13.56 MHz と 125 kHz の RFID タグの違いを理解する

Choosing between 13.56 MHz and 125 kHz RFID tags isn't just about specs—it's about finding the right fit for your environment, security needs, and future goals. This guide breaks it all down without hype, helping you make a smart, informed decision.

What RFID Frequency Really Means (LF vs HF)

RFID systems use radio waves to communicate between タグ and readers. The frequency they use affects how far they can read, how fast they send data, how they behave around metal or water, and what kind of data they can store.

Here’s the core idea:

Low-Frequency (LF) = 125 kHz RFID Tags

Short range
Slower data rate
Excellent performance near metal or liquids
Simple, rugged, and affordable
High-Frequency (HF) = 13.56 MHz RFID タグ
より長い範囲
Faster data rate
More advanced security
Compatible with NFC and smartphones

13.56 MHz vs. 125 kHz

特徴	13.56 MHz RFID タグ	125 kHz RFID タグ
頻度	13.56 MHz (HF)	125 kHz (LF)
読み取り範囲	最大1メートル	2-10 cm
データ転送速度	高い	低い
Performance Near Metal	適度	強い
安全	Supports encryption, mutual authentication	Basic, usually no encryption
NFC / Smartphone Support	はい	いいえ
料金	より高い	より低い

Security: Is One Frequency Safer?

125 kHz RFID タグ are often used in older systems and typically use fixed unique IDs with no encryption. That makes them easy to clone with off-the-shelf devices. They’re okay for low-risk systems, but they don’t meet modern security standards.

13.56 MHz RFID Tags, especially MIFARE or DESFire cards, support:

暗号化
Mutual authentication
Secure memory storage
Multiple applications on a single card
Bottom line:
Stick with 125 kHz RFID Tags for low-security needs (like locker keys, time clocks).
Choose 13.56 MHz for access control, payments, or any system storing personal data.

NFC and Smartphone Compatibility

If your project involves phones, 125 kHz RFID Tags won’t work.

Only 13.56 MHz RFID タグ support NFC (Near Field Communication)—the tech used in mobile payments, check-ins, and tap-to-pair features.
Most smartphones can read and write NFC tags using 13.56 MHz, making this frequency ideal for:

Digital tickets
Event check-ins
スマートポスター
Loyalty cards
Contactless mobile ID
If smartphone support matters, 13.56 MHz is your only choice.

Real-World Use Cases by Industry

Industry / Application	125 kHz RFID タグ	13.56 MHz RFID タグ
アクセス制御	Basic entry systems, legacy doors	Secure credentials, modern ID badges
Public Transport / Ticketing	Not supported	MIFARE/NFC-based fare cards
動物の追跡	Widely used due to tissue penetration	Rare
産業オートメーション	Reliable near metal/liquid, rugged use	Less common in harsh environments
健康管理	Not ideal for patient or medication tracking	Better for secure ID and asset tagging
Libraries / Archives	Rare	Popular for book tracking and checkouts
Marketing / Events	Not applicable	Smart posters, NFC event passes
Vehicle Anti-Theft	Embedded 125 kHz RFID Tags in keys/ignitions	Not used

How to Choose Between 13.56 MHz and 125 kHz for Your Project

Use this checklist to narrow down your decision:

1. Security Level

Need encryption or secure access? → Go with 13.56 MHz
Low-risk tracking or basic ID? → 125 kHz may be enough.

2. Environment

High interference, metal, or liquid nearby? → 125 kHz works better
Clean office or indoor space? → Either works; choose based on features.

3. Smartphone Integration

Want users to scan with phones? → Only 13.56 MHz supports this

4. Budget

125 kHz tags are cheaper upfront
But 13.56 MHz offers more long-term value if you need features or security.

Still Using 125 kHz RFID Tags? Upgrade or Stay?

125 kHz RFID Tags are still widely used in:

Legacy access control systems
Factory floor operations
Livestock tagging
Auto anti-theft systems
But if you’re managing:
Staff credentials
決済システム
Multi-use ID cards
NFC integration
…then it might be time to switch.

Upgrade Paths:

Install dual-frequency readers
Issue combo cards (support both 13.56 MHz and 125 kHz)
Gradual rollout: support both systems during migration

FAQs About 13.56 MHz vs 125 kHz RFID

Is 13.56 MHz the same as NFC?

Yes, NFC is a type of 13.56 MHz RFID. Most smartphones support it.

Can one reader read both frequencies?

Not usually. You’ll need a dual-technology reader to handle both.

Which tag has longer range?

13.56 MHz generally has a longer read range (up to 1 meter). 125 kHz is limited to a few centimeters.

Which should I use for access control?

For modern, secure access systems, 13.56 MHz is strongly recommended.

13.56 MHz と 125 kHz の RFID タグの読み取り距離が異なるのはなぜですか?

読み取り距離の違いは、主に動作周波数によるものです。13.56 MHz などの高周波数では範囲が広くなり、125 kHz などの低周波数では距離が短くなるように最適化されています。

金属環境または液体環境に適した RFID タグはどれですか?

125 kHz RFID タグは、優れた浸透能力を備えているため、金属や液体のある環境でより効果的です。

RFID タグのコストは選択に影響しますか?

はい、125 kHz RFID タグは一般的にコスト効率が高く、予算重視のアプリケーションに適したオプションです。ただし、選択する際にはパフォーマンス要件とアプリケーション環境も考慮する必要があります。

Key Standards and Chip Types

13.56 MHz (HF)

ISO/IEC 14443: Used in contactless cards (MIFARE, DESFire)
ISO/IEC 15693: Longer range, used in libraries, logistics
ISO 18000-3: Item-level tracking

125 kHz (LF)

Proprietary formats, often fixed-ID (e.g., EM4100, HID Prox)
Mostly used in older systems and basic applications

Final Takeaways

If you’re still wondering which way to go, here’s the summary:

Use 125 kHz RFID Tags for:

Harsh conditions (metal/liquid)
Low-security applications
Budget-conscious deployments
Legacy systems

Use 13.56 MHz RFID Tags for:

Mobile/NFC support
Secure access and payment
Multi-use cards
Future-ready systems

Both have a place—but you should pick based on use case, not just cost or habit.

13.56 MHz と 125 kHz の RFID タグの違いを理解する

目次