RFID Card Types

RFID cards are used for contactless communication and come in various types based on their operating frequency, technology, and application. The most common RFID card types include:

1. Low Frequency (LF) Cards (125 kHz)

• Features:
  • Operate at 125 kHz
  • Short reading distance (up to 10 cm)
  • Slow data transfer rate
• Common Standards: EM4100, EM4200, T5577
• Applications: Animal tracking, access control systems, low-data applications

2. High Frequency (HF) Cards (13.56 MHz)

• Features:
  • Operate at 13.56 MHz
  • Reading distance up to 1 meter
  • Moderate data transfer rate
  • Can support encryption and read/write capabilities
• Common Standards:
  • ISO 14443A/B: Used in NFC (Near Field Communication) cards like MIFARE and in contactless payment systems (e.g., bank cards)
  • ISO 15693: Used in systems with longer read range than ISO 14443
  • NFC (Near Field Communication): Allows interaction with smartphones for mobile payments and data exchange
• Applications: Access control, transit cards, contactless payments, mobile NFC, smart cards

3. Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Cards (860-960 MHz)

• Features:
  • Operate at frequencies between 860 MHz and 960 MHz
  • Longer reading distance (up to 12 meters)
  • High data transfer rate
  • Passive UHF cards typically have no battery, relying on the reader's power
• Common Standards: EPCglobal Gen 2 (used for supply chain and retail inventory tracking)
• Applications: Asset tracking, inventory management, toll collection, supply chain logistics

4. Active RFID Cards

• Features:
  • Equipped with a battery for longer range and active transmission of data
  • Range can exceed 100 meters
  • Often used for real-time tracking
• Applications: Long-range asset tracking, personnel tracking, environmental monitoring

5. Passive RFID Cards

• Features:
  • No internal battery, powered by the RFID reader's electromagnetic field
  • Shorter range compared to active RFID
• Applications: Access control, payment systems, transportation systems

6. MIFARE Cards

• A subset of HF cards (13.56 MHz), widely used in access control, public transportation, and contactless payment systems.
• Types of MIFARE Cards:
  • MIFARE Classic: Early version with a simple encryption scheme
  • MIFARE DESFire: Advanced card with enhanced security and faster communication
  • MIFARE Ultralight: Lightweight, low-cost, limited memory, often used in disposable tickets

Each RFID card type serves specific use cases, balancing factors like security, range, data capacity, and cost.