
Their long read range makes active RFID tags ideal for many industries where asset location and other improvements in logistics are important. RFID tags are either Active or Passive.Īctive RFID tags contain their own power source giving them the ability to broadcast with a read range of up to 100 meters. The reader sends an interrogating signal to the tag via the antenna, and the tag responds with its unique information. At a minimum, an RFID system comprisesĪ tag, a reader, and an antenna. This unique feature allows NFC devices to communicate peer-to-peer.īy definition, RFID is the method of uniquely identifying items using radio waves. NFC is designed to be a secure form of data exchange, and an NFC device is capable of being both an NFC reader and an Specifically, NFC is a branch of High-Frequency (HF) RFID, and both operate at the 13.56 MHz frequency. RFID is the process by which items are uniquely identified using radio waves, and NFC is a specialized subset within the family of RFID technology. What are the differences between NFC and RFID, or are they even different at all? Originally published on Apand updated on October 11, 2013: To help illustrate the differences between NFC and RFID, we created this neat infographic: Click here to download. In any case, this article will answer a few questions you may have about RFID and NFC. Recently, you may have seen RFID in the news, or you may have been told that your cell phone is an NFC device.

If you follow developments in the tech industry on a semi-regular basis, you're likely familiar with the terms near-field communication (NFC) and radio frequency identification (RFID).
