturer and cannot be changed once written. Commonly used for identity recognition, anti-theft detection, etc.

🟡 Write-once Read-only (WORM) Tags

The user writes data during initial use, and it cannot be changed afterward. Suitable for high data security scenarios.

🟡 Read-write Tags

These contain programmable memory (such as EEPROM), support repeated erasing, and are widely used for asset management, inventory tracking, etc.

🟡 Read-write Tags with Sensors

Can record additional information such as temperature et pressure, ideal for cold chain logistics ou environmental monitoring. Mostly actif ou semi-active.

🟡 Read-write Tags with Transceivers

Support direct communication with other devices, usually active, used for complex device data interaction.

What Is the Capacity of Electronic Tags?

Generally, the data capacity of RFID tags ranges between 64 bits and 2KB. The larger the tag capacity, the more information it can store and the longer it can function independently—but with increased cost.

Capacité	Application Scope
64–128 bit	Simple code identification
512 bits	Can store basic product information
1 KB+	Independent use, no database required

Classification by Operating Frequency

Frequency Band	Gamme de fréquences	Caractéristiques	Application Scenarios
Low Frequency (LF)	30–300 kHz	Strong penetration, short transmission distance	Animal identification, access control
High Frequency (HF)	3–30 MHz (e.g., 13.56MHz)	Low cost, medium reading distance	Library, bus card
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF)	860–960 MHz	Long reading distance, fast speed, susceptible to interference	Warehouse, logistics, supply chain
Microwave	2.45GHz and above	Longer reading distance, high cost	Special environments

✳️ Recommended Product Reference: IMPINJ MONZA R6 Ultra-High Frequency RFID Tag

Project	Parameters
Size selection	50×18mm, 80×27mm, 128×18mm and other options
Surface material	PET / Coated Paper / Thermal Paper
Type de puce	M4D / M4E / M4QT / M5 / M6 / U8 / U9
Memory capacity	32 / 128 / 512 bits
Fréquence de travail	860–960MHz (UHF)
Protocol standard	EPC C1G2 / ISO18000-6C
Distance de lecture	Up to 6 meters (depending on the reader and environment)
Service life	10 years, supports 100,000 reads and writes
Tag type	Dry inlay (no glue), Wet inlay (with glue)
Functional features	Waterproof / Weatherproof / Customizable appearance and printing
Packaging method	Roll packaging: 1000 sheets/roll, 2000 sheets/roll or OPP bag packaging
Application areas	Smart posters, electronic payment, logistics, warehousing, event management, asset tracking, etc.

Dual-Frequency Technology: Combining Long Distance and Penetration

To solve the poor penetration issue of UHF tags, dual-frequency RFID tags are emerging, combining the strengths of low and high frequencies. These tags are activated by a low-frequency signal, then return data via a high-frequency signal. They offer both long-range reading et strong penetration, making them ideal for complex environments such as animal identification, sports timing, et metal interference.

Résumé

When choosing RFID tags, you shouldn’t blindly pursue high performance or long range. Instead, evaluate based on the actual application scenario:

Do you need long-distance reading?
Or stronger penetration?
Do you need to write data repeatedly?
What matériel is the tag attached to?

All these factors must be taken into account.

🧠 Tips:

For gestion d'entrepôt, UHF read-write tags are ideal.

For books ou contrôle d'accès, HF read-only tags work best.

In cold chain logistics ou animal management, active or dual-frequency sensor tags are often necessary.