Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has transformed the way businesses manage (quantity or volume of items in storage), optimize operations, and track valuable assets. However, attention must be given to understanding the multitude of RFID Tag standards as they pertain to interoperability, functionality, and performance.
In this blog post, we shall outline the most significant RFID Tag standards you should know about, and why applying the appropriate standards is critical to a successful implementation.
Why Are RFID Standards Necessary?
RFID tags are definitely not one-size-fits-all. RFID standards will dictate the effectiveness, interoperability, and scalability of the system, depending on the application - library automation, hospital asset tracking, or supply chain management. RFID standards are set by several international organizations, including ISO (International Organization for Standardization), EPCglobal, and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).
RFID Tag Types and Frequencies
It's helpful to know the three main types of RFID Tag by frequency before getting into standards:
Low Frequency (LF): 125–134 kHz
Short read range (up to 10 cm)
Used in animal identification, access control, and industrial use
High Frequency (HF): 13.56 MHz
Read range up to 1 meter
Typical in library systems, smart cards, and retail
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF): 860–960 MHz
Several-meter read range
Commonly applied in logistics, supply chains, and inventory tracking
Each of these frequency ranges has different sets of standards to provide reliability and consistency in use.
Essential RFID Standards to Familiarize Yourself With
ISO/IEC 18000 Series
The ISO/IEC 18000 series is an extensive collection of standards that specifies the air interface communications of different classes of RFID systems. They have:
~ ISO/IEC 18000-2: LF (125–134 kHz)
~ ISO/IEC 18000-3: HF (13.56 MHz)
~ ISO/IEC 18000-6: UHF (860–960 MHz)
Most commonly applied to passive UHF RFID systems
Subtype A, B, and C (with 18000-6C complying with EPCglobal Gen2)
EPCglobal Gen2 (ISO/IEC 18000-63)
Developed by EPCglobal and now part of the ISO/IEC specifications, Gen2 tags are prevalent in UHF uses such as retail and logistics. The Gen2 tags provide:
1. Faster read rates
2. Anti-collision protocols (enabling multiple tag reads)
3. Compatibility with global UHF frequencies
4. Improved memory and security features
ISO 15693 and ISO 14443
These standards are used in HF RFID systems and are commonly used in:
a. Library management (ISO 15693)
b. Contactless payment and identification cards (ISO 14443)
Poxo's RFID Library Management System, for instance, is developed using ISO 15693 tags to assure smooth integration, rapid scanning, and reliable operation.
ISO 11784/11785
These are specifications for use with LF RFID in animal identification. These tags under these specifications are typically implanted in animals and pets and read by special veterinary and agricultural readers.
IEEE 1902.1 (RuBee)
While less frequent, this specification is used with magnetic RFID Tag where regular RF signals would be challenging, as in underwater environments or in the presence of metals.
Regional Considerations
Different nations and regions have different rules regarding RFID frequency usage. For example:
North America: 902–928 MHz (UHF)
Europe: 865–868 MHz (UHF)
Japan: 950–956 MHz (UHF)
Verify that your RFID readers and tags are qualified to local standards in order to avoid interference issues or legal compliance problems.
Security Standards
Security is increasingly becoming a key concern in RFID deployments, especially in sectors like healthcare and finance. Security standards and best practices to look for include:
Tag data encryption
Password-protected memory access
Secure user identification and authentication processes
Deployers would also like to know if the tags are tamper-evident or even self-destroying for extra security.
Selecting the Appropriate Standard for Your Application
If you are utilising a solution provider like Poxo, their technicians will help you decide your needs and select RFID Tag compliant with the right standard, so you can be certain of compatibility, security, and extensibility.
Conclusion
Using RFID technology without understanding utilization standards could lead to performance issues and expensive interoperability issues. Understanding the proper RFID Tag standards gives you the confidence that your systems will work properly, will be compliant with international standards and will have longevity.