Are RFID handhelds compatible with all RFID tags?

When purchasing RFID handheld readers, some customers often ask, "Can these scanners be adapted to all RFID tags?" It depends on the situation. Not all RFID tags are the same. The compatibility of RFID devices is affected by factors such as frequency, tag type and standard. Let's take a look at how to distinguish and choose.

1. RFID tag type: According to the power supply method, it can be divided into passive RFID tags and active RFID tags
Passive tags: There is no battery, and it is powered by the radio waves of the scanner.
Scanner compatibility: It is suitable for any scanner that supports its frequency.
Application scenarios: Retail product tagging anti-theft, inventory products and equipment tracking, etc.
Active tags: Built-in batteries, can actively send signals to the reader. This type of tag has a long recognition distance, but the cost is high and is limited by battery life.
Scanner compatibility: A scanner that can detect the frequency of active tags (usually 433 MHz or 2.45 GHz) is required.
Application scenarios: Tracking of containers and pallets in logistics and supply chain management, and vehicle identification and charging in intelligent transportation systems.

2. RFID passive tag frequencies can be divided into different frequencies, each with a specific purpose:
Low frequency (LF): 125 - 134 kHz, used for animal tracking or access control.
High frequency (HF): 13.56 MHz, common in NFC applications (such as contactless payment), of which NFC near-field communication is a subset of HF RFID, which can be subdivided into HF and NFC modules.
Ultra-high frequency (UHF): 860 - 960 MHz, which dominates in retail, logistics and healthcare.
Note: Most handheld RFID scanners are designed for a specific frequency range. UHF scanners cannot read LF tags, and vice versa.

3. Regional frequency standards: RFID regulations vary from country to country.
North America: UHF 902–928 MHz.
Europe: UHF 865–868 MHz.
China: 920–925 MHz.
If the scanner you purchase does not support multiple regions, the product may not work well, for example, European frequency RFID scanners and tags do not work as well in the US market as in Europe

4. Tag protocols and standards
Even within the same frequency, tags and scanners must "speak the same language". You need to make sure your scanner supports the protocol your tag uses. Common protocols include:
EPC Gen2: Global standard for UHF passive tags.
ISO 14443: HF/NFC tags used in payment systems.
ISO 15693: HF tags used in library books or drug tracking.

5. Physical factors affecting compatibility
Tag placement: Tags embedded in metal or liquid containers will have a limited reading range, requiring the use of metal-resistant or liquid-resistant tags
Tag size: Mini tags generally have a short reading range, and may require a high-precision scanner.
Environmental interference: In noisy and blocked RF environments, scanners may require filtering modes.

6. Test compatibility before purchase
Sample tags: Ask the supplier for tags that match your use case.
Sample Scanner: Conduct pilot tests using a rental or purchased sample scanning device.
Check Read Range: Confirm that the scanner works properly at the distance and environment you need.

Handheld RFID scanners are not universally compatible with all tag types. We can provide targeted solutions by understanding your needs and tag specifications to meet your testing and actual application requirements as much as possible.