Understanding RFID Tags for ID Cards

RFID 'tags,' as they're called, are simply small objects that can be incorporated or attached to something, like a human, animal, or product, like an ID Card. RFID tags contain antennas and microchips that allow them to respond and receive queries to an RFID transceiver by a radio-frequency signal.

The types of RFID tags are varied, and different tags are used for different purposes. Using RFID tags with your ID Card is an excellent way to ensure the security and ease-of-use of your ID Card.

RFID tags can be broken down into active, passive, or semi-passive cards. They are broken into these categories because they use, include or omit certain technologies that the other may have.

Active RFID tags

Active RFID tags are many times more expensive and bigger than passive tags. The reason they are larger is because they have to actively work to transmit data to an RFID transceiver; for this they need more electrical parts than either passive or semi-passive RFID tags.

While they may deter some because of the price, they are an excellent option for use in your security system and with your ID Cards. This is especially true with inventory systems where tracking, secure monitoring, and theft avoidance are high security concerns.

Semi-passive RFID tags

Semi-passive RFID tags are pretty much the same as a passive ID Card. They employ similar technologies, but with a couple of important differences. Semi-passive RFID tags have a small battery that passive RFID tags don't. This enables the tag to be constantly powered and works independently of an aerial.

Thus the aerial can be freed up for more important tasks, such as receiving backscattering signals. Semi-passive RFID tags are stronger and faster in reading and transmitting information than passive tags, but more expensive as well.

Passive RFID tags

Passive RFID tags don't have an internal power supply, and thus they must rely on the power they gain from the magnetic field created between the RFID tag and the transceiver. Passive RFID tags then use the power they gained to feed their microchips circuits, powering them and ensuring they are ready to go.

Because most of the RFID tags that aren't passive are significantly more expensive, passive RFID tags are the most popular tag used in things like ID Cards. They are inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use, making them ideal for quick and easy production, especially in batches.