UHF READERS

WHAT IS UHF TECNOLOGY?

Ultra-high-frequency (UHF) technology, operating within 300 MHz to 3 GHz radio frequencies, significantly impacts our daily lives. It is the backbone of applications we use regularly, such as television broadcasting, mobile phones, satellite communication, and Radio Frequency Identification systems.

KEY FEATURES OF UHF READERS TECHNOLOGY

FREQUENCY RANGE

UHF spans 300 MHz to 3 GHz, providing a broad spectrum for various communication needs.

WAVELENGHT

The wavelengths in the UHF range are shorter (1 meter to 10 centimeters), allowing for the design of more compact antennas and devices.

PROPAGATION CHARACTERISTICS

Line-of-Sight: UHF signals primarily propagate via line-of-sight, meaning they travel directly from the transmitter to the receiver.

Penetration: These frequencies can penetrate building walls and other obstacles better than higher-frequency signals. However, they are more susceptible to attenuation compared to lower-frequency signals

Multipath Effects: UHF signals can reflect off surfaces, causing multipath interference, but modern technologies can mitigate these effects.

ADVANTAGES OF UHF TECHNOLOGY

WIDE COVERAGE

UHF signals can cover significant distances, making them suitable for broadcast and mobile communications.

COMPACT ANTENNAS

The shorter wavelength of UHF Antennas allows for the design of smaller, more portable antennas.

BETTER INFILTRATION

Compared to higher frequency bands, UHF signals infiltrate obstacles such as buildings and trees more effectively.

HIGH CAPACITY

UHF’s wide frequency range supports many channels and higher data transfer rates.

TECHNICAL COMPONENTS

TRANSMITTERS AND RECEIVERS

UHF technology relies on specialized transmitters and receivers designed to operate efficiently within the UHF frequency range.

ANTENNAS

UHF antennas are designed to match the shorter wavelengths, often resulting in more compact and portable designs.

FILTERS AND AMPLIFIERS

UHF systems use filters and amplifiers tailored to the specific frequencies to ensure signal clarity and strength.

HOW TO USE THIS TECHNOLOGY?

Access control systems are one of the most valuable options for using UHF technology. The UHF readers work together with other devices which work together to generate their correct function, which are: 

Television Broadcasting
UHF is used for over-the-air TV broadcasting. Channels in the UHF band provide a wide range of frequencies for TV stations, allowing for many channels.
Mobile Communications
Many cellular networks operate in the UHF band, particularly in the lower portion (e.g., 700 MHz, 800 MHz, and 900 MHz), offering good coverage and capacity.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Some Wi-Fi standards (e.g., 802.11a/n/ac) and Bluetooth technologies operate in the UHF range, particularly around 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Satellite Communication
Certain satellite communication systems use UHF data transmission and reception frequencies.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
UHF RFID systems operate in the 860 MHz to 960 MHz range and are used for tracking and managing inventory, assets, and more.
Public Safety and Emergency Services
Police, fire, and other emergency services use UHF frequencies for reliable communication.
Two-Way Radios
Many walkie-talkies and two-way radios businesses and recreational users use to operate in the UHF band.
GPS
Some components of the Global Positioning System (GPS) operate within the UHF spectrum to provide location and navigation services.
Previous slide
Next slide

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEENUHF TECHNOLOGY AND RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM?

The relationship between UHF readers technology and Radio Frequency Identification systems is that UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) is one of the frequency ranges used in RFID access control system. Specifically, UHF reader systems operate within the UHF frequency band, typically from 860 MHz to 960 MHz. This range is chosen for its advantages in terms of read range, data transfer speed, and the ability to read multiple tags simultaneously.

KEY FEATURES OF UHF READERS TECHNOLOGY

FREQUENCE RANGE

READ RANGE

This system operates in the 860 to 960 MHz range, with specific frequency bands allocated in different regions (e.g., 902-928 MHz in North America and 865-868 MHz in Europe).

The technology has a typical read range of 1 to 12 meters, making it suitable for applications that require more extended distance tracking.

DATA TRANSFER RATE

TAG AND READER INTERACTION

The systems can transfer data faster than LF and HF RFID access control systems, making them ideal for applications requiring fast inventory checks and high-speed data collection.

Tags can be read quickly and from a greater distance. This interaction depends on the reader’s power and the type of tag used (e.g., passive, semi-passive, or active tags).

POLARIZATION ANTENNAS, A GOOD ALTERNATIVE FOR UHF READERS:

The type of polarization helps to categorize UHF antennas, since this is how the orientation of the electric field and the distance over which it can handle the electromagnetic waves, it receives or sends are managed.

Keep this type of information in mind. These materials are important. The quality of the electromagnetic waves rises or falls according to the characteristics of said materials. The radio frequencies are of good quality, and generally, the communication of the antennas and readers will not fail. 

LINEAL:

Linear polarization, while generating direct communication waves, does not ensure optimal communication with the labels if they are not perfectly aligned, either vertically or horizontally. They are useful in stable and level spaces, but if counterparties fluctuate or change positions, communication problems may arise, making it important to be cautious of these limitations. In conclusion, UHF technology offers a cost-effective and communication-friendly solution for various applications, making it a valuable addition to any access control system. 

GLOBAL:

In this case, the electromagnetic waves are sent in a spiral way, making it valid to use Radios Frequency Identification technology products. It receives signals from different angles in a dynamic and constant manner. This makes it perfect for installation in spaces where both counterparts are in different positions or places, perfect for logistics spaces, for orders, or for constant access. 

ELIPTIC:

Near-field polarization offers services like the previous one but with little range due to its electromagnetic transmission. However, it is more effective in its communication than labels. These devices also offer different “levels” of privacy in their communication depending on the configuration given. These devices are perfect for various office spaces or short-access spaces.

ADVANTAGES

Longer read range and higher speed compared to LF and HF RFID Access Control

Ability to read multiple tags simultaneously, which is helpful for bulk scanning.

Higher data storage capacity on tags.

TECHNICAL COMPONENTS

Tags are the labels or transponders attached to the tracked objects. They contain an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC) for storing data.

Readers are devices that send out radio waves to detect and read information from the tags. They come in various forms, including handheld, fixed, and integrated readers.

Middleware and Software are systems that manage readers’ data, integrating with databases and enterprise systems for processing and analysis.

TYPES OF TAGS

PASSIVE TAGS

Do not have an internal power source and rely on the reader to power the communication. They are cost-effective and have a long lifespan.

SEMI-PASSIVE TAGS

A small battery powers the internal circuits but relies on the reader for communication. They offer a more extended read range than passive tags.

ACTIVE TAGS

An internal battery powers both communication and internal circuits, providing the most extended read range and the ability to send signals to the reader actively.

APPLICATIONS

Inventory Management
Used extensively in retail for inventory tracking and stock management.
Supply Chain Management
Enables real-time tracking of goods throughout the supply chain.
Asset Tracking
Helps track valuable assets in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics industries.
Access Control
Utilized for security and access control in buildings and facilities.
Vehicle Tracking
Employed in toll collection systems and fleet management.
Previous slide
Next slide

STANDARS

EPCglobal Gen2 (ISO 18000-6C)

A widely adopted UHF Radio Frequency Identification standard that ensures interoperability between different products and systems.

ISO/IEC 18000-6

A standard for the UHF Radio Frequency Identification air interface protocol.

UHF Radio Frequency Identification technology is a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency and accuracy in various industries. It enables automated data capture and real-time tracking capabilities.