What is the difference between RFID and NFC ?

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RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) are related in that they both use radio waves for wireless communication between devices. In fact, NFC is a type of RFID technology that operates at the frequency of 13.56 MHz.

While there are some differences between RFID and NFC, such as operating frequency, data transfer speed, and communication range, they share many similarities. Both RFID and NFC are used for contactless communication and data transmission, and they are commonly used in various applications such as access control, asset tracking, and payment systems.

In short, NFC can be seen as a specific type of RFID technology that is optimized for close-range communication, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its use in mobile payment systems and other contactless applications.

RFID NFC
Frequency Varies depending on the system; low-frequency is typically 125-134 kHz, high-frequency at 13.56 MHz, and UHF at 433 MHz or 900 MHz Only operates at 13.56 MHz
Communication Range Varies depending on the type of system used, the power output of the reader, and tag size/material; typically up to several meters for low-frequency systems and up to tens of meters for high-frequency and UHF systems Shorter communication range of around 10 cm
Data Transfer Speed Generally slower than NFC, ranging from a few hundred bits per second to a few megabits per second Faster than RFID, with a maximum data transfer rate of up to 424 Kbps
Application Areas Used in various applications such as inventory management, asset tracking, access control, and supply chain management Primarily used for mobile payment systems, contactless ticketing, and data sharing applications

Common RFID chips: NXP MIFARE Classic, EM chips, Alien Higgs, Impinj Monza, TI Tag-it.

Common NFC chips: NXP NTAG, Sony FeliCa, ST25, MIFARE Ultralight.

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