RFID Working Frequencies

RFID works under following frequency standards. Each has a different reading range and other characteristics, and used for different kind of indoor and outdoor applications.

1. LF (Low Frequency)

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Radio wave having a long wavelength

30 KHz to 300 KHz

LF readers mostly use 125-134 KHz

Reading range is up to 1.5 ft

This is used for applications such as product authorization, asset management, animal tracking and access control

This may work fine around water or metal objects, but is has short reading range and slower

2. HF(High Frequency)

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Range of radio frequencies between 3 and 30 megahertz

3000 KHz to 30MHz

HF readers mostly use 13.56 MHz

Reading range is up to 3 ft

This is used for applications such as library books, clothing management and smart cards

This may work fine around water and cost of tag is low, but is has reading issues near metal objects

3. UHF (Ultrahigh Frequency)

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Range of radio frequencies between 300 and 3000 megahertz

300 MHz to 3000 MHz

UHF readers mostly use 860 MHz to 930 MHz

Reading range is between 10 to 20 ft

This is used for applications such as animal tracking, asset tracking, carton tracking and electronic toll collection

EPC standard based on this frequency with long reading range but have reading issues near water and metal object

4. SHF (Superhigh Frequency)

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Range of radio frequencies between 3 and 300 gegahertz

UHF readers mostly use 2.4 GHz

Reading range is up to 30 ft

This is used for applications such as Fleet vehicle management, electronic toll collection and airline baggage management

This has long reading range with great data transfer rate and fastest reading capabilities but have reading issues near water and metal object