Types of RFID tags.



TI HF tag.

TI UHF Gen2 tag:

Rafsec (Philips silicon) ISO18000-6B tag












Derived from samsys.com :

Frequency Range	LF 125 KHz or 134 KHz	HF 13.56 MHz	UHF 868 - 915 MHz	Microwave 2.45 GHz & 5.8 GHz
Approx. Tag cost	greater $1	50 cents to $1	$0.10	$0.50 ~$10 for active tags
Approx. Reader cost	$300	$200	$1500	$1500
Max Read Range (Passive Tags)	1 ft or less	3 ft	16 ft	10 ft
Approx. Maximum Tag Populations	16 (w/ anti-collision tags)	50	500+	?
General Characteristics	Relatively expensive, even at high volumes. Low frequency requires a longer more expensive copper antenna. Additionally, inductive tags are more expensive than a capacitive tag. Least susceptible to performance degradations from metal and liquids, though read range is very short.	Less expensive than inductive LF tags. Relatively short read range and slower data rates when compared to higher frequencies. Best suited for application that do not require long range reading of multiple tags.	In large volumes, UHF tags have the potential for being cheaper than LF and HF tags due to recent advances in IC design. Offers good balance between range and performance - especially for reading multiple tags.	Similar characteristics to the UHF tag but with faster read rates. A drawback to this band is that microwave transmissions are the most susceptible to performance degradations due to metal and liquids, among other materials. Offers the most directional signal, ideal for certain applications.
Tag Power Source	Generally passive tags only, using inductive coupling	Generally passive tags only, using inductive or capacitive coupling	Active tags with integral battery or passive tags using capacitive, E-field coupling	Active tags with integral battery or passive tags using capacitive, E-field coupling
Typical Applications Today	Access control, animal tracking, vehicle immobilizers, POS application including SpeedPass	"Smart Cards", Item-level tracking including baggage handling (Non-US), libraries	Pallet tracking, electric toll collection, baggage handling (US)	SCM, electronic toll collection
Notes	Largest install base due to the mature nature of low frequency, inductive transponders	Currently the most widely available worldwide, due mainly to the relatively wide adoption of smart cards	Europe allows 868 MHz whereas the US permits operation at 915MHz, but at higher power levels. Japan uses 950 Khz.
Data Rate	Slower			Faster
Ability to read near metal or wet surfaces	Better			Worse
Passive Tag Size	Larger			Smaller