# RFID Card: The Ultimate Guide to Modern Access Control ## What is an RFID Card? An **RFID card** is a contactless smart card that uses radio frequency identification technology for data transmission and access control. From my personal experience working in security system integration, the transition from magnetic stripe cards to RFID cards was revolutionary. I recall a project where we upgraded a corporate campus, and the immediate improvement in user convenience and system reliability was palpable. The ability to simply wave a card rather than swipe it eliminated wear and tear and significantly sped up access points during peak hours. ### How RFID Cards Work: A Personal Perspective on the Technology My fascination with RFID began when I first programmed a basic access system. The elegance lies in the wireless communication between the card's embedded chip and a reader. The reader emits a radio signal, powering the card's microchip via electromagnetic induction, which then transmits its unique identifier back. It feels almost like magic every time I demonstrate it to clients. ## Technical Specifications and Parameters of Modern RFID Cards When selecting an **RFID card**, understanding the technical specifications is crucial for system compatibility. Here are detailed parameters for a typical high-frequency (HF) RFID card, commonly used in access control: * **Operating Frequency:** 13.56 MHz (HF Standard) * **Communication Protocol:** ISO/IEC 14443 A or ISO/IEC 15693 * **Chip Model Example:** NXP MIFARE Classic 1K (MF1S503x) * **Chip Memory:** 1 KB EEPROM, organized into 16 sectors with 4 blocks each. * **Data Retention:** Up to 10 years. * **Read/Write Cycles:** Minimum 100,000 cycles per block. * **Operating Distance:** Up to 10 cm (depending on reader power). * **Card Dimensions:** Standard ID-1 format: 85.6 mm x 54.0 mm x 0.76 mm (thickness can vary from 0.68mm to 0.84mm). * **Material:** PVC, PET, or composite materials. > **Important Note:** The technical parameters