RFID Information
RFID Overview
RFID vs Barcode
Passive vs Active

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Passive vs. Active RFID Comparison

RFID vs. Barcodes | Passive vs. Active RFID

The primary difference betwee passive and active RFID tags is that active tags are powered by a battery and automatically broadcast their signal, whereas passive tags do not have a power source and only transmit a signal upon receiving RF energy emmited from a reader in proximity of the tag.

Passive Active
Read Range Up to about 25 feet Up to 300 feet or more
Power No power source Battery powered
Tag Life Up to 10 years depending upon the environment the tag is in 3-8 years depending upon the tag broadcast rate
Tag Costs $.10-4.00 depending upon quantity, durability, and form-factor $15-50 depending upon quantity, options (motion sensor, tamper detection, temperature sensor), and form-factor
Ideal Use For inventorying assets using handheld RFID readers (daily, weekly, monthly quarterly, annually) For use with fixed RFID readers to perform real-time asset monitoring at choke-points or within zones
Readers Typically higher cost Typically lower cost


For additional information or to request a demonstration, please fill out our Information Request Form, contact sales at 877-427-0102, or send us an email at sales@inlogic.com.