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What exactly is an RFID card?​

Cykeo News RFID FAQ 2340

An RFID card is a ​​credit card-sized device​​ that uses embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to wirelessly transmit data. Unlike traditional cards with magnetic stripes, RFID cards contain a microchip and antenna that communicate with readers via electromagnetic fields, enabling touchless authentication, payments, and secure access.

What exactly is an RFID card?​

​1. Core Components & How They Work​

🧩 Inside Your RFID Card:

  • ​Microchip​​: Stores encrypted data (e.g., user ID, access permissions).
  • ​Antenna Coil​​: Harvests power from a reader’s radio waves (no battery needed).
  • ​Substrate​​: Layered plastic (PVC/ABS) protecting components from bending or damage.

🔄 ​​Communication Flow​​:

  1. ​Energy Transfer​​: Card enters reader’s electromagnetic field (typically 2–10cm range).
  2. ​Data Activation​​: Reader’s radio waves power the microchip.
  3. ​Secure Transmission​​: Encrypted data transmitted at 13.56 MHz (HF band).

💡 Key fact: Passive RFID cards never require charging – all energy comes from the reader.

​2. Types of RFID Cards​

​Type​​Frequency​​Primary Use Case​
​Low Frequency (LF)​125 kHzAnimal tracking, basic access
​High Frequency (HF)​13.56 MHzContactless payments, secure access
​Ultra-High Frequency (UHF)​860–960 MHzWarehouse inventory tools

Note: Most “RFID cards” refer to HF systems (ISO 14443/15693 standards) used in security and finance.

​3. Security Technologies​

🔒 ​​Protecting Against Unauthorized Scans​​:

  • ​Encrypted Authentication​​: AES-128 encryption handshakes verify legitimate readers.
  • ​Data Segmentation​​: Separated memory blocks limit access (e.g., biometrics vs. ID number).
  • ​Shielding​​: Built-in metal layers block rogue readers (e.g., RFID-blocking wallets).
  • ​Dynamic Codes​​: One-time passwords generate per transaction to prevent replay attacks.

Cykeo’s corporate access cards use multi-layer encryption that self-locks after 3 failed scan attempts.

​4. Applications Beyond Access Control​

​Industry​​Implementation​
​Corporate Security​Keyless building access with time restrictions
​Public Transit​Touchless fare payments (e.g., London Oyster)
​Healthcare​Patient identification and medication tracking
​Payment Systems​Contactless Visa/Mastercard transactions

​5. Comparing RFID Cards to Alternatives​

​​Type​​RFID Card​​Magnetic Stripe​​NFC​
​Security​High (encryption)Low (static data)High (dynamic codes)
​Durability​5–10 years1–3 yearsVaries by device
​Speed​< 0.5 seconds2–3 secondsInstant
​Contact Required?​No (proximity-based)Yes (swipe/insert)Touch required

​6. Future Innovations​

  • ​Biometric Integration​​: Fingerprint sensors embedded in cards.
  • ​Energy-Harvesting​​: Solar-powered active RFID cards (extended range).
  • ​Blockchain Linking​​: Immutable audit trails for high-security facilities.
  • ​Eco-Cards​​: Cykeo’s plant-based biodegradable RFID cards launching 2025.
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