Normally, what are the reasons why the reader cannot read the RFID tag chip?

RFID technology is now widely used in many fields such as logistics, warehousing, retail, manufacturing, military assets inventory, etc., which can greatly help enterprises optimize management and operations. However, in reality, the RFID system may also encounter some problems during operation, among which the most typical one is that the reader cannot read the RFID chip. So what are the common reasons why the RFID reader cannot read the chip?

1. Materials that hinder readability
If the RFID reader is installed on a metal surface or close to liquids, the distance between the reader and the RFID tag may be interfered and shortened. It is necessary to select a suitable label material such as anti-liquid, anti-metal, and anti-high temperature, etc.

2. The RFID chip exceeds the reader's reading range
The RFID chip exceeds the reader's reading range and the reading distance is too far, which will cause the reader to be unable to read the RFID chip. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the reading distance supported by the reader and the RFID tag chip is within the effective range of the system.

3. The RFID chip is incompatible with the RFID reader
The difference in RFID frequency will affect the ability of the RFID reader to record information. Therefore, when selecting RFID frequency, it is necessary to ensure that the compatibility and protocol standards of the RFID reader and RFID tag chip are the same. For example, HF RFID readers usually operate at 13.56 MHz in accordance with ISO/IEC14443 standard, but cannot be used with 13.56 MHz ICODE® SLIX chips in accordance with ISO/IEC 15693 standard. Even 125 kHz readers cannot read all 125 kHz chips.

4. Damaged RFID chip
RFID chips may be damaged by strong impact or exposure to extreme temperature environments, thereby destroying the antenna or internal electronic circuits. Therefore, during the operation of the RFID system, it is necessary to carefully observe the surface of the chip and promptly detect scratches, cracks, etc.

5. RFID reader hardware failure
The reader antenna is damaged, and it is necessary to restart the reader, observe whether the antenna has signs of damage, check the power supply, etc., or directly contact the supplier for hardware repair.

6. RFID management software error
This is caused by programming errors and conflicts caused by incorrect software configuration. The solution is to try closing and reopening the RFID management software and make sure that the connection parameters with the reader are absolutely correct. Don't forget to check the software error log to determine the cause of the problem. If it still doesn't work, you can uninstall and reinstall the software or contact the software developer

7. The chip or reader is locked by the solution provider
To enhance the security of the system, some RFID solution providers use proprietary RFID chips that are specially designed and locked so that traditional standard RFID readers cannot read them. At this point, users cannot use standard RFID applications or software and are forced to purchase applications and software designed specifically for the system from RFID technology suppliers.