Active RFID-based RTLS

What is Active RFID?

Active RFID is a wireless communication format that transmits information between devices. Active RFID tags have a power source, allowing them to transmit signals over long distances. They are ideal for real-time tracking of assets. Active RFID tags can be read up to several hundred meters, making them ideal for large-scale asset tracking solutions.

Active RFID vs. Passive RFID

Active RFID tags have an embedded transmitter and power source, enabling them to emit signals without requiring external readings. They are more expensive than passive RFID tags but have a wider range. Active tags are typically used for tracking wide-ranging items such as warehouse management.

Passive RFID tags do not have a power source. They rely on the power emitted by the RFID reader to activate and transmit signals. Therefore, passive RFID tags are much cheaper than active RFID tags but often have a reading range of only a few meters. Passive RFID tags are typically used for applications where a short reading range is sufficient, such as retail asset management.

Which type of RFID is used nowadays?

There are two main types of active RFID tags: beacon tags and transponder tags. Beacon tags periodically broadcast information, which can be received by active RFID readers within range. Transponder tags only communicate when receiving specific queries from active RFID readers. This allows each tag to transmit information only when queried by the reader, enabling more targeted asset tracking.

Can Active RFID technology be combined with RTLS solutions?

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) are essentially a form of active RFID. RTLS is made possible through active RFID tags that emit signals, which can be received by receivers deployed throughout a facility. This allows for near-instantaneous tracking of designated assets, providing valuable and comprehensive information about their whereabouts.

Advantages of RTLS solutions

Accuracy

Active RFID tags can achieve a high level of tracking accuracy, often down to a few centimeters. This makes Active RTLS suitable for applications where precise location information is crucial, such as healthcare and manufacturing.

Real-Time Data

Active RTLS systems provide real-time location data of tagged objects, allowing the constant monitoring of asset locations. This is useful for time-sensitive applications such as retail and logistics.

Flexible Scalability

An active RTLS system can be configured to track all types of assets, including people, pallets, and containers. It can track assets even in indoor environments with weak or non-existent GPS signals. Since line of sight is not required between tags and receivers, it is ideal for tracking assets in high-density environments. These capabilities make active RTLS suitable for a wide range of applications.

Extended Range

With a range of up to 100 meters, active RFID tags are ideal for tracking dispersed assets across large areas. They can transmit signals over long distances, making them suitable for tracking large assets like vehicles. This information can be used to improve asset management, security, and automate tasks such as asset management.