Are you looking for a plastic card with a microchip that can send certain information remotely? As an access card or payment system, for example? Cards Unlimited specializes in the production of RFID cards with NFC technology or MIFARE RFID chips. Thanks to our extensive machinery and customer-oriented working methods, we can supply large volumes of RFID cards in the short term. Blank, or with a print of your choice. Think of logos, name and address details or a photo. It goes without saying that you can count on high quality. It is not without reason that we are the market leader in the field of (printed) plastic cards.

RFID chip

What exactly is RFID? RFID is an abbreviation of: Radio Frequency Identification and stands for a very versatile technology based on radio waves. You can program certain data on an RFID chip, which can be scanned up to a distance of up to 8 meters. So think of an RFID chip as a kind of smart sticker that is incorporated into a plastic card. In addition to plastic cards, we can also supply RFID tags such as drops (keyfobs) and wristbands.

The different RFID technologies

At Cards Unlimited we use different technologies for an RFID card:

NFC TECHNOLOGY

NFC stands for Near Field Communication. As the name suggests, it involves wireless communication over a short distance. An NFC chip can be scanned from a distance of up to 10 centimeters. We see applications of an NFC chip, for example, in access controls, contactless payments or price tags.

MIFARE TECHNOLOGY

MIFARE is a type of RFID chip. There are different types of MIFARE RFID chips. The difference between them is in the available storage space, range, frequency and security level.

Types of MIFARE chips

There are various MIFARE cards on the market. Below we list the three most famous ones:

MIFARE Classic

This is the best-selling MIFARE RFID card. Many digital access systems and payment cards are based on the Classic. The MIFARE Classic 1k has a storage space of 1024 bytes, the 4k has more than 4 kilobytes available. The memory is divided into different sectors and blocks that are encrypted.

MIFARE Ultralight

The MIFARE Ultralight is often used as a disposable card. The card has a memory of 64 bytes and is not equipped with security. Ideal for an application such as one-time access to an event.

MIFARE DESFire

The DESFire has more hardware and software security than the Classic. Available with a memory of 2.4 or 8 kilobytes. The DESFire is a popular MIFARE card for access controls.

Are you not sure which MIFARE application is suitable for your RFID cards? We are happy to help you with tailor-made advice.

MIFARE applications

Due to the different types of MIFARE cards on the market, the applications are also very diverse: from a one-off event to a permanent access pass for an office. It is important to determine what your needs are in terms of data storage space, security and price. And don’t forget the carrier of the technology! For example, the MIFARE technology can be applied to (plastic) cards, key fobs, stickers or key rings.

The applications of RFID cards

You probably already use RFID on a daily basis: from a public transport chip card to access to your office building. There are various applications of RFID:

Access control with an RFID chip

RFID technology is a popular choice for access controls. In this case, the carrier is a plastic card, key ring or key fob. Consider, for example, access to a hotel room, office building or gym, but also a locker or event. The following features make RFID suitable for access control:

  • The transfer speed of RFID cards is high, the data is read within a few seconds.
  • Short (NFC) and long reading distance (MIFARE) techniques are available.
  • RFID chips are often enclosed in a card or other carrier. This protects the chip against external influences, such as water and dirt.
  • RFID is difficult to imitate and therefore provides a greater level of security than, for example, a barcode.

Paying with RFID

RFID and NFC also play a role in payments. For example, consider contactless payment with a debit card or smartphone, which works using NFC technology. Bank cards or credit cards are often provided with an RFID tag.

Registering with RFID

RFID is also used to store information. For example, consider a library card to register which books you borrow, or an OV chip card to keep track of your journeys. This information can also be easily read by an RFID reader. It is smart to take the storage capacity and the level of security that is desired into account.

Want to order RFID cards?

Are you curious about the possibilities of RFID cards, drops or wristbands with NFC technology or MIFARE technology for your organization? Request a quote immediately or contact us without obligation for more information. We are happy to advise you.
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