​​How to choose RFID chip frequency band? Low frequency/high frequency/ultra-high frequency trade-offs

There is no absolute good or bad in the frequency band of RFID chips (low frequency/high frequency/ultra-high frequency), only the technical trade-offs of “most matching needs”! The core differences between these three frequency bands are mainly reflected in the reading and writing distance, speed, anti-interference ability and applicable scenarios. Choosing the right frequency band can make your intelligent identification system achieve twice the result with half the effort.

1. Low-frequency RFID (125KHz): stable but "half beat slower"

The low-frequency chip has low frequency (about 125KHz), close reading and writing distance (2-10 cm), and slow data transmission (storage tens of bytes each time), but it has strong penetration and can pass through non-metallic materials such as water, wood, and leather (such as pet chip implanted under the skin, access card stickers in the wallet). It has excellent anti-interference ability and has little influence on metal and electromagnetic waves, making it suitable for complex environments such as factories and mines. However, because of its "slow" and "short distance", it is more suitable for simple scenarios, such as early community access control cards, school attendance cards, and animal identification (animal herds ear tags).

2. High-frequency RFID (13.56MHz): King of Balance

The high-frequency chip frequency is 13.56MHz, making it a "all-round player". The reading and writing distance is medium (10 cm to 1 meter), and more data can be stored (such as member information and consumption records). Globally universal standard protocols (such as ISO 14443) make it highly compatible, and they are all used for ID cards, bank cards, and campus cards. However, it is sensitive to the metal environment. When it is close to metal objects such as keys and coins, the signal becomes weak and the distance needs to be kept. Suitable for daily high-frequency use scenarios such as bus payment, library book borrowing, supermarket membership cards, etc.

3. Ultra-high frequency RFID (860-960MHz): long distance but "select the environment"

The ultra-high frequency chip has a working frequency of 860 - 960MHz (commonly used 915MHz), with a long reading and writing distance (3 - 10 meters, or even further), and can read dozens of labels at the same time in one second, which is extremely fast and is suitable for batch identification, such as instantaneous reading of goods information in the entire box of logistics warehouses, and quick inventory of goods in clothing store shelves. However, it has poor penetration. When it encounters liquids (such as beverages) and metals (such as shelves), the signal is easily reflected or absorbed, and is easily affected by electromagnetic interference. It is suitable for open environments such as logistics transportation and production line management, and it must avoid metal-intensive areas.

4. How to choose? Come on demand!

The scene needs to be penetrated by water/leather/non-metallic materials (such as pet chips, access control cards), and choose low frequency; pursue daily high frequency use + stable compatibility (such as bus cards, membership cards), high frequency is a balanced choice; want to read in batches from a long distance (such as logistics inventory, clothing anti-theft), and do not have high requirements for metal and liquid environments, ultra-high frequency can improve efficiency.

Are there any customization needs? Welcome to consult and help you choose for free!