RFID タグはどのようにデータを保存するのでしょうか?
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導入
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has become a cornerstone in modern logistics, retail, healthcare, and industrial automation. At the heart of RFID systems lies a deceptively simple but powerful question: How do RFID tags store and transmit data?
Understanding this process isn’t just academic. For engineers designing smart supply chains, developers building RFID-integrated apps, and IT managers overseeing large-scale asset tracking, the underlying mechanics of RFID memory, data encoding, and security protocols are critical for performance, interoperability, and data integrity.
RFID とは何ですか? どのように機能しますか?
What Is RFID?
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless technology that automatically identifies and tracks objects using electromagnetic fields. Unlike barcodes, RFID doesn’t need direct line-of-sight and can store more data directly on the tag.
Key Components of an RFID System
How Data Transmission Works
When the RFID reader emits a radio frequency signal, the tag’s antenna picks it up and powers the chip (if passive). The chip then modulates and sends its stored data back to the reader. This communication varies by frequency:
- LF (Low Frequency): Short range, good for animal tracking.
- HF (High Frequency): Common in NFC and smart cards.
- UHF (Ultra High Frequency): Longer range, faster read speeds – ideal for logistics.
Engineering Tip: Passive UHF tags are most commonly used in industrial supply chains because they’re low-cost and can transmit up to several meters.
Beginner’s Guide to Programming RFID Tags
Programming RFID tags can unlock powerful capabilities — from customizing product data to enabling secure access control. While many tools and approaches are available, the specific method depends on the tag type, frequency, and application.
We are currently working on verified code examples and practical walkthroughs for programming RFID tags safely and effectively. This section will soon include:
- Hands-on tutorials for using Arduino with RFID modules.
- Encoding data using TagWriter (Android) for NFC-compatible tags.
- Using RFID SDKs and desktop writers for enterprise applications.
- Tips on selecting the right memory format (ASCII, HEX, EPC).
Want to start now? We recommend exploring these resources in the meantime:
- NXP TagWriter App– NFC encoding for Android
- MFRC522 Arduino Library on GitHub– Open-source RFID reader library
- [Your hardware vendor’s SDK or developer tools] for specific reader models
Need help writing data to your RFID tags or choosing compatible tools? Contact our technical team をご覧ください。
How RFID Tags Store Data Internally
At its core, an RFID tag is a tiny storage device with specific memory banks. Understanding the internal memory layout is critical when planning what kind of data to store — and how much.
Types of Memory in RFID Tags
- ROM (Read-Only Memory): Data written during manufacturing. It can’t be changed.
- EEPROM (Electrically Erasable): Rewritable; most commonly used in modern RFID.
- RAM: Temporary storage, often used during active transactions.
Common Memory Types
- Read-Only (RO): Cannot be changed. Used for fixed IDs.
- Read/Write (RW): Can be modified with compatible readers.
- WORM (Write Once, Read Many): Once programmed, data is locked.
Memory Banks in EPCglobal Gen2 Tags (UHF)
| Memory Bank | Contents | Writable? |
|---|---|---|
| 電子計算機 | Product ID (96-128 bits typical) | ✅ |
| TID | Unique tag/chip identifier | ❌ |
| ユーザーメモリ | Application-specific data | ✅ |
| Reserved | Passwords for access/kill commands | ✅ (Restricted) |
Best Practice: Use EPC for SKU or product identifiers, and User Memory for extra data like timestamps, lot numbers, or logistics metadata.
Bit & Block Formatting
- Memory is divided into blocks (16 or 32 bits).
- Each block can be addressed individually.
- Data encoding must respect block size and tag specs.
Example: A tag with 512 bits of User Memory has 64 bytes available for encoding – plan your data structure accordingly.
How Secure Is Data on RFID Tags?
As RFID technology becomes more integrated into supply chains and consumer products, data security has become a top concern. Understanding how RFID tags protect — and sometimes expose — data is crucial for secure deployments.
Can RFID Tags Be Hacked?
Yes — but context matters. While basic low-cost tags can be cloned or skimmed, most modern RFID systems implement multiple layers of security, including access control and encryption.
Security Mechanisms in RFID Tags
| セキュリティ機能 | 説明 | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|
| パスワード保護 | Blocks unauthorized reads/writes | 中くらい |
| Access Control Bits | Define read/write permissions per memory bank | 高い |
| Encryption (AES, DES) | Used in high-security tags (e.g., banking, access control) | 非常に高い |
| Kill Commands | Permanently disable a tag to prevent misuse | Contextual |
Common Vulnerabilities
- Eavesdropping: Attackers intercept tag-reader communication.
- Cloning: Copying tag data onto another tag.
- Replay Attacks: Reusing captured transmission data.
Best Practices for Secure RFID Deployment
- Use password-protected or encrypted tags for critical data.
- Avoid storing sensitive information directly on tags — store only references or IDs.
- Implement secure backend databases to validate tag data.
- Shield or deactivate tags after usage in sensitive contexts.
How Much Data Can RFID Tags Store?
One of the most common questions engineers ask is:
“How much data can I store on an RFID tag?”
Typical RFID Memory Capacities
| タグタイプ | Memory Range | 使用事例 |
|---|---|---|
| 低周波（LF） | 64–256 bits | Animal IDs, access cards |
| High Frequency (HF/NFC) | 128–4,096 bits | Smart cards, inventory |
| Ultra High Frequency (UHF) | 96–8,192 bits | Logistics, industrial tracking |
| アクティブRFID | 32 KB+ | Sensor data, large payloads |
Factors That Affect Capacity
- Tag frequency & chip model.
- Use of encryption or checksum data.
- Application type (e.g., EPC encoding vs user-defined).
What Type of Data Is Typically Stored?
- Product identifiers (EPC)
- Batch or lot numbers
- Timestamps
- Sensor data (temperature, pressure) in active tags
Tip: Store only the minimal data necessary on the tag and link to external databases for details. This reduces memory requirements and improves performance.
Passive vs. Active RFID: Data Storage Capabilities Compared
Choosing between passive and active RFID affects cost, data capacity, and range.
| 特徴 | パッシブRFID | アクティブRFID |
|---|---|---|
| 電源 | Powered by reader | 内蔵バッテリー |
| データ容量 | 96–8,192 bits | 32 KB or more |
| 範囲 | Up to 10 m | Up to 100 m |
| 寿命 | Unlimited (no battery) | Limited by battery life |
| 料金 | <$0.10 per tag | $10–$50 per tag |
Which Should You Choose?
- Passive Tags: Ideal for inventory, retail, access control.
- Active Tags: Best for real-time asset tracking, logistics, IoT sensors.
Real-World Examples — What Data Is Stored on RFID Tags?
Let’s look at how RFID data storage works across real industries.
In Retail
- Product ID (EPC)
- Pricing, SKU, and lot numbers
- Shelf location or category data
ヘルスケア
- Patient ID
- Medication dosage information
- 機器追跡
In Logistics
- Shipment IDs, timestamps
- Container codes
- Route and checkpoint tracking
In Animal Tracking
- Breed ID, vaccine records
- GPS or location identifiers (in active tags)
Pro Insight: Most enterprise systems link tag IDs to cloud databases (ERP, WMS), reducing the need to store large datasets on the tag itself.
How Data Is Written to RFID Tags (Encoding Process)
Hardware Requirements
- RFID Writer or Reader/Writer Module
- Compatible Software (TagWriter, Arduino IDE, or SDKs)
- RFID-Compatible Tags
Typical Encoding Workflow
- Connect your writer to the system or microcontroller.
- Select the tag type and frequency (LF, HF, UHF).
- Choose data format (EPC, HEX, or ASCII).
- Write data to the tag using software commands.
- Verify data using a read function.
Common Encoding Formats
| 形式 | 例 | 使用事例 |
|---|---|---|
| EPC (96-bit) | 300833B2DDD9014000000001 | Product ID |
| HEX | 0xA1B2C3D4 | Binary data storage |
| ASCII | “ITEM00123” | Readable strings |
Need industrial-grade encoders? Browse our RFID writer kits for UHF and NFC systems.
RFID vs. Barcode vs. NFC: Data Storage Comparison
| 特徴 | RFID | バーコード | 非対称 |
|---|---|---|---|
| データ容量 | 64 bits–32 KB | 12–20 characters | Up to 4 KB |
| 読み取り範囲 | 1–100 m | 0.2–1 m | 0-10cm |
| 書き換え可能？ | はい | いいえ | はい |
| Simultaneous Reads | 100s of tags | 一つずつ | 一つずつ |
| 耐久性 | 高い | 低い | 中くらい |
重要なポイント
- RFID: Best for high-speed, high-volume data environments.
- Barcode: Simple and cheap for static IDs.
- NFC: Ideal for secure, short-range interactions (e.g., payments).
Thinking of upgrading from barcodes to RFID? Get a free implementation quote.
FAQs About RFID Data Storage
Can RFID tags be rewritten?
Yes — most HF and UHF tags support multiple write cycles until memory wear occurs.
How long does data remain on an RFID tag?
Up to 10 years or more for passive tags, depending on the chip quality.
Is RFID data encrypted?
Some tags support AES/DES encryption; others rely on password protection.
Can I program RFID tags with a smartphone?
Yes, if they are NFC-compatible (13.56 MHz) and your phone has an NFC reader.
What software is used to write to RFID tags?
TagWriter, Arduino IDE (with libraries), or manufacturer SDKs.
The Future of RFID Data Storage
The future of RFID lies at the intersection of IoT and AI — where tags don’t just store data but actively communicate with cloud systems and sensors.
Emerging Innovations
- Increased memory density with micro-EEPROM technology
- Integrated sensors that store temperature or motion data
- AI-driven RFID analytics to automate decision-making
- Blockchain-backed traceability for product authenticity
Conclusion: Summing It All Up
RFID tags are small but powerful data carriers that form the foundation of modern automation.
From basic memory structures to advanced encryption, understanding how RFID tags store and transmit data empowers engineers, developers, and businesses to build smarter, more secure systems.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose tag types based on range, capacity, and application.
- Use secure, password-protected encoding for sensitive data.
- Integrate RFID with backend systems for scalability.
Need help designing or programming your RFID system?
チームへのお問い合わせ for custom RFID solutions, hardware sourcing, and implementation support.
レイ・ジョウ
この記事は、RFID技術の専門家であり、10年以上の業界経験を持つRay Zhouが執筆した。
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What Is RFID Waste Management
Imagine a city where every trash bin speaks — not literally — but through a tiny chip that tells the system when it’s full, when it’s emptied, and where it went. That’s what RFID waste management is doing today.
ボルトシールとその用途とは？| 完全ガイド
世界的な貿易と物流において、ボルトシールは貨物のセキュリティとコンプライアンスを確保する上で重要な役割を果たしています。これらの小型で強力なデバイスは、タンパーエビデント機構で輸送コンテナ、トレーラー、貨物ドアをロックするように設計されています。
RFIDカードプロテクターとは？メリット、使用例、購入ガイド
RFID（Radio Frequency Identification）テクノロジーは、クレジットカード、IDバッジ、定期券、ホテルのルームキーなど、あらゆるところに浸透している。RFIDはスピードと利便性を提供する一方で、「スキミング」と呼ばれる新たなデジタル窃盗への扉も開いている。そこでRFIDカードプロテクターの出番です。
イベント用RFIDリストバンド：主催者向け一括購入ガイド
イベント用RFIDリストバンドは、コンサート、フェスティバル、スポーツ会場などで、迅速な入場、不正防止、キャッシュレス決済を必要とする主催者にとって、最適なソリューションになりつつあります。紙のチケットやQRコードとは異なり、これらのスマートリストバンドは埋め込みチップを使用し、アクセスを合理化し、取引を安全にし、ゲストの体験を向上させます。
フロントガラス上のRFIDタグが車両入退場管理と料金システムを改善する方法
ペースの速い今日の世界では、車両識別は迅速、安全、非接触である必要があります。フロントガラス上のRFIDタグは、まさにそれを提供します-車両を止めることなく、料金徴収、駐車、ゲートアクセスを管理する信頼性の高い方法です。
業務用ランドリーにおけるRFIDリネンタグの利点
病院やホテル、大規模なランドリーサービスでのランドリー管理は大仕事だ。毎日、何千枚ものシーツ、タオル、ユニフォームが洗濯され、仕分けされ、送り返されます。しかし、リネンの紛失、仕分けのミス、手作業による計数などの問題は、企業に多大な損失をもたらします。例えば、中規模のホテルでは、リネンの紛失によって毎年$200,000以上の損失が発生します。
そこでRFIDリネンタグの出番だ。
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What Is RFID Waste Management
Imagine a city where every trash bin speaks — not literally — but through a tiny chip that tells the system when it’s full, when it’s emptied, and where it went. That’s what RFID waste management is doing today.
ボルトシールとその用途とは？| 完全ガイド
世界的な貿易と物流において、ボルトシールは貨物のセキュリティとコンプライアンスを確保する上で重要な役割を果たしています。これらの小型で強力なデバイスは、タンパーエビデント機構で輸送コンテナ、トレーラー、貨物ドアをロックするように設計されています。
RFIDカードプロテクターとは？メリット、使用例、購入ガイド
RFID（Radio Frequency Identification）テクノロジーは、クレジットカード、IDバッジ、定期券、ホテルのルームキーなど、あらゆるところに浸透している。RFIDはスピードと利便性を提供する一方で、「スキミング」と呼ばれる新たなデジタル窃盗への扉も開いている。そこでRFIDカードプロテクターの出番です。