White Paper: Long Range RFID Benchmark Test Results

Our team previously evaluated twelve commercially available durable asset tags – passive RFID tags designed to be mounted directly on metal, operate near metal, or submersed in water (read the in-depth evaluation here). We define Durable Asset Tags as RFID tags that are specifically designed to withstand a variety of challenging environmental operating conditions. In order for a tag to be included in this category it must have an IP Rating which provides a standardized measure for durability. Based on our tests, the best overall performing tags came from Omni-ID.

Now, in September 2009, Omni-ID released new versions of their RFID tags including a new tag called the Omni-ID Ultra, a tag they claim can be read 100 feet away – further than any other passive RFID tag on the market. In this edition, we're going put that claim to the test and see if the Ultra really is the ultimate passive RFID tag.

During the past several years, I have heard many people say, "RFID does not work with metal and liquids" in the context of passive UHF technology, more specifically with EPCglobal Class 1 Gen 2 or ISO 18000-6C. This unfortunate misconception has been perpetuated by misinformation from vendors with competitive offerings in other frequencies. In reality, anyone can now achieve tag reads on metal from over 100 feet away and 2½ feet away submerged in water if the proper tag, reader, and antenna is used.

The durable asset tracking tags we're going to test are from Omni-ID. Omni-ID tags do not contain batteries, they are passive. However, unlike other passive RFID tags that use large metallic antennas to achieve longer read ranges, Omni-ID's tags capture RF energy using something called a plasmonic structure, which is totally unique and even patented.