RFID media: cards, key fobs, wristbands and more

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. An RFID system transmits data contactlessly via radio waves between a RFID tag (a transponder with a chip and antenna) and a reader. Passive RFID tags don't need their own battery: they draw their energy from the radio signal emitted by the RFID reader. This makes RFID media particularly durable and low-maintenance.

The reader emits an electromagnetic field, which is picked up by the RFID tag. The tag's antenna converts the signal into electrical energy and powers the chip - without any battery at all. The chip then transmits its stored data back to the reader. Depending on the frequency (125 kHz in the LF range or 13.56 MHz in the HF/NFC range), the range and area of application vary. LF systems achieve approximately 10–50 cm, HF/NFC systems up to around 1 m, and UHF systems several metres.

An RFID system consists of an RFID tag (transponder), an RFID reader (stationary or mobile) and controlling software. In terms of frequency, a distinction is made between low frequency (LF, 125 kHz), high frequency (HF, 13.56 MHz – including NFC) and ultra-high frequency (UHF, 860–960 MHz). Passive tags have no battery of their own; active tags have their own power source and achieve significantly greater ranges. All About Cards offers RFID media in LF and HF across all common chip technologies (MIFARE, LEGIC, Hitag, ICode and many more).

We encounter RFID every day: access cards in the office, contactless bank cards in our wallets, electronic passports, library cards, public transport tickets, warehouse logistics in retail, animal identification (microchips), toll systems and NFC payments via smartphone. In industry, RFID tags are used for product tracking, vehicle identification and tool management.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a sub-standard of RFID operating at 13.56 MHz, with a deliberately limited range of a maximum of 10 cm. The key advantage: all modern smartphones can read and write NFC tags without any additional hardware. This opens up applications such as digital business cards, smart posters, app links and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Classic RFID, depending on the frequency and reader, offers greater ranges and is particularly suitable for bulk reading processes (anti-collision).

Many contactless bank cards, ID cards and credit cards contain an RFID or NFC chip that could, in theory, be read without the holder's knowledge. RFID-blocking sleeves or wallets with an integrated blocker shield the radio signal. However, real-world attacks are rarely documented, as bank transactions require additional security factors. For corporate cards, the use of encrypted chip technologies (such as MIFARE DESFire with AES encryption or LEGIC) is recommended as the most effective protection.

RFID has its limitations: metal and liquids can dampen or reflect the radio signal. Older chip technologies without encryption are vulnerable to cloning attacks. The implementation costs for RFID infrastructure (readers, software) can initially be higher than for barcode systems. RFID movement data relevant to data protection must be managed in compliance with GDPR.

All About Cards offers the full spectrum of RFID carriers: RFID cards, RFID key fobs, RFID stickers, RFID wristbands (silicone, textile, disposable), NFC tags, as well as custom RFID special formats and RFID labels for industrial applications. All media are available in various chip technologies and frequencies and can be individually printed.