I think RFID is divide into three :
1. Low frequency => 125 KHz
2. medium frequency => 13.5 MHz
3. High Frequency => .......
each frequency will differ the range of the reader and the tag that used.
1. for the low frequency the read range is small ( about 10-15 cm) example ID12, ID 20 from the innovation and the tag is passive no need power supply.
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2. for the medium frequency the read range is wider ( don't know exact range) and the tag is passive also ( i think or maybe active tag can be used)
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3. for the high frequency tha range is wider than medium and tag is active (need power at the tag)
I've already used the low frequency ID 20, for this type RFID there are 2 ways for read the data :
1. UART TTL ( this means u don't need level converter like max 232, u can direct connect to TX RX micro). if you use this ways there are 2 steps first read the ascii character (16 character) and that convert it to decimal than calculate it.
the link is
www.digi-ware.com and go to the application link and AN05 is the tutorial in Indonesia languge you can used google translate from indonesia to english
2. Wiegand 26 if you use this ways you must used 2 port external interrupt, because wiegand send 2 data, DATA 0 and DATA 1,
Data 0 will create low pulse for about 50 us if the data is 0
Data 1 will create low pulse for about 50 us if the data is 1
it will send 26 bits, 1 bit even parity, 24 bits data and 1 bit odd parity
I used avr and bascom avr for read RFID using uart protocal and wiegand 26 protocol, if you need the source code just let me know.
Hope this helpful to u
DENY (BODAT'Z)