Passive RFID vs. Active RFID What Is the Distinction?

Is your company ready to embrace RFID technology? Have you used this technology? What are you going to use it for?

Previously, businesses had to manually enter data and stamp tickets in order for customers to gain entry. Hotel rooms are only accessible by key. In today's business world, a more automated process is used. Tenants can be seen using access cards to gain access to rooms or safety boxes in the box. You've probably noticed people wearing wristbands at parties and events.

They are more than just cool. They are streamlining the process. RFID has streamlined many processes for both small and large-scale businesses across many industries. So, if you're looking to make a change, you've come to the right place.

Understanding RFID is critical if your company intends to implement this technology. Questions about Active RFID vs. Passive RFID must be addressed. It allows you to make an informed comparison of this technology. But, before we get started, let's get a better understanding of this technology.

What Exactly Is RFID?

RFID, also known as radio-frequency identification, is a type of wireless technology. It is widely used in contactless entry and access systems, such as hotel keycards. This technology is nearly identical to barcoding. A reader collects data by using a tag or label. After that, save it in a database. RFID, on the other hand, has more advantages than a barcoding system.

The ability to read outside the line of sight is the most notable advantage. Barcodes, on the other hand, must be aligned with an optical scanner. So, how exactly does it work? RFID is a subset of the technologies Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC). This means it can collect data without requiring physical contact, such as swiping. The AIDC method can automatically identify objects. The data is then collected and stored in a system for identification. There is no human involvement. It transmits and receives data via radio frequency using a tag or smart card.

The RFID system is commonly used for the following purposes. Inventory management enables businesses to automatically track inventory.

Asset tracking enables businesses to track physical assets via RFID tags and labels.

Personnel tracking entails tracking who is present or absent throughout the day using a smart card.

Controlling access to restricted areas - RFID cards can be customized by businesses. When customized, it can restrict access to VIPs only.

RFID cards can also be used as biometrics. Employees can use their ID instead of manually entering a Daily Time Record. They only need to scan it with a device reader.

RFID simplifies the supply chain management process for large businesses.

Counterfeit prevention - It primarily prevents counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical industry. Counterfeiting is most common in shipment diversions. When RFID is used in medicine tags, it is difficult to replicate the codes.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Active and Passive RFID?

Now that you understand what an RFID is, you should understand the distinction between passive and active RFID. RFID is classified into two types: passive and active. If you are new to RFID, you may be curious about the differences. In this section, we will explain the key distinctions so that you can make an informed decision.

In a nutshell, passive RFID systems employ tags that do not have an internal power source. The electromagnetic energy transmitted by the RFID reader provides the power. Passive RFID access control systems are widely used. They are also used to track files and time races. Passive RFID is unable to write or send data. It can only send and receive data. It is important to note that when you scan an RDIF card, the reader only receives the data.

Passive RFID requires a signal from an RFID reader, whereas active RFID does not. The antenna receives radio signals from the reader. The energy is then converted into a radio frequency wave by the reader. The RFID system interprets the data once it reaches the read-zone.

Active RFID systems, on the other hand, make use of RFID tags that are powered by batteries. It continuously broadcasted its signal. Active RFID is used by businesses to track beacons. It can track the location of assets in real time or in high-speed environments. The tolling system is one example.

Active RFID, as opposed to passive RFID, has two primary frequencies. These are 433 MHz and 2.45 GHz, respectively. The frequency is determined by user preference, tag selection, and environmental factors. Businesses, on the other hand, would prefer RFID that can operate over a greater distance. This is possible with active RFID in specific applications such as toll gates.

Parts and Functions of Active RFID vs. Passive RFID

RFID components and functions differ between passive and active RFID. Passive RFID is made up of three components. RFID readers, RFID antennas, and RFID tags are examples. They can only tag two components: the antenna and the microchip.

The passive RFID is further classified into various groups. The following are the various types of passive RFID systems and how they are used in businesses.

Passive RFID, such as those used in healthcare facilities, can withstand extreme temperatures. RFID systems in hospitals track the number of cycles that an instrument goes through. When an instrument is placed inside an autoclave, it must endure extreme temperatures.

Some passive RFID can withstand changing weather conditions. They are used in outdoor settings, for example. They are resistant to snow, ice, dust, and debris. This application necessitates the use of a highly durable passive tag.

Size - Passive RFID systems come in a variety of sizes. They have the tiniest of their species. You can, however, choose the largest. It should be noted that some applications have specific size requirements. Large items may necessitate the use of a large RFID card, whereas small items may necessitate the opposite.

Metal-mount tags can be used by passive RFID tags to track metal assets.

Embeddable - For items that are prone to wear and tear, businesses can use embeddable tags.

Active RFID, on the other hand, is only available in two varieties. These are known as transponders and beacons. Active tags and a reader are used in transponders. It sends a signal first, and the active transponder responds with one of its own. Active RFID systems are efficient because they save battery life when a tag is out of range. Active RFID transponders are frequently used for access control. They were also used in toll booth payment systems by businesses. They can work both close to and far from the reader.

Active beacon tags make use of beacons. It sends data every 3-5 seconds and does not wait for a signal. In the oil and gas industry, beacon tags are widely used. It's also used in mining and cargo tracking systems. They are set to a lower transmit power to conserve battery power. They have a range of about 100 meters.

What Are the Advantages of Active RFID vs. Passive RFID?

RFID is used in a variety of applications. But what are the advantages of the two? Let us get started in this section.

Passive RFID necessitates smaller tags. They are significantly less expensive and thinner. Because of their size, they are more adaptable. Another benefit is that they have a wider variety of tag options. Businesses can pick from a wide range of types and applications. Furthermore, they can operate without a battery for an indefinite period of time. It all depends on the amount of wear and tear.

Active RFID tags, on the other hand, have an extremely long read range. This is why toll gates were installed. Drivers are not required to exit their vehicles and scan their cards. When combined with GPS and sensors, active RFID tags gain additional capabilities. Businesses can also benefit from the extremely tough tag options.

Size, Range, and Cost of Passive RFID vs. Active RFID

Active RFID has a maximum range of 150 meters. They have a greater range than passive RFIDs. The latter can only operate within a 15-meter radius. As a result, passive RFIDs are widely used in keycards.

Active RFID ranges in size from medium to very large, whereas passive RFID ranges in size from very small to very large. However, due to their limited range and size, active RFIDs are only suitable for outdoor applications. Passive RFID systems, on the other hand, can be used in both scenarios.

Furthermore, internal battery systems power active RFID. They are inoperable without a battery. Radiofrequency waves are used to power passive RFID systems. Active RFID is about the size of a smartphone. You can easily imagine their size and portability. Passive RFIDs are the size of business cards. Passive RFIDs are used in key cards and smart access cards for this reason.

RFID prices are also affected by size. Because active RFIDs are larger, they typically cost to . Passive RFID systems are more compact and typically cost less than one dollar per tag. One example is the RFID wristlet that attendees wear during an event.

In general, radio frequencies are used by both active and passive RFID technologies to communicate information. But they are all very different from one another. As a business, you must understand how they work and what applications they may be useful for. This allows you to tap into their true power. They have various characteristics that make them well-suited for specific applications.