RFID Cards: Definition, Types, How They Work, and Applications

In this era of rapid digital technology development, the need for practical, secure, and efficient identification systems is increasingly pressing. One widely adopted solution is the RFID card.

RFID cards are now used not only for door access or employee attendance, but also in the transportation, retail, healthcare, and public service sectors. With their ability to store unique data and connect directly to management systems, these cards have become a crucial part of modern businesses' automation and digitalization strategies.

Understanding RFID Cards

As a starting point, it is important to understand what is meant by an RFID card.RFID Card is Tag RFID in the form of a card which contains a chip and mini antenna which stores digital identity and can be read without physical contact by RFID reader. 

Generally made of PVC or composite and can be printed like an ID card, these cards are used for building access, attendance, cashless payments, logistics, and membership. barcode or magnetic stripe, RFID cards do not need to be swiped or pointed directly at the scanner so the process is faster and more wear-resistant.

RFID Card Types

After knowing the definition, let's look at the categories of RFID cards that are common on the market for a more precise selection.

1. Card LF (125 kHz) – Proximity

Short-range cards for basic functions like door access and attendance. They are relatively affordable, have a short read distance, and have a small data capacity. They are suitable for simple needs with extensive infrastructure.

2. HF card (13.56 MHz) – ISO 14443/15693

Often called a smart card because it supports larger memory and security features. Includes the familyMIFARE, DESFire, And ISO 15693(vicinity). Widely used in transportation, campuses, offices, and libraries.

3. NFC card (HF subset)

NFC essentially operates on HF frequencies. Its advantage lies in its compatibility with NFC-enabled phones, making it suitable for ticketing, memberships, and even cardless experiences.

4. UHF Card (860–960 MHz) – ISO 18000-6C / EPC Gen2

Allows for longer reading distances and mass reading. Commonly used for parking management, vehicle gates, or logistics automation. While it still comes in card form, performance is highly influenced by the environment and reading position.

How RFID Cards Work

To make its use clear, here is how RFID cards work in the identification process.RFID cards are passive, and do not use batteries. When brought close to the reader, the card's antenna receives energy from radio waves, activates the chip, and the chip then sends identity data back to the reader via signal modulation.

The system validates the data and executes the desired action, such as opening a door, recording attendance, deducting from a balance, or recording a transaction. Reading distance, speed, and reliability are affected by frequency, antenna design, card orientation, and environmental conditions.

Advantages of RFID Cards

To assess its business impact, here are the benefits organizations most frequently seek.

1. Fast and contactless

The process of tapping or holding the card close saves time compared to swiping or manual input, helping to reduce queues.

2. Durable and easy to print

The card surface can be printed with photos, names, and logos. There's no physical contact when reading, so it has a longer lifespan than magnetic stripe cards.

3. Safe and can be encrypted

Modern UHF and HF variants support authentication and encryption, reducing the risk of cloning and unauthorized access.

4. Multi-application

One card can be used for building access, attendance, canteen, parking, library, and loyalty system.

5. System integration

Easily connect to ERP, HRIS, POS, or ticketing platforms for real-time reporting and workflow automation.

6. Skalabel

Suitable for growing organizations, from a few doors to hundreds of access points.

Disadvantages of RFID Cards

In order to make a mature implementation decision, also understand the following limitations.

1. Initial infrastructure costs

Requires purchase of reader, printer encoder, and software integration which adds to the initial investment.

2. Compatibility issues

Not all cards fit all readers. Standards and chipsets must be matched for optimal performance.

3. Security on old technology

Some older generation cards are relatively easy to copy. Using the latest security standards and proper key management is recommended.

4. Environmental interference

Performance may be degraded near certain metals or liquids, and is affected by the distance and orientation of the card to the antenna.

RFID Card Applications for Various Industries

So that the benefits are truly felt, here is an example of use in the field.

1. Offices and Industrial Areas

Employee cards for door, elevator, and turnstile access, as well as integrated HRIS attendance recording. Improves area security and reduces process duplication.

2. Retail and Hospitality

Membership cards for loyalty and digital vouchers. In hotels, room cards allow for quick internal access and payments, reducing queues at the front desk.

3. Transportation and Parking

Cashless transportation tickets and subscription parking cards. Gate can process large numbers of users quickly, reducing bottlenecks.

4. Education and Libraries

Student card for building access, lecture attendance, book borrowing, and canteen and photocopying payments.

5. Health

Patient cards for registration, access to specific rooms, and linking medical records. This speeds up service flow and reduces misidentification.

6. Manufacturing and Logistics

Operator cards for machine authorization, area control, and facility movement tracking. Improve safety and accountability.

Conclusion

RFID cards are a practical digital identification solution for a variety of business needs, from access control and payments to memberships. Their advantages lie in their contactless ease of use, high durability, and flexible integration with other systems.

However, its implementation still presents challenges, such as relatively high initial costs, potential compatibility issues, and the need for robust security management. These factors must be considered to ensure its effective use.

As an end-to-end RFID solutions provider, TUDI can help companies select, design, and implement RFID cards according to their needs. Consult your RFID needs with our team of experts to get a solution that is efficient, scalable, and able to support your business growth in the digital era.

Read Also: Hard Tag: Definition, Function, How it Works, and Applications