RFID Read Range: Just how far can an RFID tag read? (2011 Update)

So, in 2008, we posted our RFID read-range results with some of the first Gen2 RFID tags.

We just got a chance to try the new Impinj Monza 4 / Monza 5 chips and ... wow.

That's Eric out in the middle of the road where we read  his tag from our office window.

Today's range (April 2011):

• 105 feet head-on free space


• 25 feet head-on badge tag on body

Other Notes:

Reader: We used a Symbol XR400 w/ a bi-static star-trek transporter antenna. Our testing in 2008 was with a ThingMagic M5 reader. The M5 has about 30% better performance than the Symbol (Motorola) readers so, we know we can do better. Also, we would likely get even better results w/ a new R2000 (Impinj chip) based reader.

Tag: The new Zebra RFID Badge Tag.

Stunning range? Yes. Normal? I don't know -- we haven't done enough testing. This is in an outdoor environment with no tuning. If we placed it in some sort of chamber, I'm sure it'd be less. But, all things being equal, it's unreal. With tuning, we can probably get another 50'. We'll post another update when we can get a number of Monza 4 based RFID tags to really give a benchmark of where the technology has gone.

The interesting thing will be making a smaller antenna that has a consistent read-range of 10'-20'. As is, these long ranges are going to become a problem.