# Animal RFID Microchips (FDX-B) | XIUCHENG RFID
Animal identification has shifted from visual tags to implantable RFID microchips as the global standard for reliable, lifelong traceability. Among available technologies, ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B animal RFID microchips with injectors have become the dominant choice in veterinary medicine and large-scale animal identification programs.

This article explains how these microchips work, why FDX-B is the preferred protocol, and what technical parameters matter in real deployments.

## What Are Animal RFID Microchips?

[Animal RFID microchips](https://rfid-pro.com/product/animal-syringe-bioglass-tags/) are passive, implantable transponders encapsulated in biocompatible glass. Once injected under the skin, each microchip provides a unique, tamper-resistant identity that can be read wirelessly throughout the animal’s lifetime.

Unlike collars or ear tags, implantable microchips:

Cannot be easily lost or removed

Require no battery

Function reliably for decades

This makes them essential for pet identification, livestock traceability, disease control, and regulatory compliance.

## ISO 11784 / ISO 11785: The Global Standard

Animal RFID systems are governed by two international standards:

ISO 11784 – Defines the data structure stored in the microchip

ISO 11785 – Defines the air interface and communication protocol

Under these standards, FDX-B (Full Duplex) has become the most widely adopted transmission method worldwide.

## Why FDX-B?

FDX-B offers:

Stable signal transmission at 134.2 kHz

Strong global interoperability

Compatibility with most veterinary and livestock readers

Regulatory acceptance in the EU, US, and many other regions

Some systems also support HDX, but FDX-B remains the default for companion animals and international identification databases.

## Microchip Technology Overview

Modern animal RFID microchips typically use EM4305-based architecture, offering reliable read/write capability and long-term data retention.

## Core Technical Characteristics

RF Interface: ISO 11784/11785

Transmission: FDX-B (Full Duplex), optional HDX

Frequency: 134.2 kHz (±2 kHz), optional 125 kHz

Memory: 256 bits

Data retention: > 20 years

Power: Passive (no battery)

Because these chips are passive, they are activated only when within the electromagnetic field of a compatible RFID reader.

## Bioglass Encapsulation: Why It Matters

The microchip is enclosed in cylindrical bioglass, a material specifically engineered for implantation.

Key properties of bioglass encapsulation:

Excellent biocompatibility

High resistance to moisture and chemicals

Mechanical stability under tissue pressure

Long-term performance inside living organisms

This encapsulation ensures that the microchip remains readable even after decades of implantation.

## Size Options and Implantation Use Cases

Different animals require different microchip dimensions. Common sizes include:

1.25 × 7 mm – Small pets, cats, birds

1.4 × 8 mm – Dogs and medium animals

2.12 × 12 mm – Livestock such as cows and fish

Smaller form factors reduce implantation trauma, while larger chips can offer improved read range in large animals.

## Injector Kits: Designed for Professional Use

Animal RFID microchips are supplied as complete injector kits, optimized for veterinary clinics and mass identification programs.

A typical injector kit includes:

Pre-loaded sterile microchip

Single-use injector or syringe

Anti-migration coating on the microchip surface

Sterilized packaging for safe implantation

This design enables fast, standardized implantation with minimal risk.

## Environmental and Thermal Performance

Animal identification systems must function in harsh environments, including farms, shelters, and outdoor conditions.

Typical operating parameters:

Operating temperature: –25°C to 70°C

Storage temperature: –40°C to 100°C

Weight: ~0.1 g

These specifications ensure reliability across climates and species.

## Application Scenarios

FDX-B animal RFID microchips are widely used in:

Pet identification (cats, dogs)

Livestock management (cows, sheep)

Aquaculture (fish tracking)

Avian research (birds)

Wildlife monitoring

Medical and research identification

In some regions, human identification for medical or security purposes, subject to local regulations

## Why FDX-B Microchips Remain the Industry Default

Despite advances in UHF and sensor-based RFID, low-frequency FDX-B microchips remain unmatched for implantation because they offer:

Stable performance in biological tissue

Minimal interference from water and metal

Long read life without maintenance

Universal reader compatibility

For applications where permanence and reliability matter more than range or data volume, FDX-B remains the optimal solution.

## Final Thoughts

Animal RFID microchips with ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B technology represent a mature, globally standardized identification solution. Their combination of bioglass encapsulation, passive operation, and long-term memory makes them indispensable for modern animal management systems.

As global regulations continue to emphasize traceability and animal welfare, implantable RFID microchips will remain a foundational technology for years to come.

## About XIUCHENG RFID

[XIUCHENG RFID](https://rfid-pro.com/) specializes in manufacturing a wide range of RFID products, including RFID Silicone Wristbands, Tyvek Wristbands, Fabric Wristbands, Elastic Wristbands, Vinyl Wristbands, RFID Laundry Tags, Animal Tags, and RFID Cards. All products are produced under strict quality control and advanced production technology.
With 12 years of experience in wristband design, tag design, quality management, and customer relationship management, we have built a solid foundation for delivering reliable and high-performance RFID solutions.