RFID Glossary
A reference for RFID and NFC terminology
Navigate essential concepts, standards, chip families and system components. Use the alphabetical index to find definitions quickly.
A
ABS Housing
ABS housing is an injection-molded shell of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic that protects the RFID inlay in keyfobs, hard tags and reader casings. ABS is impact-resistant, low-cost and easy to mold in custom colors.
Antenna
An antenna is the component that transmits and receives radio-frequency energy in an RFID system. Reader antennas radiate RF energy, while tag antennas capture that energy and send data back to the reader.
Anti-collision
Anti-collision is the ability of an RFID reader to identify and process data from multiple tags in its field simultaneously without data corruption. Anti-collision algorithms let portal and tunnel readers inventory dozens or hundreds of tags per second.
B
Backscatter
Backscatter is the method by which a passive UHF RFID tag reflects radio waves back to the reader to transmit data. The tag modulates the reflected signal to encode information, so it needs no internal battery.
C
Chip Memory (EEPROM)
Chip memory (EEPROM) is the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory used in RFID chips to store data. EEPROM can be written and erased many times, making it suitable for rewritable RFID cards and tags.
CMYK Offset Printing
CMYK offset printing is the four-color (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) lithographic process used for full-color artwork on RFID cards and labels. Offset delivers photo-quality results at volume; spot colors can be matched via the Pantone system.
Contactless Smart Card
A contactless smart card is a card containing an embedded RFID chip that communicates with a reader without physical contact. It is commonly used for access control, payment systems, hotel key cards and identification credentials.
Coupling (Inductive vs Electromagnetic)
Coupling is the method of energy transfer between reader and tag. Inductive coupling is used in low- and high-frequency RFID, while electromagnetic (backscatter) coupling is used in UHF systems; coupling efficiency drives read range and performance.
CR80 Card
CR80 is the standard ID-1 card size defined by ISO/IEC 7810 — 85.6 × 54 mm and 0.76 mm thick, the same footprint as a bank card. Most RFID hotel keys, access badges and membership cards are CR80.
D
DESFire
DESFire is NXP's high-security contactless smart card IC family offering advanced encryption and mutual authentication. DESFire chips support 3DES and AES-128 encryption, making them suitable for secure access, transit and payment applications.
Detuning
Detuning is the shift in an RFID antenna's resonant frequency caused by nearby metal, liquids or the tagged material itself, which reduces read range. On-metal tag designs use spacers or ferrite layers to counter detuning.
Dry Inlay
A dry inlay is an RFID inlay supplied without adhesive, intended to be laminated into cards, tickets or labels by a converter. Dry inlays cost slightly less than wet inlays and suit embedded constructions.
E
EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance)
EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) is the anti-theft alarm function built into many library and retail RFID chips. Setting the EAS bit makes exit gates alarm until the item is properly checked out or deactivated.
Encoding
Encoding is the process of writing data to an RFID chip's memory. Encoding can happen during manufacturing or at any point in the tag's lifecycle, enabling customization, serial numbering and personalization.
EPC (Electronic Product Code)
EPC (Electronic Product Code) is a standardized global identifier system for RFID tags that uniquely identifies items in supply chain and retail applications. EPC Gen2 is the dominant UHF standard, enabling interoperability across industries.
Epoxy Keyfob
An epoxy keyfob is an RFID keyfob made by casting clear epoxy resin over a printed inlay, giving a glossy, scratch-resistant finish with full-color graphics. Epoxy fobs are a popular branded alternative to plain ABS keyfobs.
F
FOB (Free On Board)
FOB (Free On Board) is the Incoterm under which the seller delivers goods cleared for export onto the buyer's nominated carrier — for RFIDAK, typically FOB Shenzhen. From that point, freight cost and risk transfer to the buyer.
Frequency Hopping
Frequency hopping is a technique where an RFID reader rapidly changes transmission frequency across a defined range to reduce interference and improve reliability. It is especially useful in environments with competing RF signals.
H
HF (High Frequency)
HF (High Frequency) is the RFID band at 13.56 MHz used for NFC, hotel key cards, library tags and access control. Practical read range is up to about 10 cm for proximity cards (ISO 14443) and up to about 1 meter for vicinity systems (ISO 15693).
I
Inlay
An inlay is a pre-assembled component consisting of an RFID chip and antenna bonded to a thin substrate. Inlays are the core building block for manufacturing RFID labels, cards and tags.
IP Rating (IP67 / IP68)
An IP rating (Ingress Protection) is the two-digit code that grades how well a product is sealed against dust and water. IP67 means dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion; IP68 means dust-tight and protected against continuous immersion.
ISO 14443
ISO 14443 is the international standard for contactless proximity smart cards, defining Type A and Type B variants. ISO 14443 cards operate at 13.56 MHz with a read range up to roughly 10 cm and are widely used for payment, access control and identification.
ISO 15693
ISO 15693 is the international standard for vicinity cards and tags operating at 13.56 MHz. ISO 15693 tags read at longer range than ISO 14443 (up to about 1 meter) and are used for library systems, healthcare and inventory applications.
ISO 18000-6C / EPC Gen2
ISO 18000-6C (today ISO/IEC 18000-63), better known as EPC Gen2, is the international standard defining the air interface for UHF RFID. It is the global standard for supply chain and logistics, enabling read ranges of 10+ meters with anti-collision.
K
Kill Password
A kill password is the 32-bit code in an EPC Gen2 tag that permanently and irreversibly deactivates the tag when the kill command is executed. Retailers use it to address consumer-privacy concerns at point of sale.
L
Lamination
Lamination is the heat-and-pressure process that fuses printed PVC or PET layers around an RFID inlay to form a finished card. Encoding and electrical testing around the lamination step determine the final card yield.
LF (Low Frequency)
LF (Low Frequency) is the RFID band at 125 kHz (134.2 kHz for animal ID) with a short read range, typically under 10 cm. LF reads reliably through liquids and animal tissue and is less detuned by nearby metal than higher frequencies, though direct metal mounting still detunes any tag — purpose-built anti-metal designs are mainly produced in HF and UHF.
M
Middleware
Middleware is the software layer that bridges RFID readers and backend business applications. It handles data filtering, validation, routing and integration, translating raw tag reads into meaningful business events.
MIFARE
MIFARE is NXP's family of contactless smart card ICs based on ISO 14443 Type A. The family includes Classic, Plus, Ultralight and DESFire variants, widely used in transportation, access control and payment systems worldwide.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the smallest order a factory accepts for a given product. RFIDAK MOQs start at 500 pieces for cards and wristbands and 1,000 pieces for tags and labels; custom tooling raises MOQ to 2,000–5,000 pieces.
N
NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format)
NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) is the standardized message format for exchanging data between NFC devices and tags. NDEF lets NFC tags store text, URLs, contact details and configuration instructions that any modern smartphone can read.
NFC (Near Field Communication)
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology at 13.56 MHz that lets two devices — typically a phone and a tag — exchange data. NFC requires close proximity, usually under 10 centimeters.
NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering)
NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) is the one-time charge for tooling, molds, antenna design or fixture setup on a custom RFID product. NRE is paid once and is often partially credited back on volume production orders.
NTAG
NTAG is NXP's family of NFC tag ICs optimized for consumer smartphone interaction. NTAG chips support the NDEF format and are commonly used in NFC stickers, wristbands and smart-packaging labels.
O
OEM / ODM
OEM/ODM describes two custom-manufacturing models: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) builds products to the buyer's specification and brand, while ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) supplies the factory's existing design under the buyer's brand.
On-Metal Tag (Anti-Metal Tag)
An on-metal tag is an RFID tag engineered with a foam spacer, ferrite layer or specialized antenna so it reads reliably when mounted on metal surfaces. A standard label applied directly to bare metal can lose most of its read range.
P
Prelam (Prelaminated Inlay Sheet)
A prelam is a prelaminated sheet of RFID inlays — typically a 3×8 or 5×5 layout — used as the core layer when manufacturing contactless smart cards. Card makers laminate printed PVC overlays onto the prelam and punch out individual cards.
R
RAIN RFID
RAIN RFID is the industry-alliance name for passive UHF RFID based on the EPC Gen2 / ISO 18000-63 standard. RAIN is to UHF RFID what Wi-Fi is to wireless LAN — a market brand for the standardized technology.
Read Range
Read range is the maximum distance at which an RFID reader can reliably communicate with a tag. It varies by frequency (LF under 10 cm; HF up to ~10 cm proximity or ~1 m vicinity; UHF 1-12 m), antenna design and environment.
Reader/Writer
A reader/writer is an RFID device that energizes tags, reads the data they return and can also encode new data to tag memory. Desktop and handheld models cover enrollment, encoding and field-scanning workflows.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify and track objects. An RFID system consists of a reader, antennas and tags that carry microchips storing data.
T
T/T Payment
T/T payment (telegraphic transfer) is the international bank wire used in most B2B RFID orders. The common structure is a 30% deposit to start production and the 70% balance before shipment.
Tag Sensitivity
Tag sensitivity is the minimum RF signal strength an RFID tag needs to power up and respond to a reader. Better (lower dBm) sensitivity lets tags answer from greater distances and in challenging environments.
TID (Tag Identifier)
TID (Tag Identifier) is the factory-programmed, read-only memory bank in an EPC Gen2 chip that identifies the chip maker and model and carries a unique serial number. Because the TID cannot be rewritten, it is used to detect cloned EPC data.
Transponder
A transponder is the tag-side unit that receives signals from a reader and transmits data back — the word combines "transmitter" and "responder". A transponder consists of a microchip and antenna and is the primary data carrier in an RFID system.
U
UHF (Ultra High Frequency)
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) is the RFID band at 860–960 MHz with the longest passive read range (up to 10+ meters) and the fastest bulk-read throughput. UHF EPC Gen2 is the standard for supply chain, logistics and retail inventory.
UID (Unique Identifier)
A UID (Unique Identifier) is a serial number permanently programmed into each RFID chip at manufacture. The UID cannot be changed and serves as the primary identifier for the tag in most applications and systems.
W
Wet Inlay
A wet inlay is an RFID inlay supplied with an adhesive backing so it can be applied directly as a sticker. Wet inlays are the most common format for UHF retail labels and label-converting lines.
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