Overview

ISO/IEC 18000-2:2009 specifies the air‑interface parameters for low‑frequency RFID systems used for item management - i.e., radio frequency identification (RFID) communications below 135 kHz. The standard defines the physical layer and the air‑interface protocol for interrogator (reader) and tag interactions to promote compatibility and interoperability of LF RFID products in international markets.

Key points:

Covers RFID operation at 125 kHz and 134.2 kHz
Defines two tag types: Type A (FDX) and Type B (HDX), differing only by physical layer
Specifies power transfer modes, modulation, timing, anti‑collision (inventory) and command structures

Key topics and technical requirements

Physical layer: Detailed parameters for Type A and Type B tags including power transfer, frequency, interrogator‑to‑tag and tag‑to‑interrogator signaling.
Power behaviour: Type A tags are continuously powered by the interrogator (including during tag responses); Type B tags are powered except while transmitting back.
Transmission protocol & MAC: Frame formats (SOF/EOF), CRC checks, timing, MAC parameters and collision‑avoidance (inventory/anti‑collision) mechanisms.
Commands and services: Mandatory and optional commands such as INVENTORY, READ UII, READ/WRITE BLOCK(S), STAY QUIET, LOCK BLOCK, plus provisions for custom/proprietary commands.
Tag memory & identifiers: User memory organization, UII (Unique Item Identifier), AFI (Application Family Identifier), DSFID and block security status.
Conformance & safety: Sections on RF emissions, general population limits, and healthcare settings (emissions and susceptibility).

Applications and practical use

ISO/IEC 18000-2:2009 is suitable for implementation and procurement of low‑frequency (LF) RFID systems in item management applications that require robust near‑field performance and simple tag form factors. Typical uses include:

Asset and inventory tracking in manufacturing and logistics
Access control and identification systems where LF read range and penetration are advantageous
Library, retail and stock‑room item identification
Environments with metal/liquid proximity where HF/UHF are less reliable

This standard helps system designers, RFID device manufacturers, integrators and test labs ensure interoperability between readers and passive LF tags.

Who should use this standard

RFID hardware manufacturers (tags, readers)
System integrators and solution architects
Standards committees and procurement/spec writers
Test and certification laboratories

Related standards

ISO/IEC 18000 series (other parts define HF/UHF air interfaces and parameters)
Complementary application standards that reference ISO/IEC 18000‑2 for LF air‑interface requirements

Keywords: ISO/IEC 18000-2:2009, RFID, air interface, below 135 kHz, 125 kHz, 134.2 kHz, Type A, Type B, anti-collision, inventory, UII, AFI, LF RFID.

Overview

Key points:

Covers RFID operation at 125 kHz and 134.2 kHz
Defines two tag types: Type A (FDX) and Type B (HDX), differing only by physical layer
Specifies power transfer modes, modulation, timing, anti‑collision (inventory) and command structures

Key topics and technical requirements

Physical layer: Detailed parameters for Type A and Type B tags including power transfer, frequency, interrogator‑to‑tag and tag‑to‑interrogator signaling.
Power behaviour: Type A tags are continuously powered by the interrogator (including during tag responses); Type B tags are powered except while transmitting back.
Transmission protocol & MAC: Frame formats (SOF/EOF), CRC checks, timing, MAC parameters and collision‑avoidance (inventory/anti‑collision) mechanisms.
Commands and services: Mandatory and optional commands such as INVENTORY, READ UII, READ/WRITE BLOCK(S), STAY QUIET, LOCK BLOCK, plus provisions for custom/proprietary commands.
Tag memory & identifiers: User memory organization, UII (Unique Item Identifier), AFI (Application Family Identifier), DSFID and block security status.
Conformance & safety: Sections on RF emissions, general population limits, and healthcare settings (emissions and susceptibility).

Applications and practical use

Asset and inventory tracking in manufacturing and logistics
Access control and identification systems where LF read range and penetration are advantageous
Library, retail and stock‑room item identification
Environments with metal/liquid proximity where HF/UHF are less reliable

This standard helps system designers, RFID device manufacturers, integrators and test labs ensure interoperability between readers and passive LF tags.

Who should use this standard

RFID hardware manufacturers (tags, readers)
System integrators and solution architects
Standards committees and procurement/spec writers
Test and certification laboratories

Related standards

ISO/IEC 18000 series (other parts define HF/UHF air interfaces and parameters)
Complementary application standards that reference ISO/IEC 18000‑2 for LF air‑interface requirements

Keywords: ISO/IEC 18000-2:2009, RFID, air interface, below 135 kHz, 125 kHz, 134.2 kHz, Type A, Type B, anti-collision, inventory, UII, AFI, LF RFID.

ISO/IEC 18000-2:2009 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Applications and practical use

Who should use this standard

Related standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Applications and practical use

Who should use this standard

Related standards

Related standards

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