Low Frequency (LF, 125-134 kHz)

LF tags use near-field magnetic coupling and are almost immune to interference from metal and water. That makes them the default for animal identification, access control, and automotive immobilizers. The trade-off is a very short read range, typically under 10 cm, and a slow data rate.

High Frequency (HF, 13.56 MHz)

HF is the band behind NFC, contactless payment, and most smart cards. It reads at 10 cm to about 1 m, handles moderate data rates, and tolerates metal and liquid far better than UHF. Its predictable behavior and strong security standards make it ideal for cards and item-level identification.

Ultra-High Frequency (UHF, 860-960 MHz)

UHF delivers the longest read range - several meters - and very high read speeds, enabling bulk reading of hundreds of tags per second. It dominates supply-chain, logistics, and retail inventory. Its weakness is sensitivity to metal and liquids, which detune the antenna and collapse range.

How to Choose

Select LF for harsh, close-contact, or animal applications; HF for cards, secure access, and metal-adjacent item tagging; UHF for long-range, high-throughput logistics where the environment is controlled. Always prototype the tag on the real target object before committing to a volume order.

Regional Tuning Note

UHF bands differ by region (e.g. 902-928 MHz in the Americas, 865-868 MHz in Europe). A globally deployed product needs region-aware reader configuration or a multi-band tag to stay compliant.

Zowinda RFID inlay and smart card equipment supports LF, HF, and UHF production lines.

Key Advantages at a Glance

Technical Reference