Smart cards based on HF RFID (13.56 MHz) and NFC (Near Field Communication) technologies have been in use for over two decades and employed in various applications such as secure access control, home and office security, ticketing for public transport, hospitability and membership cards, etc. HF RFID, NFC, and MIFARE cards are known for the security and quick response they offer. A single smart card can support multiple applications and businesses using these cards can save on costs and offer a great experience to the users.
However, Smart Cards based on 13.56 MHz frequency offer limited range and in most cases, you have to tap the NFC/HF/MIFARE card on a reader device. These short-range cards thus limit various applications such as hands-free access control, identification, and tracking. To overcome these limitations, we can use RAIN RFID cards that work on UHF 860-960 MHz frequency and offer a long read range, going up to 15m. Imagine when you enter an office as a visitor or employee and your smart ID card is scanned from afar.
It is worth noting that UHF RFID cards weren’t in use earlier due to the lack of in-built security of these cards but with new RAIN RFID Smart Cards, the issue of data security is eliminated with advanced cryptographic encryption and security.
Dual Frequency Smart RFID Cards
While people can use short-range HF/NFC/MIFARE cards as well as RAIN RFID cards that offer a long read range, there is an option to use dual-frequency RFID Smart Cards.
A Dual Frequency RFID Smart Card is a card that supports both the HF and UHF RFID frequencies in a single card. These cards are designed by accommodating the HF and UHF RFID Chip in a single card. A typical dual frequency card would have an NTAG 213/NTAG215/NTAG216/MIFARE 1K/MIFARE 4K microchip along with a UHF RFID Chip, say Alien Higgs 3. You must remember the dual frequency RFID labels that come with
Impinj EM4425 chips, combining HF and UHF Functionality in a single RFID Chip.
Features of Dual Frequency RFID Smart Cards
1.Operating Frequency: HF 13.56 MHz, UHF 860-960 MHz
2. RFID Chip: NTAG 213/NTAG215/NTAG216/MIFARE 1K/MIFARE 4K and Alien Higgs 3, Alien Higgs 9, NXP Ucode 9, etc.
3. Read Range: Short range up to 10 cm and long range, up to 13m
4. Smart Card Material: PVC Plastic
5. Smart Card Size: 86mm x 54mm
6. Applications: Public transport, access to an office building, gym and club membership, hospitality, student and library ID Cards, etc.
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Benefits of Dual Frequency Smart Cards in Various Applications
The unique capability of dual frequency cards to operate at both high-frequency (HF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) ranges offers several advantages in various applications, including:
1. Versatility and Compatibility with Dual Frequency Cards
Dual-frequency smart cards can be used in a wide range of applications that require both HF and UHF RFID technologies, allowing for seamless integration and interoperability across different systems and environments. Whether you need short-range or long-range scanning in access control or ticketing applications, dual-frequency smart cards are the perfect solution.
2. Enhanced Security with Dual Frequency Cards
Dual-frequency smart cards are just as secure as the HF and MIFARE cards that work on short range. These cards support RAIN RFID cryptographic encryption and secure the information encoded with the card. The ability to operate at multiple frequencies makes it more difficult for unauthorized access or cloning attempts.
3. Improved Performance
The dual-frequency functionality enables better performance in terms of read range, data transfer rates, and reliability. This is particularly beneficial in applications where both short-range (HF) and long-range (UHF) RFID capabilities are required. In applications such as building access, healthcare, and events, UHF and HF-based dual frequency cards offer great performance in facilitating access control and security.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
By incorporating both HF and UHF capabilities into a single card, dual-frequency smart cards can reduce the overall system complexity and cost compared to using separate HF and UHF cards. With a dual frequency smart card, one can use the same card for payments, building access as well as membership to local gyms and clubs.
5. Widespread Adoption of Dual Frequency Cards
Dual-frequency smart cards are gaining traction in various industries, including access control, logistics, supply chain management, and transportation. The widespread adoption helps to drive further innovation and standardization in the RFID ecosystem. Dual Frequency smart cards offer the same security and anti-cloning features as HF/NFC/MIFARE cards and these are becoming common in various applications, employed by distinct businesses.
To summarize, the benefits of dual-frequency smart cards, such as versatility, enhanced security, improved performance, cost-effectiveness, and widespread adoption, make them a valuable solution for a wide range of applications that require both HF and UHF RFID capabilities. Whether it is data security or long-range scanning, dual-frequency smart cards offer great performance and reliability. These cards offer unparalleled accuracy, performance, and versatility and are thus greatly adopted by various businesses for access and security, digital payments, billing and ticketing, etc.
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