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Technical differences and advantages
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology for the wireless transmission of data for the identification and tracking of objects. There are three main types of RFID systems, which differ in their frequency ranges: LF (Low Frequency), HF (High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency). The following table shows the technical differences and advantages of the individual systems:
RFID technology | Frequency range | Reach | Reading speed | Advantages |
LF RFID | 125 – 134 kHz | Up to 0.1 meter | Low reading speed |
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HF RFID | 13,56 MHz | Up to max. 0.8 meters | Higher than with LF |
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UHF RFID | 865 – 928 MHz | Up to 12 meters | Very high |
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Application of the different frequency ranges
LF RFID: Suitable for applications where the environment is difficult, e.g. in the vicinity of liquids. The use of LF is also a very good choice in the livestock sector. By means of subcutaneously implanted RFID transponders, animals can be clearly identified (for example, to facilitate herd management). The tag can also be used to monitor health data and store and retrieve treatment protocols.
HF RFID: Offers a good balance between range and speed, ideal for ticketing in public transportation and event venues where tickets and access cards are scanned. In addition, this frequency range is a suitable variant for tracking and managing media in libraries. It has also proven its worth in contactless payment systems.
UHF RFID: Perfect for applications that require a long range and fast data transmission, such as in logistics and supply chain management. In warehouse management, UHF RFID is often used to track goods. UHF RFID can also be used in manufacturing facilities to track the movement of parts and products along the production line. As UHF RFID labels are very inexpensive (less than 10 cents each), the technology is particularly suitable for applications where many objects need to be labeled and identified.
![[Translate to English:] Übersicht Frequenzbereiche](/fileadmin/AutoID_RFID/rfid-tracking/traceability/amplitude.webp "[Translate to English:] Frequenzbereichr")
Combination of LF, HF and UHF for comprehensive traceability
The combination of LF, HF and UHF RFID technologies can provide benefits in complex supply chains by enabling extensive traceability and transparency. There are a few ways in which these technologies can work together.
To effectively combine LF, HF and UHF, it is crucial to analyze the specific requirements of each application and the strengths of each frequency with regard to these requirements. A combination of frequencies may be necessary to cover different aspects of a holistic solution. For example, LF is ideal for secure access control, HF for personal identification and UHF for efficient tracking of goods in warehouse environments. HF tags can also store significantly more data than UHF tags. This means that UHF can be used to identify multiple products on a load carrier, while the associated product data and UHF tag IDs are written to an HF tag mounted on the container. The recipient or customer can read this HF tag and process detailed information on the individual UHF tags.
Technical challenges and their solution
This interference can be minimized by taking various measures, such as spatial separation of the readers, the use of shielding or adjusting the transmission power and frequencies.
- Different frequencies can interfere with each other, which can affect reading accuracy and reliability. If LF, HF and UHF devices are operating in the vicinity at the same time, signal interference can occur, leading to incorrect readings or even data loss.
- In areas with many RFID systems, the available channels may be overloaded. Several devices communicate simultaneously on the same frequencies, which leads to interference. However, this problem can be avoided when integrating the RFID hardware through targeted channel allocation and clocked control via the middleware (e.g. GRAIDWARE).
- Other electronic devices in the vicinity can also cause interference. This is particularly the case with HF and UHF systems, as they operate in frequency ranges that are also used by many other devices.
Use case: Precise warehouse management through HF and UHF-based component marking
![[Translate to English:] Hochregallager](/fileadmin/AutoID_RFID/rfid-tracking/traceability/hochregallager.webp "[Translate to English:] Hochregallager")
Challenge:
Precise inventory management in high-bay warehouses requires the fast and reliable identification of components, even when several trolleys are next to each other.
Solution:
The combination of HF and UHF technology enables seamless tracking of components and containers:
- Component inspection: each component is checked for quality in a pre-process at a control workstation and marked with a UHF tag.
- Container loading: The RFID reader re-reads the UHF tags of the components at a defined workstation before they are placed in the designated containers.
- Container identification: HF tags on the containers ensure precise identification, even in demanding warehouse environments.
Result:
- Greater inventory accuracy: Optimized allocation and tracking of components and containers.
- Efficient processes: Reduction of search times and errors in inventory management.
- Flexibility in the warehouse: Clear identification even when trolleys are positioned close together.
This solution combines the advantages of HF for container and UHF for component labeling to enable modern and powerful warehouse management.
We will be happy to present solutions for your industry and your processes. Talk to the specialists for SMEs.
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