How does RFID Technology Work? How do RFID Wallets work? Why is RFID relevant in everyday life?
RFID stands for Radiofrequency Identification. It is a technology that uses light signals, i.e. radio waves, to track and identify tags attached to an object. This technology is widely used on credit and debit cards for contactless payment.
The technology usually involves an RFID Reader and an RFID Tag (that is usually placed on the object such as an RFID enabled debit card).
How do RFID Readers and RFID Credit Cards Work?
RFID Readers are often used in payment terminals and are indicated by a symbol with 3 radio waves. During a transaction, this RFID Reader emits a radiofrequency signal when the Credit Card is placed close to the payment terminal. This radio signal then POWERS the RFID Chip via electromagnetic induction - a process in which electromagnetic energy is converted into an electric current.
This powers the circuit on the RFID tag allowing it to transmit stored data back to the RFID Reader. In effect, RFID enabled Credit Cards are able to work WITHOUT A POWER SOURCE. They are solely powered by the Energy from the Radio Signal emitted by the RFID Reader.
What allows RFID Credit Cards to Capture the Radio Wave?
RFID Credit Cards are composed of (1) An Antenna (2) RFID Chip and (3) The Card Body. The Antenna (composed of a coil of wire) captures the Radio Signal and converts it into the electrical current that is utilized by the RFID Chip's Circuit (i.e. Integrated Circuit).
How long does this communication between RFID Reader and RFID Chip Last?
This process takes milliseconds, making it a highly effective way of transferring data between the card and reader.
How does the RFID Reader Capture the Signal from the RFID Card?
This can vary from payment system to system, but usually the RFID Credit Card will transmit relevant ID and encrypted transaction information back to the RFID Reader in the form of a Radio Signal. The RFID reader's antenna then picks up this signal and converts it to data.
This RFID data is then then sent to a bank for approval. It is often then sent to a backend system that processes this data and matches it with a corresponding product which will update the inventory database in real time (for inventory level of a particular product).
So, how do RFID Wallets Work considering this information?
RFID Wallets were made with all of this RFID Technology in mind. The idea is very simple; Stop the Radio Signal, from the RFID Reader, from reaching the RFID Tag in the Credit Cards.
NEXGEN RFID Wallets do this in a variety of ways. First, the outer Carbon Fiber Cover blocks Radio Waves by Absorbing and Reflecting this emitted signal. Carbon Fiber is a conductive material which absorbs and converts the Electromagnetic Energy from Radio Waves quite well.
In addition, the Inner Chamber (which holds the cards) is made of Aluminum; a highly conductive material which is widely recognized for its ability to block Radio Waves. This gives another defense against RFID radio waves that, along with the Carbon Fiber Cover, effectively neutralizes incoming signals.
Lastly, his Aluminum Chamber also blocks any outgoing radio waves that may be emitted from the RFID Credit Card, effectively blocking radio waves from coming in or going out. The construction of the RFID Wallet thereby makes it electromagnetically opaque (impenetrable) to radio waves being emitted from RFID Readers. This is irregardless of a normal credit card transaction or bad actor scanning your card from up close.
Effectively, this is an invisible light technology that uses the laws of Electromagnetism in a stylish aesthetic. If you have any questions on this process, use our contact sheet below!