How to choose ultra-high frequency RFID tags in a project?

The application scenarios of ultra-high frequency RFID tags in the market are quite broad, with advantages such as the ability to read multiple tags at once, long recognition distance, fast data transmission speed, high reliability and lifespan, and resistance to harsh outdoor environments. It can be used for asset management, production line management, supply chain management, warehousing, anti-counterfeiting traceability of various items (such as tobacco, alcohol, medicine, etc.), retail, vehicle management, and more.

At present, the common ultra-high frequency RFID air interface protocols in China include international standards, national standards, industry standards, enterprise standards, etc. The most popular standards are 6C and 6D, namely ISO/IEC 18000-6C (63) and ISO/IEC 18000-6D (64). In addition, China's national standard GB/T 29768-2013 was officially implemented in May 2014.

The definition and coverage of ultra-high frequency RFID tag frequency bands vary globally. For example, the frequency bands of 840-844MHz and 920-924MHz in China, 865MHz~868MHz in the European Union, 952MHz~954MHz in Japan, 920MHz~925MHz in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Singapore, and 902MHz~928MHz in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and South America.

1、 Environmental issues related to the application of RFID tags

Especially for ultra-high frequency RFID products, metal and liquid have a significant impact on their performance. Therefore, whether the application environment is metal or non-metal, liquid or plastic, glass, wood, etc., are the primary considerations.

The direct impact of raw materials on radio frequency signals: Metal has an impact on the radio frequency signals of RFID tags. When used in metal objects or work environments with a lot of metal influence, it is necessary to use metal resistant electronic tags to reduce the impact of metal on tag data signals, so that RFID tags can be used normally.

The performance of ultra-high frequency RFID tags is easily affected by the environment. To determine whether the product is suitable for practical application environments, in the early testing stage, the performance must be directly tested on objects in order to have reference value.

2、 Factors affecting tag recognition distance

The reading distance is also directly related to the reader/writer and antenna, and it is necessary to clarify the installation position and angle relationship between the tag and the reader/writer antenna. Meanwhile, parameters such as power selection, antenna gain, polarization mode, and radiation angle are all within the scope that needs to be considered.

In the entire RFID system, every detail may affect the actual reading distance, whether it can ultimately meet project requirements, and even the length of the feeder line (the cable connecting the antenna and the reader/writer) need to be considered in place.

3、 Understanding and recognition of the size of labels

In our numerous past project experiences, customers often prefer small label sizes that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to install.

However, the size of the label is precisely one of the main factors determining its performance. Generally speaking, the larger the size, the better the label performance can be designed. Different manufacturers, models, specifications, integrated IC production processes, and antenna manufacturing technologies result in price differences. Consumers should choose according to their actual usage and budget.

4、 Other considerations

In addition, there are other details to consider, such as whether the label has environmental reliability requirements such as temperature and humidity resistance? What is the required data capacity for writing labels? What is the maximum number of tags that need to be read at once? Wait a minute