After lengthy negotiations, notably concerning the international norms and standards that RFID systems must meet, the 915-921 MHz upper band has been authorized in France since the beginning of December.
Specifically, the 3 channels 916.3 MHz, 917.5 MHz and 918.5 MHz will be used. Thanks to these new frequencies, RFID systems will be all the more reliable and efficient. This new authorization will enable a significant improvement in the deployment of RFID structures; a real turning point for Industry 4.0 in France, which concerns all manufacturers.
RFID technology offers many advantages:
- Increase power
Antenna coverage area is increased, thanks to an increase from 33 dBm (2 W) to 36 dBm (4 W). This means lower infrastructure costs (fewer antennas, fewer readers, etc.).
- Read faster
Thanks to twice the bandwidth, from 200 kHz to 400 kHz, you can double the reading rate. This can be very useful on moving RFID tags.
- Improve reading of “difficult” tags
By increasing the power, you can improve the reading of “difficult” RFID tags.
- Tune your frequencies
These frequencies are compatible with those used in the USA (standard: FCC 902-928).
Do you already have an RFID system in your company?
As for RFID readers, some models may be upgraded.
On the tag side, verification and compatibility of standards are essential, bearing in mind that :
- Europe zone tags (ETSI) are not optimized for upper band. This leads to a loss of distance and reading.
- USA zone tags (FCC) are optimized for the upper band.
- Some tags are designed to operate on both bands (lower and upper).
Source: Impinj, based on Monza tags
CIPAM can support and advise you in modifying your RFID system and optimizing your installation.
Questions about the upper band? Need an RFID system?