ATEX Certified RFID Tags
RFID Tags
Exloc are proud to present a range of ATEX Certified RFID tags to enable a wide range of applications in hazardous areas.
ATEX-approved tags are required for certain industries where explosive atmospheres may occur. This tag is ideal for offering alongside software for a one-stop solution in these heavily legislated sectors. It is designed to provide all the benefits of RFID (radio frequency identification) and is a reliable, high quality option for equipment in need of regulatory inspection.
In collaboration with our partners we are able to offer you a full range of RFID:
- LF (Low frequency) – which is trusted for test and inspection. It is highly robust and well established and is ideal in a wide range of industries
- HF (High Frequency) – this is an increasingly popular frequency that is currently used in off shore environments and can be used with NFC RFID readers which are often built into smartphones and tablets
- UHF (Ultra High Frequency) – The low cost and long range of UHF RFID means that tags can be placed just about anywhere and interrogators (or RFID readers) can read them
To find out more about the RFID tags Exloc can offer or to get some advice about the appropriate tags for your project, please contact us.
How RFID Tags Work
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags are wireless devices used to store and transmit data using electromagnetic fields. These tags consist of two primary components: a microchip for data storage and an antenna for signal transmission. When in proximity to an RFID reader, the tag’s antenna receives electromagnetic energy, enabling the microchip to send data back to the reader. This system facilitates automatic identification and tracking of assets, making RFID essential in hazardous areas where precision and efficiency are critical.
Exloc Instruments UK Ltd offers a range of RFID-compatible devices, such as the IS940.1 Zone 1/21 tablet and the IS540.1 Zone 1/21 smartphone, that can safely operate in hazardous environments. These devices enable seamless interaction with NFC RFID tags, delivering reliable performance in hazardous zones.
Understanding RFID Frequencies: HF, LF, and UHF
RFID tags operate across three main frequency ranges, each with unique characteristics suited to specific applications.
Low Frequency (LF) – 125-134 kHz
- Range: Up to 10 cm
- Applications: Asset tracking, animal identification, and access control
- Advantages: Works well with metallic objects and liquids
- Drawbacks: Shorter read range and slower data transfer rates
High Frequency (HF) – 13.56 MHz
- Range: Typically up to 1 metre
- Applications: NFC (Near-Field Communication) tags, smart cards, and mobile payments
- Advantages: Higher data transfer rates and medium range
- Drawbacks: Moderate sensitivity to interference from metals
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) – 300 MHz to 3 GHz
- Range: 1-10 metres or more (depending on environmental factors)
- Applications: Logistics, inventory management, and industrial automation
- Advantages: Long read range and fast communication
- Drawbacks: Susceptible to interference from liquids and metals
Choosing the Right RFID Tag for Your Application
Selecting the appropriate RFID tag and frequency depends on several key factors, including the operational environment, required read range, data transfer speed, and the potential for interference from surrounding materials like metals or liquids. Each frequency—Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF)—offers distinct advantages and limitations that make them suitable for specific applications.
- Low Frequency (LF): Operating in the 125–134 kHz range, LF tags are highly reliable in environments with heavy interference from metals or liquids. Their shorter read range, typically up to 10 cm, makes them ideal for applications like access control, or equipment identification in industrial settings. However, their slower data transfer rates and limited range may not be suitable for larger-scale operations or high-speed applications.
- High Frequency (HF): Operating at 13.56 MHz, HF tags provide a moderate read range of up to 1 metre and higher data transfer rates compared to LF tags. They are widely used in applications such as contactless payment systems, smart cards, and NFC (Near-Field Communication) technologies. HF tags are versatile and perform well in most environments, although they can experience some interference from metals. Their compatibility with NFC technologies makes them especially useful in industries requiring streamlined, near-range communication.
- Ultra-High Frequency (UHF): UHF tags operate between 300 MHz and 3 GHz, offering the longest read ranges of up to 10 metres or more under ideal conditions. They are often deployed in logistics, warehouse management, and industrial automation, where large-scale tracking and high-speed data exchange are required. While UHF tags are highly efficient over longer distances, their performance can be affected by liquids and metallic surfaces, which require mitigation strategies in certain settings.
Key Considerations When Choosing RFID Equipment
- Application Requirements: Determine the primary purpose of the RFID system—whether it’s for tracking individual items, controlling access, or managing large-scale inventories.
- Environmental Conditions: Assess the operating environment, including exposure to dust, moisture, or extreme temperatures. Tags and readers designed for robust performance in such environments are critical for reliability.
- Read Range Needs: LF tags are suited for close-range tasks, HF for moderate range, and UHF for long-distance tracking. The specific range needed will vary depending on the application.
- Interference Factors: Consider the presence of materials such as metals and liquids, which can interfere with certain frequencies. LF tags tend to perform better in these conditions, while HF and UHF may require careful planning to minimise disruption.
- Data Speed and Volume: For applications requiring rapid data transfer or the handling of large datasets, HF and UHF tags provide higher throughput compared to LF tags.
Understanding the specific needs of your operation will guide you in selecting the right RFID solution. By leveraging the appropriate frequency and matching it to your unique requirements, organisations can optimise operational efficiency, improve safety, and ensure compliance in demanding environments such as hazardous areas.
