In this article, you will discover active RFID tags, different types, how long they can last and what they are best used for. You will also learn about the places where RFID is used and the reasons it is a suitable choice for certain tracking jobs.

Table of Contents

What Is an Active RFID Tag?

An RFID tag is a wireless device that can move and send out information and it has its own battery and transmitter. Active tags are always sending signals or do so at regular intervals and they can reach up to 150 meters away depending on their frequency and configuration.

The foundation of real-time location systems (RTLS) is active tags which provide you with instant updates on your tagged items.

Important aspects of active RFID tags are:

Battery-powered
Signals being sent out constantly or in a regular pattern
More advanced features, but it is more expensive.

Active RFID Tag Types

There are several types of active RFID tags which differ in their operation frequency and how they send information. Here’s a list to guide you in picking the best one for your needs:

1. Standard Active RFID Tags (Low Frequency – LF)

Using 125 KHz or 134 KHz, these tags have a small read range (around 10 cm) and transfer data more slowly. They still work effectively in areas with a lot of obstructions such as around water or metal and are used often for animal monitoring and safe access.

ISO 14223 and ISO/IEC 18000-2 are common standards used

2. Enhanced Active RFID Tags (High Frequency – HF)

At 13.56 MHz, these tags deliver a read range from 10 centimeters to 1 meter. These tags are vulnerable to some sorts of interference and are commonly applied in ticketing, payment and access cards.

Common RFID standards are: ISO 15693, ISO/IEC 14443 A/B, ECMA-340, NFC (ISO/IEC 18092), JIS X 6319-4 (FeliCa).

3. Specialty Active RFID Tags (Ultra-High Frequency – UHF)

The frequency range of UHF tags is 860 MHz to 960 MHz and they can cover up to 12 meters of distance. These devices provide faster data transmission and are great for roles that need wider coverage and quicker speeds such as inventory monitoring in warehouses and supply chains.

Because UHF is sensitive to interference, modern technology addresses this problem. LF or HF tags are often more difficult and more expensive to use in large numbers.

The Active RFID Tags’ Battery Life

Active RFID tags depend on their batteries, so how long the batteries last greatly affects their effectiveness and usefulness.

What Causes the Battery to Last Less Long?

Frequency of use:The more times a tag sends data, the more quickly the battery will run out.
Conditions of the environment:Conditions such as heat, cold and moisture can decrease how well a battery works.
Transmission frequency and distance:Longer ranges and more regular transmissions use up more power.

Battery Types

Lithium batteries: Very reliable and long-lasting, making them good for industrial uses.
Rechargeable batteries: Help the environment and last for a long time, but they need to be looked after regularly.

When an Active RFID System Should Be Used

Choose an active RFID system when you want to track things regularly over a large or complex area. The UHF band (433 MHz to 960 MHz) is generally used by these systems which lets them send signals as far as 150 meters.

Situations where everything goes smoothly are:

Toll roads: Use tags on vehicles to make toll collection automatic.
Tracking locations in actual time:Track their location using live data.
Managing assets and inventory:Ensure that all inventory and equipment used is tracked live.

You should be aware of the two main types of active RFID tags:

Beacons: Send out signals every few seconds (between 3 and 5 seconds is a good interval).
Transponders: Get activated by a reader and send out signals only then, helping to save battery life.

Your environment at work can also play a role. For example, lower-frequency systems can go through water and metal better than higher-frequency systems.

Advantages of Active RFID Tags

Active RFID tags have a number of features that make them useful for tracking large or complicated operations:

Greater read ranges:Up to 150 meters of distance can be used, depending on the way the system is set up.
Tracking in real time:Best for assets or people that are always moving quickly.
Large capacity for data:A large amount of storage allows the system to keep track of environmental conditions.
Stability:Most tags are made to be tough, withstand bad weather and remain usable in tough industries.

Disadvantages of Active RFID Tags

More expensive: It is more costly to set up and to use tags with active systems than it is with passive ones.
Depending on batteries: You won’t be able to use the tag for long if it runs out of power.
Size: The battery in active tags means they are bigger than passive tags.

If you operate a small business or are working with a small budget, passive RFID or barcode systems might be easier on your finances.

Active RFID Tags Applications

Active RFID tags are found in many industries for better tracking, protection and performance. You might observe them in real life here:

Supply Chain and Logistics

You are able to follow goods as they move through your entire supply chain. It lowers the number of lost shipments, improves the speed of loading and unloading and guarantees timely delivery. Temperature-sensitive tags are able to track conditions while the goods are being transported.

Asset Tracking

For oil & gas, aviation and healthcare industries, it is important to know the location of your critical tools and equipment. Because of active RFID, you can precisely track where assets are which reduces the risk of loss, theft or not using them enough.

Dealing with Personnel and Security

In big teams or risky places, active RFID tags support safety efforts. With a geofencing system, you can monitor employees and restrict entry into sensitive areas and the system will alert you in case of an emergency.

They allow better management of operations and help you meet safety and legal requirements.

Conclusion

Active RFID tags allow you to track assets, people and equipment far away and in real time. They are useful when it is important to see data clearly and quickly. If you need more detailed tracking and can spend more, active RFID is a good choice.