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RFID System Frequency Ranges

There are 4 major frequency ranges that RFID systems operate at. As a rule of thumb, low-frequency systems are distinguished by short reading ranges, slow read speeds, and lower cost. Higher-frequency RFID systems are used where longer read ranges and fast reading speeds are required, such as for vehicle tracking and automated toll collection. Microwave requires the use of active RFID tags.

Frequency	Range	Tag cost	Applications
Low-frequency 125 - 148 KHz	3 feet	$1+	Pet and ranch animal identification; car keylocks
High-frequency 13.56 MHz	3 feet	$0.50	library book identification; clothing identification; smart cards
Ultra-high freq 915 MHz	25 feet	$0.50	Supply chain tracking: Box, pallet, container, trailer tracking
Microwave: 2.45GHz	100 feet	$25+	Highway toll collection; vehicle fleet identification