Three Commonly Applications of RFID Cards

Proximity cards are a type of RFID cards. They store information and use radio frequencies to interact with card readers. Card readers are devices that process data transmitted from proximity cards. According to what a reader has been programmed for, it can allow or deny access to a building and it can track books borrowed from library etc.

There are two kinds of RFID cards - passive and active. Passive cards operate on energy extracted from card readers. They have a small range; less than five centimetres. Active cards come equipped with a lithium-ion battery. They have a longer range - approximately 150 meters. A downside of active cards is that their battery runs out and renders them unusable after between five and seven years of use.

Here is a summary of the three commonly areas where RFID cards are used:

(a) Identification cards
Modern RFID powered identification (ID) cards look just like the cards of 10, 20 years ago. Superficial appearances are deceptive. The functioning of these cards bears little resemblance to the cards of a generation ago. These are more secure and capable. Students and members of the faculty can use them for access, purchases, payments, and several other tasks. So many colleges and universities use them as ID cards.

(b) Library loans
Libraries are showing an interest in RFID systems. Libraries desire to decrease costs by cutting down on their staff number and replacing them with a self-service system based on RFID cards. Researchers are looking into how much libraries can earn in savings. A few researchers claim proximity cards start to pay back between two and three years; while others maintain that libraries should not expect a return on their investments before six years.

(c) Logistics
Supply chain managers are increasingly using RFID tags to better track their products. The use of these cards permit them to learn about their products' location with an accuracy of few meters; and at very low investments.

Additional uses
RFID cards are being considered as an alternative payment method in transport. Their use in security systems has a long history and it is going to last for a long time.