What Does RFID Mean? Beginner's Guide To RFID Cards

What Does RFID Mean? Beginner's Guide To RFID Cards

RFID is a technology that utilises radio waves to identify tagged objects. It’s used in a variety of applications, from tracking objects in supply chains to identifying items checked out of a library. But what does RFID mean and how does the technology actually work? In our beginner’s guide to RFID cards, we explain how the technology works, which industries can benefit and the distances that RFID waves can be read from.

What Does RFID Mean?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It’s a wireless contact-free use of radio frequency waves, which are used to transfer data. It was first used to identify airplanes in World War II, but the technology has evolved considerably over the years. Depending on the RFID used, the read range can span just a few centimetres to over 20 metres. 

RFID cards are one application of this technology, providing secure identification and access control, such as for key cards for door access to buildings for employees. But RFID can also be used in file tracking, rental item tracking, marketing campaigns, logistics tracking and pharmaceutical tracking, to name just a few of the ways businesses use this technology. 

How Do RFID Cards Work?

RFID cards are used in many industries, from logistics and healthcare to transportation and for access control. RFID cards store information on a chip embedded in the card. This chip contains an embedded secure microprocessor and internal memory, with an antenna in the plastic section of the card.

RFID technology is used to communicate between the card and the reader using radio frequencies – when the card is brought into the electromagnetic field of the reader, the chip is powered, and a wireless communication is established to provide the data transfer.

How Far Away Can RFID Be Detected?

The distance RFID can be detected depends on the strength of the frequency – lower frequency RFID tags typically read less than 30cm, but usually around 4cm. High frequency passive tags can read up to 1 metre, ultra-high frequency Gen 2 tags can read up to 12 metres. Ultra-high frequency active tags can read up to 500 metres. 

Active tags have a power source, typically a battery, while passive tags do not, which impacts the distance from which the tag can be detected. Active tags essentially broadcast a signal in a similar way to a mobile phone, so they have a much longer read range. Passive tags, on the other hand, reflect the energy from a reader antenna back to the antenna in the tag or card.  

Another factor that influences how long of a distance RFID can be read from is the size and design of the antenna. An antenna that’s been specifically designed to gather more energy from the reader and send a stronger signal back will perform better from a longer distance, and can compete with some active tags in terms of the range they can be used in.

Is RFID Still Used?

RFID is still widely used by businesses today, for a number of reasons. RFID technology is secure, particularly for the likes of RFID cards, as the reader can’t read data from other smart cards and the data is encrypted. It’s a cost-effective way of tracking and controlling items and assets, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of ways. Many of the world’s biggest brands utilise RFID, including Amazon, H&M and Zara, to name just a few, as well as in healthcare to improve patient safety and manage workflows. 

Final Thoughts

RFID technology has its place in a large range of industries and business sectors, from small businesses who want to improve their systems and processes to large organisations who need to keep track of products or assets. From RFID tags that can be used for products to RFID cards that can be used as ID cards or asset management, there are many ways that companies can implement this innovative technology going forward. 

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