In this section, we have collected the most frequently asked questions about RFID cards and the benefits of these cards, the most popular for identification and access control.
RFID CARDS
RFID cards represent the most versatile and widely used solution in identification and access control. Contactless cards leverage Radio Frequency Identification technology, allowing the card to be read without any contact with the reader.
RFID technology operates through the following components: the RFID tag, a transponder containing an electronic circuit (RFID chip) capable of storing data, and an antenna that enables the transmission of this information; an RFID reader, which emits a radio signal capable of activating the chip and receiving the stored data in return.
How does RFID card technology work? Contactless cards function as RFID tags: the RFID chip and antenna are integrated into the card’s support and inserted during production. The cards are read by simply bringing them close to the RFID card reader.
RFID cards operate in Low Frequency (125 kHz) and High Frequency (13.56 MHz), with a reading distance of up to 10-15 cm, and in Ultra High Frequency (868-920 MHz) for longer reading distances.
Compared to barcode cards, magnetic stripe cards or contact chip cards, RFID cards offer greater security, convenience and resistance:
- Long lifespan: Unlike contact chip or magnetic stripe cards, in RFID cards the absence of contact eliminates the risk of wear or damage to the RFID chip, ensuring a longer life.
- Resistance to external factors: As RFID chips are not visible on the card’s exterior, they are less vulnerable to dirt, water, and other external elements that might affect their readability.
- No need for orientation: RFID cards can be read without needing specific orientation, ensuring highly reliable readings.
- RFID card security: Data stored on these cards are protected by advanced RFID card encryption protocols, ensuring high levels of security against unauthorised access.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE USES OF RFID CARDS
The common uses of RFID cards
Various industries use RFID cards for many applications:
- Secure RFID cards for access control in hotels, campsites, and gyms: Contactless cards are the most widely used solution for regulating access to facilities in the hospitality sector (hotels, campsites, holiday resorts) and leisure sector (sports centres, spas, and swimming pools). RFID card access control systems are also used to manage access to parking areas and port gates.
- RFID card solutions for office: Secure RFID cards for employee identification optimise access control and attendance tracking in businesses. RFID badges are also used for student identification in schools and universities.
- Electronic purse: RFID cards can act as electronic wallets, storing a credit balance for use at vending machines, for paying at bars, restaurants, or canteens in corporate or university environments, or for specific services at hotels and gyms.
- Membership cards: Secure RFID card solutions are used in sports federations, to identify members and control access.
- Waste management: RFID cards allow access to controlled-access bins.
- Electric vehicle charging: Contactless cards enable electric vehicle charging at charging stations equipped with an RFID reader.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE USES OF RFID CARDS
Best RFID card solutions
When selecting the best RFID card solutions for businesses, the first step is to choose the right technology. At Partitalia, we offer over 70 different RFID chips in our catalogue, including combinations. We supply 125 kHz cards with EM4100, EM4200, Q5 or 5555, ATA5577 chips, and 13.56 MHz cards with Mifare Classic, Mifare Plus, Icode chips, and many more.
Additionally, we stock NFC cards, which operate at 13.56 MHz, including Mifare Desfire cards, Mifare Ultralight cards, and cards with Ntag chips. NFC cards allow data transmission at a range of approximately 4 cm, offering increased security due to the short distance of information exchange.
Our RFID cards are available in various materials: PVC and PETG, thermoplastic materials that are flexible, resistant to chemicals and temperature, and offer excellent printability. We also provide recycled PVC and degradable PVC, which have the same technical characteristics as standard materials but are more sustainable. Furthermore, we offer wooden cards in bamboo, maple, and lime wood, compatible with RFID chip applications and available in various finishes.
In our production facility, we make customisable RFID cards, using various printing and customisation techniques. For plastic cards, chromatic printing is done using 4-colour offset, silkscreen printing, digital printing, UV spot varnish, or hot stamping, while RFID card customisation is done via thermographic printing, laser printing, inkjet printing, or embossing. For wooden cards, printing is done via offset, screen printing, and laser, with customisation done using laser or inkjet printing.
FAQs RFID cards
What is an RFID card, and how does it work?
RFID cards are the most widely used solution in identification and access control. They use Radio Frequency Identification technology to communicate with the reader without any contact.
How do RFID cards communicate with a reader?
RFID cards include an electronic circuit — the RFID chip — that stores data, and an antenna, which transmits the data via radio waves. The reader emits a radio signal that activates the RFID chip, receiving the stored information in return. The card is simply read by bringing it close to the RFID reader.
What are the common uses of RFID cards?
RFID cards are widely used for identification and access control in hospitality (including hotels, campsites, resorts), leisure (gyms, swimming pools, spas), companies, schools and universities, and sport federations. They are also used in waste management, for opening controlled-access bins. Again, they are used as electronic purses in vending machines and electric car recharging.
What type of data can an RFID card store?
The data stored on an RFID card depend on the functionality of the card. The data generally present are: personal data (name, surname, date of birth and other identifying information); access credentials (username, password and other authentication and authorisation information); credit (if used with the electronic purse functionality).
How do RFID cards compare to magnetic stripe cards?
RFID cards offer significant advantages over those with magnetic stripes: they do not require contact with the reader, reducing the risk of wear and tear and damage. They are readable without a specific orientation, ensuring greater reliability. As the chip is not visible from the outside, it is protected from dirt and external agents.
How secure are RFID cards for access control?
RFID cards offer advanced levels of security: the data stored on these cards are protected by sophisticated encryption protocols, ensuring high levels of security against unauthorised access.
