Question 1

Simply stated, RFID “radio frequency identification” is a means of identifying objects via a wireless communication protocol using radio waves, a capability that enables various advantages and breakthroughs in applications ranging from supply chain management to asset tracking to authentication of frequently counterfeited pharmaceuticals.

One of the earliest uses of wireless identification was by world war II pilots who used it to help determine whether oncoming planes were friends or enemies.

Answer

Simply stated, RFID “radio frequency identification” is a means of identifying objects via a wireless communication protocol using radio waves, a capability that enables various advantages and breakthroughs in applications ranging from supply chain management to asset tracking to authentication of frequently counterfeited pharmaceuticals.

One of the earliest uses of wireless identification was by world war II pilots who used it to help determine whether oncoming planes were friends or enemies.

Question 2

RFID technology has the capability to both greatly enhance and protect the lives of consumers. It also revolutionizes the way companies do business. RFID technology benefits include:

• Ability to identify the source of products, enabling intelligent recall of defective or dangerous items such as, tainted foods, defective toy or compromised medication
• Easy monitoring of items with expiration dates
• Prevention of counterfeit products in the supply chain
• Automated registration of sports results in marathons
• A better shopping experience for consumers, with fewer out-of-stock-items and easier returns
• Automated management of assets such as containers and production material
• Automated management of personnel access
• Greater visibility into the supply chain resulting in a more efficient distribution channel and a reduced cost of doing business
• Less business revenue lost to theft or inaccurate manually counting of goods
• Increased civilian security
• More efficient baggage handling at airports

Want to know how RFID can benefit your specific business or industry? Contact us to explore the possibilities.

Answer

RFID technology has the capability to both greatly enhance and protect the lives of consumers. It also revolutionizes the way companies do business. RFID technology benefits include:

• Ability to identify the source of products, enabling intelligent recall of defective or dangerous items such as, tainted foods, defective toy or compromised medication
• Easy monitoring of items with expiration dates
• Prevention of counterfeit products in the supply chain
• Automated registration of sports results in marathons
• A better shopping experience for consumers, with fewer out-of-stock-items and easier returns
• Automated management of assets such as containers and production material
• Automated management of personnel access
• Greater visibility into the supply chain resulting in a more efficient distribution channel and a reduced cost of doing business
• Less business revenue lost to theft or inaccurate manually counting of goods
• Increased civilian security
• More efficient baggage handling at airports

Want to know how RFID can benefit your specific business or industry? Contact us to explore the possibilities.

Question 3

A typical RFID system consists of three primary components:

• RFID Tags
• RFID Readers
• RFID Reader antennas

Interested in how an RFID system could benefit your business? Contact us to explore the possibilities.

Answer

A typical RFID system consists of three primary components:

• RFID Tags
• RFID Readers
• RFID Reader antennas

Interested in how an RFID system could benefit your business? Contact us to explore the possibilities.

Question 4

RAIN RFID is a passive UHF identification technology based on the ISO/IEC 18000-63 (EPC Gen2) standard. It enables high‑speed, long‑range item identification without requiring line‑of‑sight. A single reader can capture hundreds of tagged items simultaneously - often at distances of 10 metres or more.

Because of its combination of speed, accuracy and cost efficiency, RAIN RFID has become a core technology in retail, logistics, manufacturing, postal operations and asset management.

Benefits in real deployments

• Companies choose RAIN RFID for its ability to deliver:
• Real‑time stock visibility across warehouses, distribution hubs and retail floors
• 99%+ accuracy, eliminating manual counting errors
• High throughput - reading 100+ items per second compared to single‑scan barcodes
• Reduced labour costs through automation
• Global interoperability thanks to standardized EPC Gen2 technology
• Low tag cost (starting at just a few euro cents per tag) enabling item‑level tagging at scale

Interested in RFID case studies in supply chain? https://www.cisper.com/en/applications/supply-chain-automation

Answer

RAIN RFID is a passive UHF identification technology based on the ISO/IEC 18000-63 (EPC Gen2) standard. It enables high‑speed, long‑range item identification without requiring line‑of‑sight. A single reader can capture hundreds of tagged items simultaneously - often at distances of 10 metres or more.

Because of its combination of speed, accuracy and cost efficiency, RAIN RFID has become a core technology in retail, logistics, manufacturing, postal operations and asset management.

Benefits in real deployments

• Companies choose RAIN RFID for its ability to deliver:
• Real‑time stock visibility across warehouses, distribution hubs and retail floors
• 99%+ accuracy, eliminating manual counting errors
• High throughput - reading 100+ items per second compared to single‑scan barcodes
• Reduced labour costs through automation
• Global interoperability thanks to standardized EPC Gen2 technology
• Low tag cost (starting at just a few euro cents per tag) enabling item‑level tagging at scale

Interested in RFID case studies in supply chain? https://www.cisper.com/en/applications/supply-chain-automation

Question 5

EPC stand for Electronic Product Code. This code containes information only about the product and the company that made the product. An EPC contains no personal information. The EPC is similar to the UPC used on barcodes today. An EPC is a number that is meaningful only when compared against a database with the decoding information. Below drawing gives an indication of how an EPC code is build up.

Answer

EPC stand for Electronic Product Code. This code containes information only about the product and the company that made the product. An EPC contains no personal information. The EPC is similar to the UPC used on barcodes today. An EPC is a number that is meaningful only when compared against a database with the decoding information. Below drawing gives an indication of how an EPC code is build up.

Question 6

Middleware is term the industry gives to software that performs a connecting function between lower level objects, such as RFID readers, and the applications they support. For applications requiring RFID, the middleware sends control commands to the readers and responds with tags data received from the reader. For this purpose EPCglobal, with imput from the industry, created the LLRP (low-level-reader-protocol) standard. The LLRP is a specification for the network interface between the RFID reader and its controller.

Answer

Middleware is term the industry gives to software that performs a connecting function between lower level objects, such as RFID readers, and the applications they support. For applications requiring RFID, the middleware sends control commands to the readers and responds with tags data received from the reader. For this purpose EPCglobal, with imput from the industry, created the LLRP (low-level-reader-protocol) standard. The LLRP is a specification for the network interface between the RFID reader and its controller.

Question 7

RAIN RFID provides automation, speed and visibility advantages that barcodes cannot match.

Key differences

Capability	Barcode	RAIN RFID
Line‑of‑sight required	✔ Yes	✘ No
Read multiple items	✘ No	✔ Yes (hundreds per second)
Read range	<1 metre	Up to 10+ metres
Automation-friendly	Limited	Excellent
Item-level tracking	Manual	Automated

RAIN RFID is especially beneficial in distribution centres, cycle counting, returns management, industrial automation, asset tracking and tool management.

Need help choosing the right RAIN RFID solution? Our technical experts are ready to assist.

Answer

RAIN RFID provides automation, speed and visibility advantages that barcodes cannot match.

Key differences

Capability	Barcode	RAIN RFID
Line‑of‑sight required	✔ Yes	✘ No
Read multiple items	✘ No	✔ Yes (hundreds per second)
Read range	<1 metre	Up to 10+ metres
Automation-friendly	Limited	Excellent
Item-level tracking	Manual	Automated

RAIN RFID is especially beneficial in distribution centres, cycle counting, returns management, industrial automation, asset tracking and tool management.

Need help choosing the right RAIN RFID solution? Our technical experts are ready to assist.

Question 8

RFID technology brings numerous advantages over barcode, including:

• RFID tags do not require line-of-sight reading, meaning that mixed pallets can be read without unpacking the pallet
• Greater depth of serialization – With RFID it is possible to uniquely identify each individual item rather than just the product type
• Many RFID tags can be read or written to simultaneously
• Information contained in RFID tags may be updated in the field by writing new information in the tags
• Unique serial numbers make product authentication possible

Have questions about how RFID could work for you? Contact us and our team will be happy to assist.

Answer

RFID technology brings numerous advantages over barcode, including:

• RFID tags do not require line-of-sight reading, meaning that mixed pallets can be read without unpacking the pallet
• Greater depth of serialization – With RFID it is possible to uniquely identify each individual item rather than just the product type
• Many RFID tags can be read or written to simultaneously
• Information contained in RFID tags may be updated in the field by writing new information in the tags
• Unique serial numbers make product authentication possible

Have questions about how RFID could work for you? Contact us and our team will be happy to assist.

Question 9

In many scenarios, yes. RFID enables non-line-of-sight, bulk reading and near real-time inventory visibility. Accuracy levels above 99% are common with proper configuration. RFID reduces manual labor, eliminates scanning errors and provides automated movement tracking.

Barcodes remain useful for simple identification tasks, but RFID offers significant efficiency and speed advantages in high-volume operations.

Contact us to learn how RFID can improve your inventory accuracy and efficiency.

Answer

In many scenarios, yes. RFID enables non-line-of-sight, bulk reading and near real-time inventory visibility. Accuracy levels above 99% are common with proper configuration. RFID reduces manual labor, eliminates scanning errors and provides automated movement tracking.

Barcodes remain useful for simple identification tasks, but RFID offers significant efficiency and speed advantages in high-volume operations.

Contact us to learn how RFID can improve your inventory accuracy and efficiency.

Question 10

UHF regulations vary by region, with common RAIN RFID bands including 865–868 MHz in Europe, 902–928 MHz in the US and Canada and 865–867 MHz in India, while other parts of Asia and the Middle East use region-specific sub-bands. Readers and antennas must operate within the locally approved band to ensure legal and reliable performance.

For global RFID deployments, use readers that support multi-region or configurable regional modes so the same hardware can be deployed across different countries. Some readers support multi-region modes, but tag tuning may still affect maximum read range. Matching tag and reader specifications to local regulations ensures stable performance.

For more in depth explanation and an overview of regions see: https://www.cisper.nl/en/whitepapers/selecting-the-right-rfid-antenna-for-your-project

Answer

UHF regulations vary by region, with common RAIN RFID bands including 865–868 MHz in Europe, 902–928 MHz in the US and Canada and 865–867 MHz in India, while other parts of Asia and the Middle East use region-specific sub-bands. Readers and antennas must operate within the locally approved band to ensure legal and reliable performance.

For global RFID deployments, use readers that support multi-region or configurable regional modes so the same hardware can be deployed across different countries. Some readers support multi-region modes, but tag tuning may still affect maximum read range. Matching tag and reader specifications to local regulations ensures stable performance.

For more in depth explanation and an overview of regions see: https://www.cisper.nl/en/whitepapers/selecting-the-right-rfid-antenna-for-your-project

Question 11

Missed RFID reads are commonly caused by inappropriate tag type or poor tag placement, suboptimal antenna orientation, low reader power and interference from metal or liquids. High-speed movement of items without properly tuned reader settings can also lead to missed reads.

To prevent this, use tags designed for the specific material and environment, ensure strategic antenna positioning and alignment, upgrade RF cabling quality and optimize reader sensitivity and inventory modes for the application's speed and tag density. Proper tuning of these factors significantly reduces missed reads and improves overall system reliability.

Need help optimizing your RFID setup? Contact our experts.

Answer

Missed RFID reads are commonly caused by inappropriate tag type or poor tag placement, suboptimal antenna orientation, low reader power and interference from metal or liquids. High-speed movement of items without properly tuned reader settings can also lead to missed reads.

To prevent this, use tags designed for the specific material and environment, ensure strategic antenna positioning and alignment, upgrade RF cabling quality and optimize reader sensitivity and inventory modes for the application's speed and tag density. Proper tuning of these factors significantly reduces missed reads and improves overall system reliability.

Need help optimizing your RFID setup? Contact our experts.

Question 12

Yes, RFID can effectively track metal items and tools using modern on-metal tags that incorporate ferrite layers, spacers or specialized antenna designs to isolate the tag from conductive surfaces. These tags are commonly used for tools, returnable containers, industrial equipment, IT assets and maintenance tools.

Achieving consistent read performance in metal-heavy environments depends heavily on correct tag selection, proper mounting and optimal tag orientation relative to the metal surface.

Need more information? Contact our technical expert.

Answer

Yes, RFID can effectively track metal items and tools using modern on-metal tags that incorporate ferrite layers, spacers or specialized antenna designs to isolate the tag from conductive surfaces. These tags are commonly used for tools, returnable containers, industrial equipment, IT assets and maintenance tools.

Achieving consistent read performance in metal-heavy environments depends heavily on correct tag selection, proper mounting and optimal tag orientation relative to the metal surface.

Need more information? Contact our technical expert.

Question 13

Every meter cable and every connector will result in more power loss. Approximately 0.5db per meter for a standard cable. But the real loss depends on the cable rate. Higher rated cables are thicker so harder to bend. Lower rated cables are more flexible but with more power loss.

For more detailed information see: https://www.cisper.nl/en/whitepapers/selecting-the-right-rain-rfid-antenna-for-your-project

Answer

Every meter cable and every connector will result in more power loss. Approximately 0.5db per meter for a standard cable. But the real loss depends on the cable rate. Higher rated cables are thicker so harder to bend. Lower rated cables are more flexible but with more power loss.

For more detailed information see: https://www.cisper.nl/en/whitepapers/selecting-the-right-rain-rfid-antenna-for-your-project

Question 14

Tags operate on the same basis as other wireless devices like your cordless or cellular phones or wireless LAN: an antenna attached to the tag chip’s electrical circuits radiates electromagnetic waves through the air in a manner defined by a particular communications protocol. In case on UHF RFID this protocol is the EPCglobal UHF Gen2 standard, which is a single worldwide standard that defines tag and reader communications operating in the 860MHz to 960MHz frequency band. The specific frequency of those waves is expressed in Hertz (cycles per second). Other RFID technologies, like the high frequency (HF) technology and the low frequesncy (LF) technology, operate at 13.56MHz respectively 125KHz.

Answer

Tags operate on the same basis as other wireless devices like your cordless or cellular phones or wireless LAN: an antenna attached to the tag chip’s electrical circuits radiates electromagnetic waves through the air in a manner defined by a particular communications protocol. In case on UHF RFID this protocol is the EPCglobal UHF Gen2 standard, which is a single worldwide standard that defines tag and reader communications operating in the 860MHz to 960MHz frequency band. The specific frequency of those waves is expressed in Hertz (cycles per second). Other RFID technologies, like the high frequency (HF) technology and the low frequesncy (LF) technology, operate at 13.56MHz respectively 125KHz.

Question 15

An RFID tag is an active tag when it is equipped with a battery that can be used as a partial or complete source of power for the tag’s circuitry and antenna. Some active tags contain replaceable batteries for years of use others are sealed units.

Note: it is also possible to connect the tag to an external power source.

Answer

An RFID tag is an active tag when it is equipped with a battery that can be used as a partial or complete source of power for the tag’s circuitry and antenna. Some active tags contain replaceable batteries for years of use others are sealed units.

Note: it is also possible to connect the tag to an external power source.

Question 16

Active RFID tags may have all or some of the following features:

• Longest communication range of any tag
• The capability to perform independent monitoring and control
• The capability of initiating communications
• The capability of performing diagnostics
• The highest data bandwidth

Answer

Active RFID tags may have all or some of the following features:

• Longest communication range of any tag
• The capability to perform independent monitoring and control
• The capability of initiating communications
• The capability of performing diagnostics
• The highest data bandwidth

Question 17

The major advantages of Active RFID tags are:

• Tags can be read at distances of one hundred meters or more
• Tags may have other sensors that can use electricity for power, for example:
• Temperature sensors
• Humidity sensors
• Tilt sensors
• Tags may be powered by an external source
• Tags can be used to determine position in a room or space

Answer

The major advantages of Active RFID tags are:

• Tags can be read at distances of one hundred meters or more
• Tags may have other sensors that can use electricity for power, for example:
• Temperature sensors
• Humidity sensors
• Tilt sensors
• Tags may be powered by an external source
• Tags can be used to determine position in a room or space

Question 18

While active RFID tags offer many advantages, there are some limitations to consider:

• Tags cannot function without battery power, which limits the lifetime
• Tags are typically more expensive, often costing €20 or more each
• Tags are physically larger, which may limit applications
• Long-term maintenance costs can be greater than those of passive tags if the batteries are replaced
• Battery outages in an Active tag can result in expensive misreads

Have questions about choosing the right RFID tags for your application? Read our whitepaper "How to Choose the Right RFID Tag or Label for Your Project" for guidance.

Answer

While active RFID tags offer many advantages, there are some limitations to consider:

• Tags cannot function without battery power, which limits the lifetime
• Tags are typically more expensive, often costing €20 or more each
• Tags are physically larger, which may limit applications
• Long-term maintenance costs can be greater than those of passive tags if the batteries are replaced
• Battery outages in an Active tag can result in expensive misreads

Have questions about choosing the right RFID tags for your application? Read our whitepaper "How to Choose the Right RFID Tag or Label for Your Project" for guidance.

Question 19

A passive tag is an RFID tag that does not contain a battery; the power is supplied by the reader. When radio waves from the reader are encountered by a passive rfid tag, the coiled antenna within the tag forms a magnetic field. The tag draws power from it, energizing the circuits in the tag. The tag then sends (backscatter) the information that is encoded in the tag’s memory. Passive tags are simple, reliable and widely used.

Answer

A passive tag is an RFID tag that does not contain a battery; the power is supplied by the reader. When radio waves from the reader are encountered by a passive rfid tag, the coiled antenna within the tag forms a magnetic field. The tag draws power from it, energizing the circuits in the tag. The tag then sends (backscatter) the information that is encoded in the tag’s memory. Passive tags are simple, reliable and widely used.

Question 20

The advantages of a passive tag are:

• Tags function without a battery; these tags have a useful life of twenty years or more
• Tags are typically much less expensive to manufacture
• Tags are much smaller
• Tags have almost unlimited applications in consumer goods and other areas

Answer

The advantages of a passive tag are:

• Tags function without a battery; these tags have a useful life of twenty years or more
• Tags are typically much less expensive to manufacture
• Tags are much smaller
• Tags have almost unlimited applications in consumer goods and other areas

Question 21

• Tags can be read only shorter distances (compared to Active Tags)
• It is more difficult to include sensors
• When not killed at POS tags can remain readable for a very long time

Answer

• Tags can be read only shorter distances (compared to Active Tags)
• It is more difficult to include sensors
• When not killed at POS tags can remain readable for a very long time

Question 22

Active RFID tags have a transmitter and their own power source (typically a battery). The power source is used to run the microchip’s circuitry and to broadcast a signal to a reader (the way a cell phone transmits signals to a base station).

Passive tags have no battery. Instead, they draw power from the reader, which sends out electromagnetic waves that induce a current in the tag’s antenna.

Semi-passive tags (or BAP tags Battery Assisted Passive) use a battery to run the chip’s circuitry, but communicate by drawing power from the reader.

Active and semi-passive tags are useful for tracking high-value goods that need to be scanned over long ranges, such as railway cars on a track, but they cost more than passive tags, which means they can’t be used on low-value items.

Answer

Active RFID tags have a transmitter and their own power source (typically a battery). The power source is used to run the microchip’s circuitry and to broadcast a signal to a reader (the way a cell phone transmits signals to a base station).

Passive tags have no battery. Instead, they draw power from the reader, which sends out electromagnetic waves that induce a current in the tag’s antenna.

Semi-passive tags (or BAP tags Battery Assisted Passive) use a battery to run the chip’s circuitry, but communicate by drawing power from the reader.

Active and semi-passive tags are useful for tracking high-value goods that need to be scanned over long ranges, such as railway cars on a track, but they cost more than passive tags, which means they can’t be used on low-value items.

Question 23

RFID tags store data in distinct memory banks: EPC for primary identification, TID as a unique factory ID and User Memory for custom application data.

EPC (Electronic Product Code)

• The main identifier for item-level tracking and lookup.
• Typically 96–128 bits long, following GS1 standards for global uniqueness.

TID (Tag Identifier)

• Factory-programmed, immutable unique ID assigned by the chip manufacturer.
• Used for tag authentication and anti-counterfeiting; cannot be changed.

User Memory

• Optional customizable space for additional data like configuration settings, maintenance history, or serialized information.
• Size varies by tag chip (e.g., 32–512 bits), enabling extended functionality beyond basic identification.

Understanding these memory areas helps optimize tag selection for specific tracking and data storage needs.

Answer

RFID tags store data in distinct memory banks: EPC for primary identification, TID as a unique factory ID and User Memory for custom application data.

EPC (Electronic Product Code)

• The main identifier for item-level tracking and lookup.
• Typically 96–128 bits long, following GS1 standards for global uniqueness.

TID (Tag Identifier)

• Factory-programmed, immutable unique ID assigned by the chip manufacturer.
• Used for tag authentication and anti-counterfeiting; cannot be changed.

User Memory

• Optional customizable space for additional data like configuration settings, maintenance history, or serialized information.
• Size varies by tag chip (e.g., 32–512 bits), enabling extended functionality beyond basic identification.

Understanding these memory areas helps optimize tag selection for specific tracking and data storage needs.

Question 24

Choosing the right RFID tag for industrial use is crucial for reliable identification and long‑term performance. In harsh environments, tags must resist mechanical stress, temperature variations, chemicals and moisture.

Key selection criteria include:

• Mounting surface: Determine whether the asset is made of metal, plastic, glass, wood, or rubber. Specialized on‑metal tags are required for metallic surfaces.
• Read range: Choose between near‑field, short‑range, or long‑range tags, depending on antenna power and application layout
• Environmental durability: Check the IP rating, temperature range and impact resistance to ensure consistent operation in demanding conditions.
• Memory capacity: Match the tag’s EPC length, user memory and serialization options to your data and tracking needs.
• Attachment method: Select a suitable mounting option - such as adhesive, rivets, cable ties, or embedding - based on the application and surface type.
• Common tag types for industrial environments include rugged hard tags, ceramic tags, high‑temperature labels and on‑metal tags. Matching tag design to the asset and environment ensures stable performance and reliable data capture over time.

Find out how tag choice and placement make the difference in our free white paper: Selecting the Right RFID Antenna for Your Project

Answer

Choosing the right RFID tag for industrial use is crucial for reliable identification and long‑term performance. In harsh environments, tags must resist mechanical stress, temperature variations, chemicals and moisture.

Key selection criteria include:

• Mounting surface: Determine whether the asset is made of metal, plastic, glass, wood, or rubber. Specialized on‑metal tags are required for metallic surfaces.
• Read range: Choose between near‑field, short‑range, or long‑range tags, depending on antenna power and application layout
• Environmental durability: Check the IP rating, temperature range and impact resistance to ensure consistent operation in demanding conditions.
• Memory capacity: Match the tag’s EPC length, user memory and serialization options to your data and tracking needs.
• Attachment method: Select a suitable mounting option - such as adhesive, rivets, cable ties, or embedding - based on the application and surface type.
• Common tag types for industrial environments include rugged hard tags, ceramic tags, high‑temperature labels and on‑metal tags. Matching tag design to the asset and environment ensures stable performance and reliable data capture over time.

Find out how tag choice and placement make the difference in our free white paper: Selecting the Right RFID Antenna for Your Project

Question 25

Convenient as it would be, there is no single best tag antenna design for every application operating in every region of the world. Different antenna designs optimize performance in various applications. As a result, there are special forms and configurations for different applications, such as palletized cases of small items. Some tags might be optimized for a particular frequency band, while others might be tuned for good performance when attached to materials that normally do not work well for wireless communication (liquids and metals for example). Some tags are designed for generic use and will work reasonably well across the entire frequency spectrum, in free space or when fixed to an item.

Radio waves received by a tag’s antenna are converted back to an electrical current in the circuit on the tag. Tags use their own antenna to respond to send back a response (backscatter). The intensity of the response (backscatter) that the tag produces depends on:

• The material of the product tagged (the dielectric constant)
• The dimension of the tag antenna
• The surface of the tag antenna
• The polarization of the tag antenna
• The polarization of the reader antenna

Answer

Convenient as it would be, there is no single best tag antenna design for every application operating in every region of the world. Different antenna designs optimize performance in various applications. As a result, there are special forms and configurations for different applications, such as palletized cases of small items. Some tags might be optimized for a particular frequency band, while others might be tuned for good performance when attached to materials that normally do not work well for wireless communication (liquids and metals for example). Some tags are designed for generic use and will work reasonably well across the entire frequency spectrum, in free space or when fixed to an item.

Radio waves received by a tag’s antenna are converted back to an electrical current in the circuit on the tag. Tags use their own antenna to respond to send back a response (backscatter). The intensity of the response (backscatter) that the tag produces depends on:

• The material of the product tagged (the dielectric constant)
• The dimension of the tag antenna
• The surface of the tag antenna
• The polarization of the tag antenna
• The polarization of the reader antenna

Question 26

An RFID tag generally comprises an integrated circuit (IC or chip) that has been mounted on a flexible PET (PolyEthyleneTherephtalate) or paper substrate, which has been preprinted with conductive ink (or assembled with an etched, stamped, or vapor-deposited antenna pattern), according to the particular antenna design. The resulting inlay assembly is then converted or sandwiched between a printed label and its adhesive backing. By doing so a so called smart label is constructed. The label can then be programmed with a unique tracking identifier called an electronic product code (EPC) and attached to an item, case, or pallet. For some applications, tag chips can also be factory programmed before they are assembled.

Answer

An RFID tag generally comprises an integrated circuit (IC or chip) that has been mounted on a flexible PET (PolyEthyleneTherephtalate) or paper substrate, which has been preprinted with conductive ink (or assembled with an etched, stamped, or vapor-deposited antenna pattern), according to the particular antenna design. The resulting inlay assembly is then converted or sandwiched between a printed label and its adhesive backing. By doing so a so called smart label is constructed. The label can then be programmed with a unique tracking identifier called an electronic product code (EPC) and attached to an item, case, or pallet. For some applications, tag chips can also be factory programmed before they are assembled.

Question 27

Reader antennas, like tag antennas, may also assume form factors appropriate to their application. This includes antennas fitted to dock doors, embedded in store shelves or racks, fitted within a point-of-sale terminal, or integrated into the guide rails of conveyor equipment. Some antennas are especially designed to read tag data of tags on athletes running a marathon, other antennas can be mounted in door frames to read tags worn by people accessing a room or festival.

How do reader antennas work? In basic terms, a reader antenna converts electrical current into electromagnetic waves that are then radiated into space (similar to an FM radio) in a particular pattern at a given level of intensity. These radio waves can be received by a tag’s antenna and converted back to electrical current. The tag uses its own antenna to respond to send back a response (backscatter). When the tag responds, the reader antenna receives the information in a similar manner.

The parameters of greatest interest to the tag are polarization (or the reader antenna wave’s electric field vector, orientation, and direction) and the power level of the transmission. A linearly polarized antenna radiates entirely in one plane in the direction of signal propagation, while with a circularly polarized antenna, the plane of polarization rotates in a circular fashion (effectively a corkscrew when considered in time), making a complete revolution during one period of the wave.

Answer

Reader antennas, like tag antennas, may also assume form factors appropriate to their application. This includes antennas fitted to dock doors, embedded in store shelves or racks, fitted within a point-of-sale terminal, or integrated into the guide rails of conveyor equipment. Some antennas are especially designed to read tag data of tags on athletes running a marathon, other antennas can be mounted in door frames to read tags worn by people accessing a room or festival.

How do reader antennas work? In basic terms, a reader antenna converts electrical current into electromagnetic waves that are then radiated into space (similar to an FM radio) in a particular pattern at a given level of intensity. These radio waves can be received by a tag’s antenna and converted back to electrical current. The tag uses its own antenna to respond to send back a response (backscatter). When the tag responds, the reader antenna receives the information in a similar manner.

The parameters of greatest interest to the tag are polarization (or the reader antenna wave’s electric field vector, orientation, and direction) and the power level of the transmission. A linearly polarized antenna radiates entirely in one plane in the direction of signal propagation, while with a circularly polarized antenna, the plane of polarization rotates in a circular fashion (effectively a corkscrew when considered in time), making a complete revolution during one period of the wave.

Question 28

Handheld RFID readers should be chosen when mobility is important, such as for cycle counting, field inspections, exception handling or searching for misplaced assets. They are ideal for tasks that require manual scanning in various locations.

Fixed RFID readers are best for automated, continuous processes like portal detection, zone-level monitoring, conveyor tracking and production line automation. They provide reliable, ongoing data capture without manual intervention.

Many organizations use a combination of both handheld and fixed readers to maximize operational efficiency. Fixed readers handle routine, automated monitoring while handhelds manage exceptions and remote or mobile tasks.

This hybrid approach ensures coverage and flexibility across diverse RFID applications.

Need help choosing te right RFID handheld reader? Read our white paper: Selecting the right RFID handheld reader for your project

Answer

Handheld RFID readers should be chosen when mobility is important, such as for cycle counting, field inspections, exception handling or searching for misplaced assets. They are ideal for tasks that require manual scanning in various locations.

Fixed RFID readers are best for automated, continuous processes like portal detection, zone-level monitoring, conveyor tracking and production line automation. They provide reliable, ongoing data capture without manual intervention.

Many organizations use a combination of both handheld and fixed readers to maximize operational efficiency. Fixed readers handle routine, automated monitoring while handhelds manage exceptions and remote or mobile tasks.

This hybrid approach ensures coverage and flexibility across diverse RFID applications.

Need help choosing te right RFID handheld reader? Read our white paper: Selecting the right RFID handheld reader for your project

Question 29

Reader sensitivity refers to the weakest backscatter signal an RFID reader can detect from a tag. In simple terms, the more sensitive the reader, the better it can pick up signals from smaller, more distant or hard‑to‑read tags. Especially those attached to challenging materials.

High reader sensitivity is essential in dense tag populations, large warehouse setups and fast‑moving tracking environments, where signals vary rapidly.

Modern RFID reader modules achieve exceptional sensitivity through optimized RF front‑ends and advanced inventory algorithms, resulting in higher accuracy, faster reads and more reliable performance in real‑world conditions.

Contact us for more information on choosing the right RFID reader for your application.

Answer

Reader sensitivity refers to the weakest backscatter signal an RFID reader can detect from a tag. In simple terms, the more sensitive the reader, the better it can pick up signals from smaller, more distant or hard‑to‑read tags. Especially those attached to challenging materials.

High reader sensitivity is essential in dense tag populations, large warehouse setups and fast‑moving tracking environments, where signals vary rapidly.

Modern RFID reader modules achieve exceptional sensitivity through optimized RF front‑ends and advanced inventory algorithms, resulting in higher accuracy, faster reads and more reliable performance in real‑world conditions.

Contact us for more information on choosing the right RFID reader for your application.

Question 30

A circular polarized antenna emits a rotating RF field that reads tags in variable orientations, making it ideal for portals, dock doors, conveyors and moving items.
A linear polarized antenna focuses energy in a single direction and offers slightly longer read range when tag orientation is known, such as in shelving or cabinet installations.
Choosing between them depends on item movement, orientation and the desired read zone shape.

Need help choosing the right RFID antenna? Read our white paper ’Selecting the right RFID antenna for your project’ or contact us.

Answer

A circular polarized antenna emits a rotating RF field that reads tags in variable orientations, making it ideal for portals, dock doors, conveyors and moving items.
A linear polarized antenna focuses energy in a single direction and offers slightly longer read range when tag orientation is known, such as in shelving or cabinet installations.
Choosing between them depends on item movement, orientation and the desired read zone shape.

Need help choosing the right RFID antenna? Read our white paper ’Selecting the right RFID antenna for your project’ or contact us.

Question 31

Every meter cable and every connector will result in more power loss. Approximately 0.5db per meter for a standard cable. But the real loss depends on the cable rate. Higher rated cables are thicker so harder to bend. Lower rated cables are more flexible but with more power loss.

For more detailed information see: https://www.cisper.nl/en/whitepapers/selecting-the-right-rain-rfid-antenna-for-your-project

Answer

Every meter cable and every connector will result in more power loss. Approximately 0.5db per meter for a standard cable. But the real loss depends on the cable rate. Higher rated cables are thicker so harder to bend. Lower rated cables are more flexible but with more power loss.

For more detailed information see: https://www.cisper.nl/en/whitepapers/selecting-the-right-rain-rfid-antenna-for-your-project

Question 32

System performance is greatly impacted by the configuration of the reader antenna ports (where the antennas connect to the reader), the choice of the configuration is generally driven by tradeoffs in cost and performance. Two schemes of choice are monostatic and bistatic configuration

• A monostatic system uses the same antenna to both transmit and receive and requires 4 antennas
• A bistatic system uses separate, dedicated antennas for the transmit and receive operations and requires 8 antennas

A monostatic system is inexpensive, simple to deploy and exhibits better data collection and processing efficiency over bistatic solutions. What’s more, monostatic antennas greatly simplify the extension of UHF Gen 2 to item-level tagging (ILT). ILT is difficult and impractical for bistatic systems, because the transmit and receive antennas must be positioned so closely together that the signal from the transmit antenna couples strongly back into the receive antenna. The reason that some readers use bistatic antennas is to provide isolation between the transmit and receive signals in typical portal applications; they don’t get this isolation in ILT environments. Simply put, monostatic readers work better for ILT.

Answer

System performance is greatly impacted by the configuration of the reader antenna ports (where the antennas connect to the reader), the choice of the configuration is generally driven by tradeoffs in cost and performance. Two schemes of choice are monostatic and bistatic configuration

• A monostatic system uses the same antenna to both transmit and receive and requires 4 antennas
• A bistatic system uses separate, dedicated antennas for the transmit and receive operations and requires 8 antennas

A monostatic system is inexpensive, simple to deploy and exhibits better data collection and processing efficiency over bistatic solutions. What’s more, monostatic antennas greatly simplify the extension of UHF Gen 2 to item-level tagging (ILT). ILT is difficult and impractical for bistatic systems, because the transmit and receive antennas must be positioned so closely together that the signal from the transmit antenna couples strongly back into the receive antenna. The reason that some readers use bistatic antennas is to provide isolation between the transmit and receive signals in typical portal applications; they don’t get this isolation in ILT environments. Simply put, monostatic readers work better for ILT.

Question 33

The most effective mobile asset tracking combines fixed UHF RFID readers at strategic transition points with handheld UHF RFID readers for flexible, on-demand searching. This hybrid approach provides reliable location history, operational automation and rapid asset location throughout a facility.

Fixed UHF Readers for Automated Zone-Level Tracking

• Installed at doorways, zone boundaries, production areas or equipment rooms to create choke points.
• Automatically logs asset movements (e.g., “Asset X entered Area Y at Time Z”) for reliable location history.
• Typically uses 2 to 4 antennas per reader with overlapping fields and varied angles to reduce blind spots.
• Works well with on-metal and standard tags; high-sensitivity readers improve detection of small or challenging tags.

Handheld UHF RFID Readers for Rapid Asset Search

• Allow staff to perform spot-checks, audits and locate misplaced items across large facilities.
• Equipped with features like directional guidance, signal-strength heatmaps, Bluetooth/Android integration and Geiger-counter mode for efficient searching.

Active RFID for Continuous Real-Time Positioning (Optional)

• Uses battery-powered tags transmitting regularly for room- or meter-level tracking via a network of receivers.
• Best suited for high-value assets requiring true real-time location tracking (RTLS), with trade-offs including higher cost and maintenance.

Together, fixed and handheld readers maximize operational automation, tracking accuracy and user flexibility for mobile asset management.

Need help choosing the right RFID antenna? Read our white paper Selecting the right RFID antenna for your project or contact us.

Answer

The most effective mobile asset tracking combines fixed UHF RFID readers at strategic transition points with handheld UHF RFID readers for flexible, on-demand searching. This hybrid approach provides reliable location history, operational automation and rapid asset location throughout a facility.

Fixed UHF Readers for Automated Zone-Level Tracking

• Installed at doorways, zone boundaries, production areas or equipment rooms to create choke points.
• Automatically logs asset movements (e.g., “Asset X entered Area Y at Time Z”) for reliable location history.
• Typically uses 2 to 4 antennas per reader with overlapping fields and varied angles to reduce blind spots.
• Works well with on-metal and standard tags; high-sensitivity readers improve detection of small or challenging tags.

Handheld UHF RFID Readers for Rapid Asset Search

• Allow staff to perform spot-checks, audits and locate misplaced items across large facilities.
• Equipped with features like directional guidance, signal-strength heatmaps, Bluetooth/Android integration and Geiger-counter mode for efficient searching.

Active RFID for Continuous Real-Time Positioning (Optional)

• Uses battery-powered tags transmitting regularly for room- or meter-level tracking via a network of receivers.
• Best suited for high-value assets requiring true real-time location tracking (RTLS), with trade-offs including higher cost and maintenance.

Together, fixed and handheld readers maximize operational automation, tracking accuracy and user flexibility for mobile asset management.

Need help choosing the right RFID antenna? Read our white paper Selecting the right RFID antenna for your project or contact us.

Question 34

Typically, RP-TNC and SMA cables are used in RFID applications. RP-TNC Female connectors are often found on RFID readers, (RP= Reverse Polarity) and they typically do have a center pin. To connect to an antenna, the antenna cable requires a RP-TNC male connector.

SMA connectors are often used to connect cables to an antenna. SMA connectors are smaller than RP-TNC connectors and are available in male and female type. An RFID antenna often has an SMA female connector, which implies that the cable needs to have an SMA male connector on one side.

Therefore, RFID antenna cables are equipped with one RP-TNC Male connector and on the other end an SMA male connector.

Answer

Typically, RP-TNC and SMA cables are used in RFID applications. RP-TNC Female connectors are often found on RFID readers, (RP= Reverse Polarity) and they typically do have a center pin. To connect to an antenna, the antenna cable requires a RP-TNC male connector.

SMA connectors are often used to connect cables to an antenna. SMA connectors are smaller than RP-TNC connectors and are available in male and female type. An RFID antenna often has an SMA female connector, which implies that the cable needs to have an SMA male connector on one side.

Therefore, RFID antenna cables are equipped with one RP-TNC Male connector and on the other end an SMA male connector.

Question 35

RAIN RFID provides the automated identification and lifecycle data needed to make circular economy practices practical at scale. By giving every item a unique, readable identity, companies gain continuous insight into product usage, condition, and movement—eliminating manual work and enabling more sustainable operations.

Key benefits include:

• Longer product and asset lifecycles
RFID enables accurate tracking of maintenance history, component authenticity and product condition. This supports repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing programs while preventing unnecessary disposal.
• Less waste and better recycling
Automated identification helps sort materials correctly, manage returnable packaging, and reduce inventory obsolescence. RFID also improves the tracking of reusable crates, pallets, containers and tooling.
• More efficient supply chains
RFID reduces paper-based processes, limits transport waste, prevents losses and improves demand forecasting. The result is fewer unnecessary shipments and more accurate production planning.
• Carbon and emissions visibility
By linking RFID events to carbon accounting systems, companies can monitor product miles, energy use and logistics emissions—supporting Scope 3 reporting and broader ESG targets.
• Sustainable tag options
Modern RAIN RFID labels often use paper-based substrates, optimized antenna designs with less material, recyclable constructions and even biodegradable components for specific sectors.
• Circular economy applications
RFID is widely used for returnable assets (pallets, crates, tools), textile circularity programs, medical device handling and electronics take-back initiatives. These applications significantly reduce losses and extend asset lifetimes.
• Compliance support
RFID-generated data helps organizations meet requirements under CSRD, EPR, WEEE, PPWR and other sustainability reporting frameworks.

In short, RAIN RFID turns sustainability goals into measurable, operational processes—helping companies reduce environmental impact while improving performance and regulatory readiness.

Answer

RAIN RFID provides the automated identification and lifecycle data needed to make circular economy practices practical at scale. By giving every item a unique, readable identity, companies gain continuous insight into product usage, condition, and movement—eliminating manual work and enabling more sustainable operations.

Key benefits include:

• Longer product and asset lifecycles
RFID enables accurate tracking of maintenance history, component authenticity and product condition. This supports repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing programs while preventing unnecessary disposal.
• Less waste and better recycling
Automated identification helps sort materials correctly, manage returnable packaging, and reduce inventory obsolescence. RFID also improves the tracking of reusable crates, pallets, containers and tooling.
• More efficient supply chains
RFID reduces paper-based processes, limits transport waste, prevents losses and improves demand forecasting. The result is fewer unnecessary shipments and more accurate production planning.
• Carbon and emissions visibility
By linking RFID events to carbon accounting systems, companies can monitor product miles, energy use and logistics emissions—supporting Scope 3 reporting and broader ESG targets.
• Sustainable tag options
Modern RAIN RFID labels often use paper-based substrates, optimized antenna designs with less material, recyclable constructions and even biodegradable components for specific sectors.
• Circular economy applications
RFID is widely used for returnable assets (pallets, crates, tools), textile circularity programs, medical device handling and electronics take-back initiatives. These applications significantly reduce losses and extend asset lifetimes.
• Compliance support
RFID-generated data helps organizations meet requirements under CSRD, EPR, WEEE, PPWR and other sustainability reporting frameworks.

In short, RAIN RFID turns sustainability goals into measurable, operational processes—helping companies reduce environmental impact while improving performance and regulatory readiness.

Question 36

RAIN RFID tags typically store non-personal EPC identifiers rather than direct personal data. For applications that require higher privacy, modern tag ICs offer several protection features, such as password protection for EPC and user memory, access-control states and kill commands that can permanently deactivate tags.

Advanced privacy modes can further reduce risk by limiting read range, masking parts of the ID, or hiding specific memory banks from unauthorized readers. When RAIN RFID systems are designed and configured according to ISO/IEC 18000‑63 and GS1 guidelines, they can align with global data protection and privacy regulations while still enabling efficient, high-volume identification in real-world deployments.

Contact us for more information.

Answer

RAIN RFID tags typically store non-personal EPC identifiers rather than direct personal data. For applications that require higher privacy, modern tag ICs offer several protection features, such as password protection for EPC and user memory, access-control states and kill commands that can permanently deactivate tags.

Advanced privacy modes can further reduce risk by limiting read range, masking parts of the ID, or hiding specific memory banks from unauthorized readers. When RAIN RFID systems are designed and configured according to ISO/IEC 18000‑63 and GS1 guidelines, they can align with global data protection and privacy regulations while still enabling efficient, high-volume identification in real-world deployments.

Contact us for more information.

Question 37

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record that contains comprehensive information about a product's origin, materials, manufacturing process, environmental impact and end-of-life instructions. The European Union is mandating DPPs for many product categories as part of the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

How RFID Enables DPP Implementation

RAIN RFID tags serve as the physical link to digital product data, making them ideal carriers for DPP identification:

Unique identification – Each tag stores a unique EPC or serialized identifier that links to cloud-based product data
Durability – Tags remain readable throughout the product lifecycle, even in harsh conditions
Fast verification – Instant access to product information without manual data entry
Supply chain transparency – Track products from manufacturing through distribution to end-of-life
Tamper evidence – Advanced tags can detect if products have been opened or altered

Common DPP Use Cases with RFID

Electronics & Batteries – EU Battery Regulation requires digital passports for EV batteries and industrial batteries by 2027
Textiles & Fashion – Track material composition, recycling instructions, and sustainability certifications
Construction Materials – Document material origins, carbon footprint and reuse potential
Medical Devices – Maintain complete device history, sterilization cycles and recall traceability

Answer

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital record that contains comprehensive information about a product's origin, materials, manufacturing process, environmental impact and end-of-life instructions. The European Union is mandating DPPs for many product categories as part of the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

How RFID Enables DPP Implementation

RAIN RFID tags serve as the physical link to digital product data, making them ideal carriers for DPP identification:

Unique identification – Each tag stores a unique EPC or serialized identifier that links to cloud-based product data
Durability – Tags remain readable throughout the product lifecycle, even in harsh conditions
Fast verification – Instant access to product information without manual data entry
Supply chain transparency – Track products from manufacturing through distribution to end-of-life
Tamper evidence – Advanced tags can detect if products have been opened or altered

Common DPP Use Cases with RFID

Electronics & Batteries – EU Battery Regulation requires digital passports for EV batteries and industrial batteries by 2027
Textiles & Fashion – Track material composition, recycling instructions, and sustainability certifications
Construction Materials – Document material origins, carbon footprint and reuse potential
Medical Devices – Maintain complete device history, sterilization cycles and recall traceability

Question 38

After receipt of your order, we will send an order acknowledgement to be sure we have fully understood the contents. If all is in stock and your company has a credit line at Cisper, your order will be shipped next working day.

If urgent, please let us know and we will work on best possible solution together.

Answer

After receipt of your order, we will send an order acknowledgement to be sure we have fully understood the contents. If all is in stock and your company has a credit line at Cisper, your order will be shipped next working day.

If urgent, please let us know and we will work on best possible solution together.

Question 39

Yes we do! Depending on the country you are in, we can offer this via DHL Express (for example).

Answer

Yes we do! Depending on the country you are in, we can offer this via DHL Express (for example).

Question 40

If your email was sent to our info mailbox, you can expect a reply within 4 working hours max. Our office is open between 8:30am and 5:00pm (GMT+1) from Monday until Friday.

Answer

If your email was sent to our info mailbox, you can expect a reply within 4 working hours max. Our office is open between 8:30am and 5:00pm (GMT+1) from Monday until Friday.

Question 41

No problem at all. We can ship in blank boxes using your delivery note, directly to your customer. Please make sure to clearly point this out when ordering.

Answer

No problem at all. We can ship in blank boxes using your delivery note, directly to your customer. Please make sure to clearly point this out when ordering.

Question 42

Yes we can! We can ship using your DHL/Fedex/TNT/UPS/DSV account.

Answer

Yes we can! We can ship using your DHL/Fedex/TNT/UPS/DSV account.

Question 43

Our orders are shipped from the Netherlands using DHL Parcel. Within Europe, your shipment should arrive within 1-5 working days. Please contact us to check the transit time for your country.

Answer

Our orders are shipped from the Netherlands using DHL Parcel. Within Europe, your shipment should arrive within 1-5 working days. Please contact us to check the transit time for your country.

Question 44

If not asked otherwise, we will ship using DHL Parcel within Europe.

Answer

If not asked otherwise, we will ship using DHL Parcel within Europe.

Question 45

Yes we do! Lead times are always depending on many factors, but we aim to keep a healthy stock. Please contact our info mailbox for current stock, check the product page, call us or use our chat function on our website.

Answer

Yes we do! Lead times are always depending on many factors, but we aim to keep a healthy stock. Please contact our info mailbox for current stock, check the product page, call us or use our chat function on our website.

Question 46

We can and are happy to do so. Contact us to discuss the terms together.

Answer

We can and are happy to do so. Contact us to discuss the terms together.

Question 47

This depends on the item and manufacturer. We can check the current lead time before your order is placed.

Answer

This depends on the item and manufacturer. We can check the current lead time before your order is placed.

Knowledge

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Case studies

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David Read

Director, Business Development - Xerafy

Whitepapers

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Selecting the right RFID antenna for your project

Selecting the right RFID handheld reader for your project

How to choose the right RFID tag or label for your project?

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

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