What is ISO/IEC 18046-3 about?
ISO/IEC 18046-3 is the third part of a multi-series of international standards on test methods for performance characteristics of radio frequency identification device (RFID) tags.
ISO/IEC 18046-3 specifies the general requirements and test requirements for tags that apply to the selection of the devices for an application.
Under ISO/IEC 18046-3, the summary of the test reports forms a unified tag datasheet which is used to test the performance of the RFID tags.
Who is ISO/IEC 18046-3 for?
ISO/IEC 18046-3 on test methods for tag performance is useful for:
- RFID devices manufacturers and suppliers 
- RFID integrated circuit manufacturer 
- Developers 
- Technology providers
- RFID managers and issuers 
- RFID engineers 
Why should you use ISO/IEC 18046-3?
An RFID is a form of wireless communication that uses radio waves for the identification of objects. RFID technology has broad applicability in the automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) industry in item management.
The performance characteristics of the RFID interrogators and tags vary drastically due to the application factors as well as the particular RFID air interface that is being supported.
The key concern is the matching of the various performance characteristics to the user application as a user of such technology demands multiple sources for these devices from technology providers.
ISO/IEC 18046-3 allows evaluation and comparison of different RFID tags of various technology providers and thus, helps in selecting an efficient RFID tag for use in a particular application.
ISO/IEC 18046-3 can help manufacture efficient RFID tags by evaluating the differences between various technology providers' tags consistently and equitably.
ISO/IEC 18046-3 can help you test RFID tags to enhance the process of approval of the tags for their use in devices.
Efficient use of test methods helps in assessing the performance of the tag and enables you to make the right selection of device as per your specific application needs.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS ISO/IEC 18046-3:2020 supersedes BS ISO/IEC 18046‑3:2012, which is withdrawn. The main changes are:
- Adaptation of the test method for 860 MHz to 930 MHz bands
- Change of the frequency range to 860 MHz to 930 MHz
