The shift in trend from wired to wireless technology has been adopted in many industries today. The practice of digitalization in various industries has made a significant increase in the use of RFID and NFC technologies. RFID and NFC are technologies used to process the data exchange. These two technologies are quite similar, so many people have difficulty differentiating between RFID and NFC.
In this article we will discuss the differences and similarities between RFID and NFC.
Definition of RFID and NFC
Before going into the differences and similarities between RFID and NFC, it would be better if we know the basic definition of both technologies.
- RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): is a technology for recognizing objects using radio frequency waves. This technology can transfer data without having to make a direct contact with the products. Therefore, the application of this technology usually requires special tags and readers.
- NFC (Near Field Communication): is a wireless technology that enables short-range communication between two compatible NFC devices. This technology is usually equipped with a small chip that stores data in the form of labels and it can be read by a reader device at close range, usually less than 10 cm. Therefore, the use of NFC technology is limited by the range.
Similarity between RFID and NFC
The most common similarity between RFID and NFC is these two technologies use the same frequency band, usually operate in the frequency band of 13.56 MHz. Following are other similarities between RFID and NFC.
- Wireless communication: Both technologies are used for wireless identification. The wireless communication process is conducted between the tag and the reader.
- Using tags: Both RFID and NFC use tags to store the information so that it can be read by the reader. Tags of these two technologies can be applied to various objects such as labels, cards, or other devices.
- Contactless capability: Both technologies can conduct a contactless capability. It means communication can occur without having to make direct physical contact between the tag and the reader. This provides convenience in many applications such as transportation ticket payments and security access control.
- International standard: RFID and NFC have the same international standards. Generally, these two technologies are regulated based on the standards ETSI EN 300 330, ETSI EN 302 291.
Difference between RFID and NFC
Like other technologies with similar functions, RFID and NFC have differences that need to be understood. Although both technologies are used for data exchange process, there are some key differences between these two technologies.
- Working principle: NFC does not require a special reader to read data (two way). Meanwhile, RFID will only be able to operate if there is a tag and a reader. RFID tags contain information that can be read by the reader when they are within a certain distance
- Communication range: NFC is designed for close communication range, usually less than 10cm. It will ensures security in data communication and require close identification. RFID has a wider communication range than NFC, usually between 25 – 100m, depending on the frequency band it is used.
- Technology applications: NFC is widely used in digital payments, data transfer between devices, and public transportation tickets. RFID is used in various applications such as supply chain management, inventory tracking, controlling access to certain buildings, and even in reading credit cards at payment machines.
Implementation of RFID and NFC
RFID and NFC have become an integral part of many aspects of our life. Here are some examples of implementation of these technology in our everyday life.
RFID has played a significant role in improving efficiency in the retail and logistics industry. Following are some implementation of RFID in the retail and logistics industry.
- Real-time inventory management: By using RFID tags on each item, retailers can track stock in real-time, reducing shortages and ensuring product availability.
- Security system: RFID-based security systems can help prevent theft by providing accurate information about missing items.
- Automation process: RFID automates the receipt and shipping of goods, as well as real-time asset tracking, reducing the possibility of human error.
NFC has revolutionized the way people make transactions and interact with public services. Here are some examples of NFC implementation.
- Cashless payments: With NFC technology, users can make transactions simply by holding their smartphones close to a payment terminal.
- Contactless transport tickets: NFC is used in electronic ticketing systems, allowing passengers to pay and access transport services easily. This speeds up the payment process, reduces queues, and increases travel convenience.
Regulatory control for RFID and NFC
Because RFID and NFC utilize radio frequency waves, it is mandatory for every compatible RFID and NFC devices to meet applicable technical standards in Indonesia through a certification process called DJID certification.
RFID and NFC technologies are regulated based technical regulation of KEPMEN KOMINFO No. 260 year 2024. Based on this technical regulation, we can know that the number of RFID allowable frequency band is more varied than NFC.
Following are the allowable frequency bands for RFID in Indonesia.
| Frequency band | Output power | Spurious emission | Testing method |
| 16 – 150 kHz | ≤ 66 dBµA/m | EN 300 330 | EN 300 330 |
| 6765 – 6795 kHz | ≤ 42 dBµA/m | EN 300 330 | EN 300 330 |
| 7400 – 8800 kHz | ≤ 9 dBµA/m | EN 300 330 | EN 300 330 |
| 13.553 – 13.567 MHz | ≤ 94 dBµV/m | EN 302 291, EN 300 330 | EN 302 291, EN 300 330 |
| 433 – 434.79 MHz | ≤ 20 dBm | EN 300 220 | EN 300 220 |
| 920 – 923 MHz | ≤ 26 dBm | EN 300 220, EN 302 208 | EN 300 220, EN 302 208 |
| 2.4 – 2.4835 GHz | ≤ 20 dBm | EN 300 440 | EN 300 440 |
Meanwhile, there is only one allowable frequency band for NFC, as follows.
| Frequency range | Output power | Spurious emission | Testing method |
| 13.553 – 13.567 MHz | ≤ 20 dBm or ≤ 94 dBµV/m | EN 302 291, EN 300 330 | EN 302 291, EN 300 330 |
If you have any question related to DJID certification, please don’t hesitate to contact us by sending enquiry to info@narmadi.com.
