Passive radio frequency (RF) tags are ideal for short-range, simple tracking applications that include high-value or high-security items such as pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, computer equipment, or chemicals.

PNNL’s passive RF tags offer unique advantages such as the ability to monitor over extended ranges, read multiple tags simultaneously, and precisely locate items. This technology enables reliable remote monitoring that outperform conventional bar-coding or other inventory-tracking methods. Passive RF tags don't require a battery -- they receive enough power to operate from the radio frequency beam of a device that reads or interrogates the tags. With no battery and no moving parts, these miniature and inexpensive tags can be used over a very long lifetime.