Product Overview
The FDX-B animal microchip is the internationally recognized standard for permanent electronic identification in companion animals and livestock. This passive RFID device provides a secure, tamper-proof link between an animal and its essential data in global databases, ensuring reliable identification throughout its life. As the most widely adopted protocol in veterinary and animal management, it solves the critical issue of lost or unidentifiable animals by enabling rapid scanning and accurate retrieval of owner, medical, and registration information.
Key Features and Benefits
The FDX-B microchip system is engineered for reliability, safety, and global interoperability.
- ISO 11784/11785 Global Standard: Guarantees compatibility with readers worldwide, making it the definitive choice for international animal movement and identification programs.
- Unchangeable 15-Digit Identification Number: Each chip contains a unique, factory-programmed 64-bit code that cannot be altered, duplicated, or removed, providing a permanent and fraud-proof identity.
- Passive and Maintenance-Free: Requires no internal power source; the chip is activated solely by the energy from a compatible scanner, ensuring a functional lifespan exceeding 25 years.
- Biocompatible Glass Encapsulation: The microchip is hermetically sealed in a smooth, medical-grade glass capsule that is well-tolerated by animal tissue, promoting encapsulation and minimizing post-implantation migration.
- Fast FDX-B Communication Protocol: Utilizes Full Duplex technology for quick and dependable data transmission to the reader, facilitating efficient scanning in clinical or field settings.
How It Works
The FDX-B microchip operates on established low-frequency RFID principles.
- Implantation: A trained professional injects the sterile microchip subcutaneously, typically between the animal’s shoulder blades, in a quick procedure similar to a vaccination.
- Activation: A compatible ISO-standard scanner, when brought near the implant site, emits a 134.2 kHz radio signal that powers the passive microchip.
- Data Transmission: The energized chip instantly transmits its unique 15-digit ID number back to the scanner via the FDX-B protocol.
- Database Retrieval: This ID number is used to query a secure pet recovery or livestock database, retrieving the owner’s contact details and the animal’s registered profile.
Primary Applications
- Pet Recovery and Identification: Provides a permanent form of ID for dogs, cats, and other pets, significantly increasing the likelihood of reuniting lost animals with their owners.
- Veterinary Practice Management: Ensures accurate patient identification for medical records, treatments, and vaccinations, enhancing clinic efficiency and safety.
- Livestock Traceability and Management: Enables herd inventory, health monitoring, breeding management, and supply chain traceability for cattle, sheep, pigs, and other farm animals.
- Animal Registration and Travel: Serves as proof of identity for breed registries and is often mandatory for international pet travel, linking the animal to its health certificates.
Technical Specifications
- Communication Protocol: FDX-B (Full Duplex)
- Frequency: 134.2 kHz (Low Frequency – LF)
- Standards: Compliant with ISO 11784 & ISO 11785
- Chip Encoding: Unique, factory-lasered 15-digit number (64-bit)
- Read Range: Approximately 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) with a compatible reader
- Encapsulation Material: Biocompatible soda-lime glass
- Dimensions: Approximately 2.0 mm in diameter x 12 mm in length
- Expected Lifespan: 25+ years (passive design)
Industry Use Cases
The FDX-B microchip is deployed across various sectors for secure animal identification.
- Veterinary Clinics: Routinely implanted in pets for permanent identification and integrated with practice management software.
- Animal Shelters and Rescues: Used to scan incoming strays for existing microchips and to register animals upon adoption.
- Equestrian Industry: Identifies horses for ownership verification, competition, and equine passport programs.
- Livestock Agriculture: Manages dairy and beef cattle for herd health, lineage tracking, and government-mandated food safety traceability.
- Government and Animal Control: Supports pet licensing enforcement, stray animal management, and rabies vaccination verification.