The Open Knowledge Base for
RFID Technology
Understanding radio-frequency identification - from fundamentals to advanced applications.
What is RFID?
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of three core components: a tag, a reader, and an antenna. When a tag enters the reader's field, the antenna transmits a signal that powers the tag and retrieves the data stored on its microchip.
Unlike barcodes, RFID does not require line-of-sight scanning. Tags can be read through packaging, clothing, and even embedded within materials. A single reader can identify hundreds of tags per second, making RFID the backbone of modern inventory management, access control, contactless payment, and supply chain logistics.
Frequency bands
| Band | Frequency | Read Range | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| LF | 125–134 kHz | Up to 10 cm | Animal tracking, access control, car immobilizers |
| HF | 13.56 MHz | Up to 1 m | NFC, contactless payment, library systems, smart cards |
| UHF | 860–960 MHz | Up to 12 m | Inventory, supply chain, retail, toll collection |
| Microwave | 2.45 / 5.8 GHz | Up to 30 m+ | Vehicle tracking, industrial automation, RTLS |
What we're building
RFID.me is building the definitive open knowledge base for RFID technology. Our goal is to create a comprehensive, community-driven resource that covers every aspect of radio-frequency identification - from the physics of electromagnetic coupling to the practical realities of deploying RFID in warehouses, hospitals, and retail stores.
Whether you are evaluating RFID for your business, designing a tag antenna, debugging a reader integration, or studying for a certification - this will be the place to start.