What is the difference between passive and active RFID technology?
Passive and active refer to how RFID tags function. Passive tags have no internal power source. The tag is not able to communicate until it is energized by the broadcast of an RFID reader. The RF field produced by the reader provides sufficient energy to the IC on the tag that it is able to reflect (passive backscatter) energy to the reader. Because passive tags do not contain batteries or extensive electronics, they are cost effective to mass produce costing as little as 10 cents each. Of course, there is a tradeoff to passive technology. Most RFID readers can only hear a passive tag if it is positioned within 15 feet. In contrast, active tags have a battery which allows them to communicate on a consistent schedule. This stronger broadcast can be heard by RFID receivers up to hundreds or even thousands of feet away. Most active tags will beacon every second or less, so they are easier to locate in real-time. Active tags are more complicated to manufacture and have more parts, so they
