RFID transponder

RFID transponders are revolutionizing the way objects are identified and tracked. They enable automated, contactless recording of data in real time, increase efficiency in logistics and production and ensure maximum transparency in supply chains. Thanks to their versatility, they are ideal for applications ranging from inventory management to quality assurance. Discover how RFID transponders can optimize your processes and reduce your operating costs.

What is an RFID transponder?

An RFID transponder is a radio communication device. The transponder consists of a microchip and an antenna, which are housed in a small casing or, in the case of an RFID label, attached to a foil. The microchip stores information such as a serial number or any other unique ID. When the transponder is activated by an RFID reader, it sends the stored information to the reader via radio. RFID transponders are used in various applications, such as for identifying goods in logistics, for access control or for tracking objects in real time.

Energy supply for RFID transponders

There are three different types of power supply for RFID transponders:

[Translate to English:] Aktive RFID-Transponder

Active RFID transponders

These have their own energy source (battery), but are in idle mode until they receive an activation signal from a reader. This makes them suitable for longer ranges.

[Translate to English:] Passive RFID-Transponder

Passive RFID transponders

These do not require a battery and receive their energy from the reader via radio waves. They are cheaper, but only suitable for shorter distances. In addition, less information can be stored than with active tags.

[Translate to English:] Semi-aktive RFID-Transponder

Semi-active RFID transponders

They have a battery to support the electronics, but use the reader's energy for communication. They offer a medium range and efficiency.

Which transponders are used and when?

Transponders by technology

Transponders	Application	Description
LF RFID transponder	for objects with a high water content, e.g. living creatures	Frequency range 125 kHz Very short read range of up to 10 cm
HF RFID transponder	Identification of workpiece carriers in automated systems for transporting information on the RFID tag from station to station Advantages for use in damp and wet environments	Frequency range 13.56 MHz Reading range up to 30 cm Advantage: larger storage capacities compared to UHF RFID tags
UHF RFID transponder	Ideal for use in logistics, production and retail thanks to high read range and bulk reading capability due to low costs: possibility of mass labeling of products	Frequency range 865 MHz to 928 MHz Reading range from 2 m to 12 m depending on the day available in different variants (hard tag, label)
Active RFID transponders	Autonomous operation thanks to integrated battery, independent of the reader Ideal for spacious or difficult to access areas	Signal transmission in the typical frequency range from 433 MHz to 2.4 GHz Reading range of up to 100 meters with continuous signal transmission
RTLS tags	Identification and tracking of a limited number of objects, persons and assets	Frequency range depending on the technology used: UWB: 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz; Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz Objects can be located with an accuracy of up to 0.5 m
Bluetooth tags (BLE)	Marking of high-value objects such as tools, load carriers, assemblies for localization Documentation of humidity and temperature from the surroundings of the labeled object	Frequency range 2.4 GHz Reading range up to 100 m

Transponder by type

Transponders	Application	Description
RFID labels with paper and PET surface	Application and use like classic labels due to low costs: ideal for marking individual components and products, also for cartons and outer packaging	Printing and programming possible in large quantities for labeling products and packaging in the desired process Available with various adhesives
RFID labels with robust surface	Labeling of load carriers and reusable containers Inventory labeling	Labels can be glued or provided with holes Special vinyl coating ensures scratch resistance and durability
Transponder with special adhesive material	on wood or oily surfaces	Labeling of wooden pallets or crates in warehouses Tracking oily machinery and equipment in industrial environments Marking of products in the food industry that could come into contact with oil
On-metal RFID labels	Labeling of metallic objects, if label printing is necessary Cheaper than on-metal RFID hard tags: also economical for individual product labeling	Special RFID labels, designed for application on metallic surfaces Printing possible (customized RFID printer required)
On-metal transponders/ hard tags	Marking of metallic objects Permanent labeling of load carriers and tools for repeated identification processes	Transponder in plastic housing potted transponders Ceramic housing Various designs for riveting, gluing or embedding in material
Transponders for extreme environments	outdoors or in damp environments at high temperatures of up to 300°C or very high pressure Resistance to chemical substances	Sheathing with waterproof and weatherproof materials such as plastics or resins to protect the electronics from moisture, rain, snow and sunlight
Magnetic transponders	In environments where metal is present in damp or dusty environments	Use in industrial environments, such as factories, warehouses, construction sites or mines

Which transponders do we use?

We mainly use UHF transponders that comply with the EPC Gen 2 V1.2/ ISO 18000-6C standards, as well as transponders that are compatible with the 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz frequencies and the ISO 15693 and MIFARE Classic standards.

Checklist for choosing the right transponder

Properties of the material

What material should the transponder be made of? (e.g. plastic, metal, paper)
What are the requirements regarding the durability, flexibility and chemical resistance of the material?
Should the transponder be reusable or single-use?

Area of application

What purpose should the transponder fulfill (e.g. access control, warehouse management, product tracking)?
In which sector will the transponder be used (e.g. logistics, production, retail)?

Size and placement

How large is the free area available for the transponder?

Reading distance

From what distance must the transponder be able to be recognized by the reader? (close range, long range)

Ambient conditions

Which environmental conditions are relevant? (e.g. temperature, humidity, dust, vibrations)
Does the transponder need to be robust and weatherproof?

Datenkapazität

How much data should be stored on the transponder? (e.g. serial number, product information)

Integration

How is the transponder integrated into your system? (e.g. existing ERP system, by means of middleware)

How do RFID transponders change the tracking of objects?

Automation

RFID allows objects to be identified automatically without the need for direct visual contact or manual input. This speeds up processes in areas such as warehousing, logistics and retail.

Real-time tracking

With RFID, objects can be tracked in real time as they move through a supply chain or production process. This enables precise location determination and improves transparency about their status.

Data acquisition

RFID transponders can contain additional information about an object, such as country of origin or production date. This data can be automatically recorded and integrated into company systems to improve traceability and quality control.

Theft protection and security

RFID can be used to protect objects from theft by triggering alarms when tagged objects are moved without authorization. This improves the security of inventory and valuables.

How does collected data help in decision-making?

Inventory management:

Targeted ordering by recording information about stock levels
Efficient planning of stock levels
Targeted planning of sales (promotions)

Logistics and supply chain management:

Tracking shipments and deliveries
Optimization of the supply chain
Real-time visibility of the flow of goods enables bottlenecks to be identified
Planning of transportation and storage

Quality control:

Tracking of products in the manufacturing process
Decision-making for quality control and process optimization

Customer experience and marketing:

Tracking customer interactions in retail
Personalization of offers and marketing strategies

FAQ: The most frequently asked questions about RFID transponders

The reading range of RFID transponders varies depending on the type of transponder and the RFID technology used. Passive RFID transponders usually have a shorter read range (3 - 6 meters) compared to active transponders (more than 30 meters), as they do not have their own power supply and are therefore dependent on the energy of the reader. Active RFID transponders, which have their own battery, can offer a greater read range, which is particularly advantageous in applications where there is a greater distance between the reader and transponder. Factors such as the environment in which the RFID system is used and possible sources of interference can also influence the read range.

The battery life of active RFID transponders can vary depending on the manufacturer, model and use. As a rule, however, the batteries of active RFID transponders have a service life of 3 - 5 years before they need to be replaced or recharged. The exact lifespan depends on factors such as frequency of use, transmission range and environmental conditions.

The environment (e.g. metal, liquids), the reading distance, the frequency and the orientation of the transponder can influence the performance.

This depends on the type. Some transponders only have a few bytes for simple identification purposes, while others can store larger amounts of data, e.g. several kilobytes.

Talk to us!

We will be happy to present solutions for your industry and your processes. Talk to the specialists for SMEs.

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Viktor WagnerManaging Director

+49 371 2371-117

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What is the read range of RFID transponders?

How long does the battery of active RFID transponders last?

What factors influence the performance of RFID transponders?

How much memory do RFID transponders have?