Long Range RFID Reader

Radiofrequency identification readers (RFID readers) are being used almost everywhere for scanning and identification purpose. These devices are used to read data from the RFID tag. The data is transmitted from the RFID tag to the RFID reader through radio waves. Generally, the RFID tags hold data about an object or individual for identification purpose and when the tag is near an RFID reader this data is transmitted to the machine which is capable of reading and interpreting it. The most common use of RFID is in the shopping centers, railways stations, colleges and universities, and libraries.

Range of the RFID reader

There are two types of RFID readers: short-range RFID readers and long-range RFID readers . The short-range RFID readers are preferred due to the security and reliability features and are mostly used in vehicle tracking, warehouse assets management and production line management. The short-range RFID reader may receive and read data from up to 3 meters. On the other hand, a long-range RFID reader may read data up to 100 meters or more than 338 feet. As compared with the short-range RFID readers, the long-range RFID readers are mostly deployed at the places where large or high-value assets are needed to be tracked across large areas.

Difference between RFID tags and bar codes

The technology used in RFID tags and the bar codes is similar however; there are some differences between the two. Unlike bar codes, the RFID tags don’t need to be in the line of sight nor need to be scanned directly. The RFID tags simply need to be within the RFID reader range which may be from 3 to 300 feet. Further, several items can be scanned simultaneously using the RFID technology and even if the tags are surrounded by several other items.
RFID tags and bar codes both are being used for the identification purpose and have not replaced each other due to the cost difference and the ease of use to identify objects. The RFID technology is being used in a variety of ways such as in the passports, smart cards, monitoring pets and humans, airline luggage, shopping stores, toll booth passes, and in the spacecraft and satellites.

How RFID technology works

The digital data is stored in RFID tags which are made up of ICs and a small integrated antenna for transmitting information to an RFID reader. The RFID tags work on the frequency of 125 to 134 kHz and 140 to 148.5 kHz.
The range of RFID reader is influenced by several external factors such as the frequency it uses to receive the data from the RFID tag, the antenna used in the reader, and the environment in which it is being used. So, if you are planning to buy a long-range RFID reader you must be aware of the fact that the specifications given by the venders are the ideal ones in which the RFID reader is used in the free air meaning that there is no interruption of other cellular signals and electronic obstacles.