Passive vs Active RFID: Which Technology Should You Choose for Asset Management
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is a tracking technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects. RFID tags are attached to assets, and they emit signals that are interpreted by an RFID reader. Nowadays, there are two types of RFID systems available: Passive RFID and Active RFID. In this blog post, we will compare Passive vs Active RFID systems to help you choose the right one for your asset management needs.
Passive RFID
Passive RFID systems consist of two main components: a reader and a tag. The tag does not have a power source and relies solely on the energy emitted by the reader to power it. When the reader emits an energy field, the tag is energized, and it sends back a signal that contains asset information. Passive RFID has a short reading range, typically up to 20 feet, and can only read one tag at a time.
Advantages:
- Low-cost tags
- No battery required
- Lightweight and small
Disadvantages:
- Short reading range
- Can only read one tag at a time
- Not suitable for tracking assets in real-time
Active RFID
Active RFID systems consist of three main components: a reader, a tag, and a power source. The tag has a battery that powers it, and it emits a signal that can be read by the reader. Active RFID has a longer reading range, typically up to 300 feet, and can read multiple tags simultaneously. Active RFID tags can also be equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, motion, and other environmental factors.
Advantages:
- Longer reading range
- Can read multiple tags simultaneously
- Suitable for tracking assets in real-time
- Equipped with sensors for monitoring environmental factors
Disadvantages:
- Costlier tags
- Requires a battery
- Larger and heavier compared to passive tags
Which one should you choose?
The choice between Passive and Active RFID systems depends on your asset tracking needs. If you need to track assets in real-time, Active RFID is the way to go. Active RFID can provide you with up-to-the-minute location and environmental information for your assets, making it perfect for inventory and supply chain management. However, if real-time tracking is not essential and you want to keep the cost low, Passive RFID is the way to go.
In conclusion, Passive RFID is ideal for asset tracking in a short range where real-time tracking is not necessary. Active RFID is suitable for tracking assets in real-time over longer distances and providing environmental data. Make sure to consider your asset management needs and choose the right RFID system that meets them.
References
- "Passive vs Active RFID: What You Need to Know," RFID Insider, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.rfidsolutionsonline.com/doc/passive-vs-active-rfid-what-you-need-to-know-0001
- "Advantages and disadvantages of passive RFID," RFID Arena, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.rfidarena.com/2018/12/06/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-passive-rfid/
- "Active RFID vs Passive RFID," RFID Journal, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.rfidjournal.com/active-vs-passive-rfid