| Low Frequency (LF) | High Frequency (HF) | Ultra High Frequency (UHF) | |
| Frequency Range: | 125kHz, 134.2kHz | 13.56 MHz (Global) | 865 – 928 MHz (Regionally dependent) |
| Typical Read Range of TSL® Products: | Between 7cm and 8cm (transponder and antenna dependant). | Between 5cm and 8cm (transponder and antenna dependant). | Between 2m (6.5ft) and 9m (29.5ft) – transponder and antenna dependant. |
| ISO Standards: | ISO 11784, ISO 11785, ISO 18000-2 | ISO 15693, ISO 14443 | ISO 18000-6C |
| Data Transmission Rates: | Slow data transmission rate | Higher data read rate than LF tags | Fast data transmission rate |
| Multiple Reads Capability: | Usually only single reads | Good | Excellent multiple reads capability |
| Supported Tags: | A wide variety of manufacturer specific transponders including NXP (Philips) HITAG, EM Microelectronic and Texas Instruments | A wide variety of transponders at 13.56 MHz including ISO 15693, ICODE (I & II) and the complete Mifare family of ISO14443 (A & B) | EPC Class 1 Gen 2 Transponders (including RAIN RFID tags) |
| Tag Suppliers: | HID Global, NXP, Sokymat, EM Microelectronics, Texas Instruments | HID Global, ACG, Toshiba, iDTRONIC, Invengo, Tagsys, UPM Raflatac, X-ident and many more | HID Global, Alien, Avery Dennison, Avonwood Eureka , Caen, Confidex, iDTRONIC, Intermec, Invengo, Omni-ID, Toshiba, TI, UPM Raflatac, X-ident and many more |
| Tag Cost: | Relatively expensive | Varies depending on type of tag | UHF tags can be very low cost (at high volumes) due to the simpler manufacturing process . |
| Reader Cost: | Lower (more established technology) | Lower (more established technology) | Higher (newer and more complex technology) |
| Reader Antenna Size: | Short range mobile LF readers require only a small antenna | Short range mobile HF readers require only a small antenna | Mobile UHF reader antennas are relatively large, reduced antenna sizes can be used if compromising on read range |
| Read Field: | Small Read Field, but easier to define – ideal for reading unique items at close range | Small Read Field, but easier to define – ideal for reading unique items at close range | Read field is much larger than LF or HF, but the radio waves can bounce off objects farther away. Excellent performance in environments with high tag density |
| Tag Memory Capacity: | Smaller memory sizes in comparison to passive HF RFID tags | Capable of relatively high memory capacity, typically 256 bits to 8 Kbytes | Smaller memory sizes in comparison to passive HF RFID tags, typically 96 bits to 1 Kbits |
| Performance in Close Proximity to Liquids and Metals: | Performance unaffected by surrounding water or metals | Proven track record of reliable and accurate performance of HF tags on liquids and metals | Unless properly engineered, UHF tags can be detuned by proximity to metals, liquids and human tissue. However, mount on metal UHF tags exist and in some cases outperform their HF counterparts |
| Security: | Low encryption capabilities | Multiple encryption/security features | Read/write protection and anti-cloning, low encryption capabilities |
| Click here for LF RFID Products | Click here for HF RFID Products | Click here for UHF RFID Products |