Tiếng Việt
HF RFID is an automatic identification technology using radio waves that operates at the high frequency of 13.56 MHz. HF RFID tags are commonly used in applications that require accuracy, security, and high stability. So, what is HF RFID? How does an HF RFID tag work? In which fields should businesses apply HF RFID technology? The following article from IT Nam Viet will provide detailed answers to these questions about HF RFID.
What Is HF RFID?
HF RFID (High Frequency Radio Frequency Identification) is a radio frequency identification technology that operates within the High Frequency band. In commercial RFID systems, HF RFID is commonly used at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. An HF RFID system basically consists of RFID tags containing a chip and antenna, an RFID reader, a reader antenna, and data processing software.
Of course, HF RFID is not simply RFID operating at 13.56 MHz. This technology involves various standards such as ISO/IEC 14443, ISO/IEC 15693, and ISO/IEC 18000-3, and it is closely related to NFC. Understanding HF RFID technology correctly helps businesses select appropriate tags, readers, and systems for their practical applications.
Structure And Operating Principle Of HF RFID
An HF RFID tag consists of:
- Semiconductor chip (Microchip/IC): Processes signals and contains memory for storing a unique identification code and related data.
- RFID antenna (Antenna): A multi-turn metal coil, typically made of copper or etched aluminum, used to receive energy and transmit data.
- Substrate: The material that holds the chip and antenna in place, such as PET film, adhesive paper, or PVC.
Operating principle of an HF RFID system:
- The RFID reader sends an alternating current through the antenna coil, creating a variable magnetic field around the device.
- When an HF RFID tag enters this magnetic field, the coil on the tag generates an induced electromotive force, immediately activating the semiconductor chip without requiring an internal battery (Passive RFID Tag). Learn more at: Comparison Between Passive RFID Tags And Active RFID Tags.
- The tag transmits data back to the reader using load modulation, which changes the current in the reader so that the device can decode it into digital data and send it to the management server. From there, the software can compare the data with the database and perform operations such as confirming book check-in/check-out, verifying access permissions, recording assets, or updating product status.
Characteristics Of HF RFID Technology
HF RFID technology has several notable characteristics:
- Globally used frequency: 13.56 MHz
- No direct line of sight is required, unlike barcode scanning technology
- Passive RFID tags may not require a battery because they receive energy from the magnetic field generated by the RFID reader.
- HF RFID supports read/write capabilities depending on the chip and its memory configuration.
However, HF RFID is not the default choice for every project. When businesses need to inventory large quantities of goods over longer distances, UHF RFID is often considered a more suitable option.
HF RFID Standards
The following are some of the most commonly encountered international standards issued by ISO/IEC:
ISO/IEC 14443 Standard (Proximity Cards)
ISO/IEC 14443 is a group of standards commonly used in applications that require interaction at close range. This group is associated with various smart card, identification, and access control systems. ISO distinguishes ISO/IEC 14443 as a proximity standard, while ISO/IEC 15693 is categorized as vicinity, reflecting the different intended operating ranges of these two standard families.
- Read range: Under 10 cm
- Data transfer rate: 106 – 848 kbps
- Security: High, supporting hardware encryption algorithms such as 3DES, AES-128, etc.
- Applications: Contactless RFID bank cards, RFID electronic passports, RFID access control cards for buildings, etc.
ISO/IEC 15693 Standard
This standard supports an anti-collision mechanism that enables RFID readers to identify and communicate with multiple tags within the reading zone. It is commonly used in applications such as RFID applications in library management, RFID asset identification, material identification, and more.
- Read range: Approximately 1 meter
- Data transfer rate: Approximately 26 kbps.
- Security: Block-based memory management with basic security.
ISO/IEC 18000-3 Standard
This standard provides a common communication framework for RFID devices operating in the HF frequency band while supporting interoperability between components that comply with the same standard.
Is HF RFID The Same As NFC?
Not exactly. HF RFID and NFC are closely related, but they are not identical concepts. NFC (Near Field Communication) is essentially a specialized branch of HF RFID. NFC operates at the same frequency of 13.56 MHz and supports two-way communication. This means that you cannot assume that every 13.56 MHz RFID tag can be read by an NFC-enabled smartphone.
>>> See also: NFC And RFID Technology: What Are The Differences And Which Solution Should You Choose?
Comparison Of HF RFID, LF RFID And UHF RFID
Below is a comparison table of HF RFID, LF RFID and UHF RFID:
| Comparison Criteria | LF RFID | HF RFID | UHF RFID |
| RFID Frequency | 125 kHz – 134.2 kHz | 13.56 MHz | 860 MHz – 960 MHz |
| Read Range | Under 10 cm | 10 cm – 1 meter | 1 meter – 12 meters |
| Read Speed | Slow | Fast (106 – 848 kbps) | Very Fast |
| Simultaneous Reading Capability | Lower | Moderate | High |
| Applications | RFID applications in livestock farming, animal management, etc. | RFID applications in libraries, RFID access control, contactless payments, etc. | RFID applications in Logistics, RFID asset management, goods tracking, electronic toll collection, etc. |
| Impact Of Water And Metal Environments | Less affected | Stable, with relatively low signal attenuation | Strongly affected, resulting in reduced read range |
| Cost Of RFID Labels | Relatively High | Moderate | Lower |
IT Nam Viet – A Trusted RFID Technology Provider In Vietnam
IT Nam Viet is proud to be one of the trusted companies in Vietnam’s RFID industry, with more than 10 years of experience. We specialize in providing RFID technology solutions across various industries, from small- to large-scale deployments, serving a wide range of customer requirements.
IT Nam Viet provides:
- RFID tags and RFID labels
- RFID readers from various brands, including handheld RFID readers, fixed RFID readers, desktop RFID readers, etc.
- RFID printers and equipment
- RFID management software
- System architecture consulting, RFID deployment, operation, and maintenance.
At IT Nam Viet, we do not accept poor-quality products and aim to provide customers with greater peace of mind. In particular, by carefully optimizing the commercial intermediary process, our RFID pricing is maintained at a competitive and reasonable level, with system quality corresponding to the value customers invest.
Contact our Hotline now at 0962.888.179 for prompt consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
In summary, HF RFID is an RFID technology that commonly operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and is suitable for many contactless identification applications over short to medium ranges. IT Nam Viet provides RFID equipment and solutions, including RFID tags, RFID labels, software, RFID system deployment and operation, and more. Contact IT Nam Viet for consultation and support!
IT NAM VIET TRADING – SERVICE COMPANY LIMITED
- Hotline: (+84) 962.888.179
- Email: info@chiprfid.vn
- Showroom: 88 Street No. 15, Van Phuc Urban Area, Hiep Binh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Cambodia Branch: No. 6 Street 24BT, Thnaot Chrum, Boeung Tumpun 2, Khan Mean Chey, Phnom Penh
My name is Le Nam Viet, currently FOUNDER & CEO of Nam Viet IT Company, I graduated from Ho Chi Minh Polytechnic University. I have more than 3 years of experience providing RFID chip technology solutions, RFID scanners, barcode labels and barcode readers. It’s a pleasure to share my knowledge with readers.
