Newsletter July 2025
Is 125kHz LF technology fading out?
Some major suppliers and producers are phasing out 125kHz LF technology or have announced their intention to do so.
However, it does have significant advantages over the 13.56MHz HF technology:
125 kHz RFID operates in the low frequency (LF) band. Data transmission is based on electromagnetic induction. Due to its lower frequency, a reading range of up to 1 metre can be achieved. LF also offers better penetration compared to 13.56 MHz technology, especially in difficult environments such as metal and liquids. This is why 125/134 kHz tags are often used in areas such as animal identification, industrial automation and personal or object identification. In addition, it is usually more cost-effective – an important argument for projects with a tight budget!
125kHz LF technology can be just as secure as HF technology:
Thanks to a controlled deactivation, unauthorised copying of cards can be reliably prevented with our LF Secure Reader: LF Secure Reader 694-52
Of course, LF technology does not only have advantages:
For example, due to the lower operating frequency large amounts of data cannot be processed quickly. HF technology transponders are also cheaper to manufacture today thanks to printed antennas, but this advantage usually remains with the manufacturer.
Conclusion:
If your application is identification by using a transponder code, LF technology (125/134kHz) remains a robust and, above all, cost-effective choice.
