What is long range RFID?
RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. This technology is based on wireless identification that uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track objects. Whether it concerns vehicles or packed goods, RFID is able to automatically identify and track given objects and determine whether access is authorized.
Every RFID system consist of three unique parts:
- A reader
- An antenna
- A tag
RFID systems allow for quick and easy identification of various entities, allowing for safer, faster and more reliable process automation and access control. Depending on the requirements of your security design, we would like to help you to find a fitting long range RFID system that works for you.
Key Features
- Vehicle and driver identification
- Read-range up to 15m
- Single and multi-lane applications
- Operational in extreme weather conditions
- Extremely fast and accurate identification
How does long range RFID work?
Every long range RFID system consists of a reader that is connected to or integrated with an antenna. This antenna sends out a radio signal that is returned by a tag, providing required information to be read by the RFID reader. Based on the information provided by the tag, a corresponding follow-up action is performed. Consecutive actions include granting or denying access to a gated area when it comes to vehicle identification.
Using radio signals, long range RFID systems use antennas to receive and transmit between reader and tag. An antenna is either integrated into the reader or connected to the reader externally. Nedap uses readers with built-in antennas. As soon as a long range RFID tag falls within range of the reader, the tag is activated and returns a radio signal holding the required information for further action.
Passive and active long range RFID
There are three types of RFID systems that can be distinguished: passive RFID, semi-active RFID and active RFID. These technologies have unique specifications and are therefore suitable for different purposes. Knowing the difference helps you choose the best RFID system for your application.
Long range RFID readers
Nedap offer a variety of long range RFID readers within two distinct technologies. Each technology comes with unique specifications that make it suitable for a wide variety of applications. Depending on the expected use and conditions, we advise you on what long range RFID reader and technology best fits your wishes.
Passive RFID
Passive RFID systems make use of tags that do not have an internal power source. They are powered by the radio signals transmitted by the reader antenna. This guarantees a long lifetime. These tags use radio signal modulation to transmit information back to the reader. The read range relies on at which range the tags can still be powered and at which range the reader still receives the tag’s signal. Passive RFID systems are predominantly used for access control, supply chain management, file tracking and more.
TRANSIT
Our TRANSIT technology is the leading platform for automatic identification of vehicles and drivers. This extremely robust long range RFID reader enables simultaneous identification of vehicles and drivers. This high-end reader is designed to perform well in high security applications, demanding vehicular access control applications and under harsh environmental conditions. TRANSIT has a read range up to 15 meters. Typical applications are airports, ports, mines and military bases.
Semi-active RFID
Semi-active RFID systems use battery-powered tags but with no active transmitter. The tag does not draw power from the reader. It uses backscatter reflection techniques to transmit information back to the reader. This allows for a long read range without the high current consumption.
uPASS
Our uPASS portfolio is our leading vehicle identification technology baed on UHF RFID technology where you can choose between different readers and tags. The uPASS long range RFID readers are perfectly suited for convenient yet secure access control in every parking facility, gated community and campus. Based on UHF RFID technology and using passive tags, uPASS is a cost-efficient yet valuable choice for a wide range of applications.
Active RFID
Active RFID systems use battery-powered tags that broadcast their own signal with an active transmitter. These tags can actively transmit their signal to the reader. This allows for a long read range, but typically will have a limited lifetime compared to passive and semi-active tags.