Active Tag
GeneralAn RFID tag with its own battery that actively broadcasts signals, enabling read ranges of 100+ meters for asset tracking.
Active Tag
An active RFID tag has its own internal battery that powers both the Tag IC and an onboard radio transmitter. Unlike passive tags that rely on backscatter, active tags broadcast their own RF signal, achieving read ranges of 100 metres or more.
Architecture
Active tags incorporate several components beyond what a passive inlay carries:
- Battery -- typically lithium coin cell or lithium thionyl chloride, providing 3-10 years of operational life depending on beacon rate.
- Transmitter -- a full radio front-end operating at 433 MHz, 2.45 GHz, or proprietary frequencies, with output power of 0-20 dBm.
- Sensors (optional) -- temperature, humidity, vibration, tamper switches, or GPS modules that add contextual data to the tag's beacon.
- Microcontroller -- programmable logic for beacon intervals, sensor thresholds, and event-driven wake-up.
Active Tag Types
| Type | Behaviour | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Beacon | Broadcasts ID at fixed intervals (1-60 sec) | RTLS, yard management |
| Transponder | Responds only when interrogated by reader | Toll collection, secure access |
| Hybrid | Beacon + on-demand response | Container tracking with sensor logging |
When to Use Active Tags
Active tags are justified when one or more of these conditions apply: the asset value exceeds the tag cost (typically $15-$75), read ranges beyond 30 m are required, sensor data must accompany location, or the environment prevents passive tag operation (e.g., metal containers, outdoor yards).
Common deployments include container tracking in shipping yards, vehicle identification at toll plazas, personnel safety monitoring in mining, and cold-chain temperature logging for pharmaceuticals.
Limitations
Battery replacement or tag disposal creates ongoing operational cost. Active tags are physically larger than passive alternatives and unsuitable for disposable labelling. Their higher RF output may require frequency licensing in some jurisdictions, and battery disposal must comply with local environmental regulations.
See also: Passive Tag | Semi-Passive Tag | RTLS
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