High frequency and ultra high frequency RFID technology differences

High-frequency RFID technology and UHF RFID technology are both important technical application directions in the RFID field. Because of the different frequency bands, there is a significant difference between the application of high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency RFID technology. IFAST WORLD RFID analyzes the difference between high-frequency RFID and UHF RFID technology from multiple dimensions and aspects.

The difference between high frequency and ultra high frequency RFID technology

First, the difference in the scope of application

The typical working frequency of high-frequency RFID tags is 13.56MHz, which is generally passive. When the tag exchanges data with the reader, the tag must be located in the near-field area radiated by the reader antenna. The reading distance of high-frequency tags is generally less than 1 meter. Because high-frequency tags can be easily made into a card shape, they are widely used in electronic tickets, electronic ID Cards, electronic locking and anti-theft (electronic remote control door lock controllers), residential property management, and building security systems.

The working frequency of UHF tags is between 860MHz and 960MHz, and can be divided into two categories: active tags and passive tags. When working, the radio frequency tag is located in the far field area of the antenna radiation field of the reader, and the coupling method between the tag and the reader is electromagnetic coupling. The reader antenna radiation field provides radio frequency energy to the passive tag and wakes up the passive tag. The reading distance of the corresponding radio frequency identification system is generally greater than 1 meter, and the typical case is 4 meters to 6 meters, and the maximum can reach more than 10 meters. Reader antennas are generally directional antennas, and only radio frequency tags within the directional beam range of the reader antenna can be read/written. UHF tags are mainly used for automatic identification of railway vehicles, container identification, and can also be used in road vehicle identification and automatic toll collection systems.

2. Differences in work characteristics

High-frequency tags are cheaper than ultra-high-frequency tags, save energy, and have strong penetration of non-metallic objects. The operating frequency is not restricted by radio frequency regulations. It is most suitable for objects with high water content, such as fruits.

UHF has a wide range of action and fast data transmission speed, but they are relatively energy-intensive, weak in penetrating power, and there should not be too much interference in the operating area. They are suitable for monitoring items transported from seaports to warehouses. Moreover, the price of UHF systems is relatively high, generally about 10 times that of high-frequency systems.


Third, the difference between signal interference:

Both HF and UHF RFID systems are very dependent on the communication environment between the reader and the tag. However, the near-field inductive coupling of high-frequency technology reduces potential wireless interference, making high-frequency technology extremely "immune" to environmental noise and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The UHF adopts the principle of electromagnetic emission, so it is more susceptible to electromagnetic interference. At the same time, metal reflects the signal and water absorbs the signal, all of which interfere with the normal function of the tag. Although some UHF tags (such as Gen2) that have been technically improved have excellent performance in preventing interference from metals and liquids, compared with high-frequency tags, UHF is still slightly inferior, and other methods need to be used to make up for it.

Fourth, the difference between global standards

The International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission formulated the ISO/IEC, 15693 standard in 1999, which regulates the implementation of high-frequency radio frequency identification technology. The high frequency band of 13.56MHz becomes the International Scientific and Medical (ISM) band valid worldwide. After Japan agreed to use consistent high-frequency frequencies in December 2002, its power levels were also harmonized worldwide.

UHF standards are less uniform, and the frequencies used by different countries are not the same. The EU-designated UHF is 865~868MHz, the United States is 902~928MHz, India is 865~867MHz, Australia is 920~926MHz, Japan is 952~954MHz, and China and other countries have not given a suitable UHF. The frequency band range, in the standard missing state. Shanghai Yueran Information Technology Co., Ltd. has long been focusing on the research and development and industrial application of RFID automatic identification technology, and is committed to helping customers in various industries to simplify work processes, improve work efficiency, reduce operating costs, and achieve enterprise informatization development.