Do you know what an NFC reader is?

How does an NFC reader work?

NFC readers work based on the principle of electromagnetic induction.

NFC devices (such as tags, configurations, or NFC-enabled mobile phones) and NFC readers have antennas inside. When an NFC device is close to the reader, the reader sends an RF signal of a specific frequency (usually 13.56MHz) through the antenna. After the antenna of the NFC device receives this signal, it generates an induced current, which powers its own chip, so it can start working.

At the same time, NFC devices and readers can exchange data through modulation technology. They can be in active mode or passive mode. In active mode, both parties generate a radio frequency field to transmit data; in passive mode, it is usually the NFC device (such as a tag) that obtains energy from the RF field emitted by the reader and then sends the stored data to the reader. In this way, the reader can read the data in the NFC device, such as identifying e-wallet information, access control and other card permissions, and some readers can write data to the NFC device.

What is the function of the NFC reader?

NFC readers are mainly used to read and read information from NFC (near field communication) tags or devices.

For example, in the recharge of bus cards, the NFC reader can read the balance, ride records and other information in the bus card, and write the recharge amount into the bus card scene. In the access control system, it can read the information of the employee card or the resident NFC, and preliminarily determine whether the card allows people to enter.

What are the advantages of NFC readers compared to traditional readers?

Compared with traditional card readers, NFC card readers have the following advantages:

Higher convenience

• Avoid physical contact: Traditional card readers such as contact IC card readers need to insert the connection into the card slot to read information, while NFC card readers use contactless reading. You only need to bring the NFC-enabled device or connection close to the card reader to complete the data transmission, which is more convenient and faster to use. For example, for bus card payment, you can swipe the phone or matching card with the NFC reader and insert it.

• High device integration: Many modern smartphones and tablets have built-in NFC functions, which require additional dedicated card reader devices. One device can realize multiple functions, such as payment, data transmission, access control card simulation, etc.

Stronger security

• Advanced encryption technology: NFC technology uses encryption algorithms to encrypt data to ensure the security and integrity of data during transmission, effectively prevent data from being stolen or tampered with, and is safer than traditional magnetic stripe card readers, which are easy to copy and steal.

•Support multi-factor authentication: It can be combined with multi-factor authentication methods such as passwords, fingerprints, and face recognition to further enhance security. For example, when making mobile payments, in addition to using NFC to transmit data, fingerprint or password verification is also required.

Wider application scenarios

• Mobile payment field: NFC card readers are widely used in mobile payments. Users can complete payments by placing NFC-enabled mobile phones close to payment terminals, replenishing cash or swiping cards, such as in supermarkets, convenience stores, etc., making checkout faster.

• Smart device interconnection: It can realize fast data transmission and sharing between smart devices, such as transferring files and synchronizing data between smartphones and smart speakers, smart watches, etc.

• Transportation: It can be used for ticketing systems of public transportation such as subways and buses. Passengers use NFC-enabled cooperation or mobile phones to swipe cards to take the bus. In the UAE, it is used for vehicle entry and exit management in parking lots to achieve automatic billing and deduction.

Better compatibility

• Support multiple interface types: It can read and write multiple types of NFC interfaces, including NFC tags, NFC cards, smartphones that support NFC functions, etc. It is compatible with NFC devices of different standards and protocols to meet the needs of different users and scenarios.

• Cross-platform operation: NFC-enabled devices of different brands and models can interact with NFC readers as long as they follow the NFC standard protocol. For example, both Apple devices and Android devices can use NFC readers for data transmission or payment.

Cost issues

• Hardware cost: With the popularization of NFC technology, the hardware cost of NFC readers has gradually decreased. Compared with some traditional high-end readers, the price is more affordable, which reduces the equipment procurement cost for merchants and users.

• Operation and maintenance cost: NFC readers use complex mechanical structures and vulnerable parts, have a long service life, low maintenance cost, and the contactless reading method reduces the damage to the card puller and equipment loss caused by plug-in, reducing the replacement cost.