Near Field Communication (NFC) is a subset of RFID technology and operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. NFC is a set of communication protocols that enables two electronic devices to establish communication by bringing them within proximity, usually less than 4 cm.
NFC typically operates at a distance of 0-10 cm, using the 13.56 MHz frequency, with data transfer rates of 106, 212, or 424 kbps. It has three modes of operation:
- Peer-to-peer mode, where two NFC-enabled devices can exchange data.
- Read/Write Mode, where one device reads data from or writes data to another NFC device.
- Card Emulation Mode, where the NFC device acts like a smart card, enabling it to be used for mobile payments or transit access.
Common applications of NFC include contactless payments, such as Google Wallet and Apple Pay; data transfer, including the exchange of photos, contacts, or documents between devices; secure access control systems; and public transport ticketing and fare collection systems.
High Frequency (HF) RFID operates in the 3 to 30 MHz range, typically at 13.56 MHz, the same frequency NFC uses. However, HF RFID generally refers to broader applications beyond NFC’s close-range, consumer-focused uses. HF RFID can operate up to about 1 meter, which is longer than the typical NFC range, using the 13.56 MHz frequency with similar data transfer rates of 106, 212, or 424 kbps. It follows standards like ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 for communication.
Applications of HF RFID include inventory management for tracking inventory in retail and manufacturing, library systems for tracking books and materials, access control in larger scale applications, and public transport ticketing systems, similar to NFC.
High Frequency (HF) RFID and NFC (Near Field Communication) are not counter technologies; they often complement each other. They share the same frequency range (around 13.56 MHz), which allows devices to read and communicate with RFID tags and NFC-enabled devices. NFC is a subset of RFID technology operating in the same frequency range (around 13.56 MHz), with NFC designed for closer proximity interactions like mobile payments and RFID used for broader applications such as inventory management and access control.
Therefore, they are not completely different technologies nor similar in frequency range; they have overlaps and can work together in various applications.
