RFID tags are a form of wireless technology used to track various objects. The RFID tag is a small radio transponder that attaches to an object and automatically identifies itself. The RFID tag can be either an Active tag or a Clipped tag.
Active RFID tags
Active RFID tags Australia are an advanced way to track your assets. It can be used for logistics, security and access control. They’re also a great way to increase sales.
Typically, active tags are battery-powered, but they can have an onboard sensor for environmental parameters like temperature, moisture level, and motion speed. It can lead to a high price per tag, though.
Another disadvantage is the limited life of an active tag. Generally, it lasts between 3 and 5 years. When that time is up, you’ll need to replace it.
A battery-powered RFID tag can send a signal, which is encrypted, to a reader. It is typically done by sending a beacon. Most systems can detect the state of each tag’s battery.
In addition, the read range of an active RFID tag can be greater than that of passive tags. It is especially useful for locating assets that have been moved. Some technologies can extend the range to a kilometre.
The active RFID tag has the advantage of being able to transmit data at higher frequencies. For example, high-frequency RFID tags are used to track tissue samples.
Passive RFID tags, on the other hand, do not have their power source. The reader’s wave powers the chip in the tag, which then modulates the signal. These tags are also smaller.
While both types have advantages, a few key differences exist before choosing one. Usually, passive RFID is cheaper and is ideal for tracking valuable assets.
On the other hand, active RFID is best for applications that require longer read ranges. For example, when a company wants to monitor the location of multiple assets, a mobile reader would be a better option. Mobile readers have an external antenna so that they can be carried anywhere.
Active RFID tags are often used in large-scale applications such as logistics and military. However, they can be applied in a variety of other areas. Uses for active RFID include home automation, construction sites, and pharmacies.
If you’re considering using RFID tags, consult an expert on the technology.
Water and moisture affect the read range
Soil moisture is an important factor that affects RFID tags. Several experiments have been conducted to examine how water and moisture affect the read range of RFID tags. Researchers have been experimenting with several different tags and methods to test these effects.
One method uses a pair of conventional low-cost passive tags. Another utilises an external sensor chip. Both are designed to measure the level of water in the soil. The former works by placing the tag on a soil surface and measuring the response.
Another approach uses an autonomous mobile robot to read the tags. These tags are then used as a remote sensors to monitor the soil’s moisture.
An impedance analyser found that the capacitance of the sensor tag and the reference tag is closely related to the amount of water on the soil. Generally, the sensor capacitance tends to reach a saturation value of around 100 pF. Similarly, the signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the tag IC also relates to the water content of the soil.
Combined high humidity and high temperature weakened the backscattered power. It was also observed that the frequency response was slightly affected. Nevertheless, the combined effect of these two variables was comparatively minor. It may indicate that the relationship between RSSI and water and moisture content is still unknown.
A more comprehensive analysis was carried out using a Tagformance Lite Reader. Unlike conventional UHF RFID readers, the Tagformance Lite Reader has a power sweep functionality. During an experiment, the Tagformance Lite Reader measured differences in the responses of tags at different distances, and depending on the distance, the reader showed a 4- to the 5-dB difference between the tag and reference tag.
Although the Tagformance Lite Reader does not have a practical read range, it was determined that the read range of a standard 868 MHz tag was adequate. Moreover, the Tagformance Lite Reader demonstrated a relatively constant difference over a wide range of distances.
Although the Tagformance Lite reader showed a relatively small difference, it could still detect the difference between the signal strength indicator and the soil moisture. In establishing a definite correlation between these two, more research is necessary.
Clipped tag
IBM scientist Paul Moskowitz invented clipped Tag technology. He has worked on RFID-related issues for over a decade and holds 67 US patents.
RFID is a technology that enables companies to cut costs by tracking valuable parts and products. It can also help companies manage supply chains. However, consumer privacy concerns have left some companies in a quandary. Several RFID experts have been working on solutions to address this issue.