How to choose the right type of anti-theft RF label?

Choosing the right RF Labels type requires considering several factors, including application scenario, frequency, tag type, environmental conditions, and cost. Below are the main factors and guidelines to consider when selecting the appropriate RFID tag type.

I. Choosing Tag Type Based on Frequency

RF Labels operate in different frequency bands, commonly including the following:

Low Frequency: Suitable for short-range reading, strong anti-interference capability, but poor penetration.

Application Scenarios: Animal tracking, access control systems, medical device management

Advantages: Suitable for metallic or liquid environments, able to penetrate these substances.

High Frequency: Moderate reading distance, strong anti-interference capability, suitable for use in confined spaces.

Application Scenarios: Libraries, access control, payment systems, NFC applications

Advantages: Widely used for managing non-metallic items, moderate price.

Ultra-High Frequency: Longer reading distance, capable of handling large numbers of tags, suitable for large-scale applications.

Application Scenarios: Supply chain management, logistics tracking, warehouse management

Advantages: Long-range reading, high-speed processing, suitable for fast passage and item tracking.

Disadvantages: Sensitive to metals and liquids, easily affected by interference.

UHF Characteristics: A specific UHF standard used for large-scale commercial applications, offering higher read speeds and better interference resistance.

Application Scenarios: Retail merchandise management, logistics and supply chain, automotive management

II. Selection Based on Tag Type

RF Labels can be divided into passive tags, active tags, and semi-active tags, each suitable for different needs.

Passive Tag Working Principle: No built-in battery, powered by signals emitted by the reader. Low cost, suitable for large-scale applications.

Advantages: Low cost, long lifespan, maintenance-free.

Disadvantages: Short reading distance, typically a few centimeters to a few meters.

Active Tag Working Principle: Built-in battery, actively emits signals, typically with a reading distance of tens of meters or even further.

Advantages: Long reading distance, higher data transmission speed, remote tracking possible.

Disadvantages: Higher cost, limited battery life.

Semi-Active Tag Working Principle: Built-in battery, but only used to enhance the tag's storage and response capabilities, not actively emitting signals; still relies on the reader for signal supply.

Advantages: Longer reading distance, better performance than passive tags, but moderate cost and battery life.

III. Selecting Tags Based on Application Environment

Metallic Environment: RF Labels are very sensitive to metal surfaces, which can severely affect signal transmission. If the tag will be attached to or pass through metal objects, on-metal tags should be selected. These tags are specially designed to function properly in metallic environments.

Liquid Environment: RFID tags are also affected by liquids, which can attenuate the signal. For liquid environments, liquid-resistant tags can be selected, which effectively reduce interference from liquids.

Outdoor and Harsh Environments: In outdoor or harsh environments, weather-resistant tags may be needed. These typically have stronger UV resistance, high-temperature resistance, and cold resistance. For example, high-temperature tags or corrosion-resistant tags.

IV. Selecting Tags Based on Data Storage Needs

General Data Storage: If only simple identification or storing a small amount of information is required, ordinary tags with small storage space, such as 96-bit or 512-bit storage, are sufficient.

Big Data Storage: If more usage data or historical records need to be stored, choose tags with larger storage capacities, such as 1 KB, 2 KB, or more.

V. Cost and Supply Chain Requirements

Cost Factors: Different types of tags have different costs. Passive tags are relatively inexpensive and suitable for large-scale use. Active tags, while having a longer reading distance, are more expensive and suitable for high-value items.

Supply Chain Requirements: When selecting tags, supply chain requirements need to be assessed, such as data transmission rate and reliability. For example, if high-frequency real-time data acquisition is required, a tag type with a faster reading speed can be selected.

Summary：When selecting the appropriate RF Label type, the following factors need to be considered:

Operating Frequency: Choose a frequency suitable for the distance and environment (LF, HF, or UHF).

Tag Type: Choose passive, active, or semi-active tags as needed.

Environmental Adaptability: Choose tags suitable for specific environments (e.g., metals, liquids, extreme weather).

Data Requirements: Assess the tag's data storage requirements.

Cost Budget: Choose cost-effective tags based on budget and actual needs.

Based on the specific application scenario, after comprehensive evaluation, selecting the most suitable label can maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the RFID system.