Wat is UHF RFID?

Inhoudsopgave

Invoering

Did you know that UHF RFID systems can read up to 1,000 tags per second from over 10 meters away? That kind of speed and range is revolutionizing how companies track inventory, manage assets, and streamline supply chains.

UHF-RFID (Ultra-High Frequency Radio Frequency Identification) is a cutting-edge identification technology gaining momentum across various industries. From retail and logistics to healthcare and agriculture, its ability to enable fast, contactless data exchange is transforming how businesses operate.

Whether you’re exploring RFID for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will walk you through what UHF-RFID is, how it works, its applications, and why it’s a must-know technology in 2025.

UHF-RFID

Wat is UHF RFID?

UHF RFID, short for Ultra-High Frequency Radio Frequency Identification, is a wireless communication technology that uses radio waves to identify and track tags attached to objects. It’s one of the three major frequency categories in RFID technology — the other two being Low Frequency (LF) and High Frequency (HF).

UHF typically operates within the 860 MHz to 960 MHz range and is well known for:

  • Longer read ranges (up to 12 meters or more)
  • Faster data transmission
  • Bulk reading capability

In simpler terms, UHF RFID is like a digital “barcode on steroids” — no line of sight needed, and hundreds of items can be read instantly.

Hoe werkt UHF RFID?

To understand how UHF RFID functions, let’s look at its core components:

  • RFID-tags: Contain a microchip and antenna that store data.
  • RFID-lezers: Emit radio waves and receive data from tags.
  • Antennes: Boost the signal between tags and readers.
  • Middleware/Software: Processes and manages the data collected.

There are two main types of UHF RFID-tags:

  • Passive UHF Tags: Rely on energy from the reader’s signal; cheaper and commonly used.
  • Active UHF Tags: Battery-powered; suitable for long-range and real-time applications.

Key Functionality:

  • The reader emits a signal in the UHF band.
  • The tag receives energy, powers on, and sends its data back.
  • The reader collects this data and sends it to a backend system for processing.

The system can read multiple tags simultaneously, even at high speeds — making UHF RFID ideal for dynamic environments like conveyor belts or fast-moving inventory.

Benefits of UHF RFID Technology

Why is UHF RFID gaining so much traction? Because it solves real-world tracking and automation challenges. Here are the standout benefits:

  • Lang leesbereik: Up to 12 meters, even in rugged environments
  • Bulk Reading: Read hundreds of tags in seconds
  • Kostenefficiënt: Passive tags are affordable for large-scale use
  • Realtime zichtbaarheid: Instant updates on inventory and asset movement
  • Non-Line-of-Sight: No need to scan directly like with barcodes
  • Scalability: Suitable for small operations or global supply chains

In short, it boosts efficiency, accuracy, and automation — key pillars for modern businesses.

Common Applications of UHF RFID

UHF RFID has emerged as a core technology in modern automation and tracking systems, offering exceptional range, speed, and versatility. Its ability to read hundreds of tags simultaneously and at long distances makes it invaluable across a wide range of industries.

Detailhandel

  • Voorraadbeheer
  • Anti-diefstal systemen
  • Automated checkout
  • Realtime voorraadupdates

Logistiek en toeleveringsketen

  • Shipment tracking
  • Palletbeheer
  • Cross-docking operations
  • Proof of delivery

Productie

  • Onderhanden werk (WIP) bijhouden
  • Quality control
  • Apparatuurbewaking

Gezondheidszorg

  • Patient wristbands
  • Apparatuur volgen
  • Pharmaceutical inventory

Landbouw

  • Livestock monitoring
  • Farm equipment tracking
  • Smart irrigation systems

Bibliotheken & Onderwijs

  • Book tracking
  • Lab asset management
  • Toegangscontrole

No matter the industry, UHF RFID offers real-time visibility, efficiency, and traceability.

UHF RFID vs HF and LF RFID – Key Differences

FunctieLF (Lage Frequentie)HF (Hoge Frequentie)UHF (Ultrahoge frequentie)
Frequentie125-134 kHz13,56 MHz860-960 MHz
Leesbereik~10cm~1 mUp to 12 m
GegevenssnelheidLangzaamGematigdSnel
KostenLaagGematigdVarieert
GebruiksgevallenDieren volgenContactloos betalenSupply chain, retail, logistics

UHF RFID offers the longest read range and fastest performance, making it ideal for fast-paced environments and high-volume tracking.

UHF RFID Standards and Regulations

Standards govern global use of UHF RFID to ensure compatibility:

  • EPCglobal Gen2 / ISO 18000-6C: Industry standard for passive UHF RFID
  • FCC (USA): Operates in 902–928 MHz
  • ETSI (Europe): Operates in 865–868 MHz
  • Other Regions: Vary slightly depending on telecom regulations

It’s crucial to ensure compliance with regional frequency regulations when deploying UHF RFID globally.

Types of UHF RFID Tags

Passive UHF RFID Tags

  • Most common
  • Kosteneffectief
  • Used in retail, logistics, etc.

Active UHF RFID Tags

  • Op batterijen
  • Groter bereik
  • Used in high-value asset tracking

Semi-Passive (BAP) Tags

  • Battery-assisted for better performance

Tag Form Factors

  • Inlays
  • Labels
  • Hard tags
  • Ruggedized tags for metal or harsh environments

Choose the tag type based on your environment, range requirements, and budget.

Challenges and Limitations of UHF RFID

Like any tech, UHF RFID isn’t perfect. Here’s what to consider:

  • Metal and Liquid Interference: Can block or distort signals
  • Omgevingsfactoren: Extreme temperatures can affect performance
  • Line-of-Sight Limitations: Tags in dense stacks may not be read reliably
  • Upfront Cost: Infrastructure setup can be expensive
  • Data Overload: Requires robust software to handle large-scale data collection

But with careful planning, these limitations can be minimized or mitigated entirely.

UHF-RFID

Future Trends in UHF RFID (2025 and Beyond)

UHF RFID isn’t just here to stay — it’s evolving fast. Trends include:

  • Integration with IoT: Smart sensors + RFID = powerful data insights
  • Cloud-Based RFID Systems: Manage tags from anywhere
  • AI & Machine Learning: Predictive analytics using RFID data
  • Smart Cities & Infrastructure: Traffic flow, waste management, and more
  • Industry 4.0: Real-time factory automation and digital twins

With lower costs and better performance, expect mass adoption across industries by the end of the decade.

Is UHF RFID Right for You?

UHF RFID is a powerful, scalable technology that can help your business reduce manual processes, cut losses, and improve visibility. Whether you’re managing a warehouse or tracking high-value medical devices, the benefits of long-range, high-speed data capture are game-changers.

But, like all tech, success lies in understanding its strengths and deploying it correctly.

Ready to explore UHF RFID for your business? Start by consulting with a trusted RFID solution provider or conducting a pilot program to evaluate your needs.

Veelgestelde vragen over UHF RFID-technologie

What does UHF RFID stand for?

UHF RFID stands for Ultra-High Frequency Radio Frequency Identification. It refers to RFID systems that operate in the 860–960 MHz frequency range and are capable of reading tags from several meters away.

UHF RFID systems use radio waves to communicate between a reader and a tag. The reader sends out a signal that powers up passive tags, which then send their data back to the reader. This enables quick, wireless identification of objects without needing a direct line of sight.

UHF RFID systems typically have a read range of 3 to 12 meters (10 to 40 feet) for passive tags. Active tags with batteries can extend the range significantly, sometimes up to 100 meters or more.

Afbeelding van Ray Zhou
Ray Zhou

Dit artikel is geschreven door Ray Zhou, een RFID technologie expert met meer dan 10 jaar ervaring in de industrie.

Reacties

Populaire producten

RFID-afvalbeheer

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.

Lees meer »
RFID-kaartbeschermer

Wat is een RFID-kaartbeschermer? Voordelen, gebruik en koopgids

RFID-technologie (Radio Frequency Identification) is overal: in je creditcards, identiteitskaarten, vervoerspassen, sleutels van hotelkamers en nog veel meer. Het biedt snelheid en gemak, maar het opent ook de deur naar een nieuwe vorm van digitale diefstal die "skimming" wordt genoemd. Dat is waar een RFID kaartbeschermer om de hoek komt kijken.

Lees meer »
RFID-polsbandjes voor evenementen

RFID-polsbandjes voor evenementen: Bulk-inkoopgids voor organisatoren

RFID-polsbandjes voor evenementen worden steeds meer de oplossing voor organisatoren die snellere toegang, fraudepreventie en cashloze betalingen nodig hebben voor concerten, festivals en sportlocaties. In tegenstelling tot papieren tickets of QR-codes gebruiken deze slimme polsbandjes ingebouwde chips om de toegang te stroomlijnen, transacties te beveiligen en de gastervaring te verbeteren.

Lees meer »
RFID linnen tag

De voordelen van RFID linnen Tags in commerciële wasserijen

De was beheren in ziekenhuizen, hotels of grote wasserijen is een hele klus. Elke dag worden duizenden lakens, handdoeken en uniformen gewassen, gesorteerd en teruggestuurd. Maar problemen zoals verloren linnengoed, sorteerfouten en handmatige telling kunnen bedrijven veel geld kosten. Middelgrote hotels kunnen bijvoorbeeld elk jaar meer dan $200.000 verliezen door zoekgeraakt beddengoed.
Dat is waar RFID Linen Tags van pas komen.

Lees meer »

GERELATEERDE BLOGS

RFID-afvalbeheer

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.

Lees meer »
RFID-kaartbeschermer

Wat is een RFID-kaartbeschermer? Voordelen, gebruik en koopgids

RFID-technologie (Radio Frequency Identification) is overal: in je creditcards, identiteitskaarten, vervoerspassen, sleutels van hotelkamers en nog veel meer. Het biedt snelheid en gemak, maar het opent ook de deur naar een nieuwe vorm van digitale diefstal die "skimming" wordt genoemd. Dat is waar een RFID kaartbeschermer om de hoek komt kijken.

Lees meer »

Vraag nu een offerte aan

Vul onderstaand formulier in, dan nemen wij binnen 20 minuten contact met u op.

Vraag nu een offerte aan

Vul onderstaand formulier in, dan nemen wij binnen 20 minuten contact met u op.

Vraag nu een offerte aan

Vul onderstaand formulier in, dan nemen wij binnen 20 minuten contact met u op.