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RFID reading distance depends on several factors including:
- Size of the tag’s antenna
- Tag chip
- Tags orientation in the reader field
- Strength of the reader field
- Environmental factors like metal, water or other material around the tag
- LF, HF and UHF near-field tags typically have a reading distance of ~1 ft (30 cm).
- UHF far-field tags typically have a reading distance of several m/ft but are strongly dependent on the environment.
- NFC Tags (HF) are designed for near-field communication with a smartphone or similar device and typically have a reading distance of ~1 in (2 cm).
RFID tags are typically used to uniquely identify the item to which they are attached or embedded. The use cases are extremely diverse, supporting anything that is a physical object. The common denominator of all RFID tag use cases are:
- Improved inventory speed and accuracy
- No human error
- Optimized logistics workflow of handling an item
- Contactless payment
- Access control
RFID tags are used whenever a physical object needs to be uniquely identified in a quick and reliable way. Applications are very broad and are constantly expanding. Some main areas of RFID tag use today are:
- Animal identification (pets, livestock, lab animals)
- Contactless access control systems
- Contactless payments
- Electronic passports and citizen ID cards
- Retail logistics
- Automation & manufacturing
- Returnable transport Items
- Commercial laundry
- Medical and health equipment
- Waste management
NFC (Near Field Communication) tags are passive, high-frequency (HF) RFID tags that contain a NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) compliant data structure as defined by the NFC Forum. NDEF data, like a URL or contact, is understood by any NFC compliant reader device, such as a mobile phone, without requiring an extra API. See the white paper The Power of Choice: From Standard NFC to Secure Solutions for more detailed information.
- NFC tags are often used as a convenient replacement of a QR code, and simply host a URL that is opened when the tag is tapped with an NFC phone.
- NFC tags may also host other information such as contacts, images, actions or phone numbers.
- Public transport tickets may be NFC tags.
- Secure NFC tags like the HID Trusted Tag open up new proof-of-presence use cases for guard tours, electronic visit verification, or service records.
