RFID tags can store small amounts of data like addresses, names, and product information. They are small and rewritable chips that can take the form of cards and keychains, or even be implanted into people or pets. An RFID reader and writer is a cheap component that you can use if you want to add them to your project. So, how does one program RFID cards to their project?
RFID cards generally involve a set of tags and a reader. When one swipes or waves the card on the reader, it scans the tag and pulls information from it. Each RFID tag contains a unique ID. The unique tag ID is the key to using an RFID card in a program and is what sets one tag apart from all other tags. For example, a credit card tag can be used as a membership card in that, within your membership database you add an additional field for the tag ID. Therefore, you can scan the card and associate the tag ID to that member in your membership database before giving the card to the member. That unique RFID card will be associated with that member in your database. If you scan that card, you can use the retrieved unique tag ID to then search your membership database for the RFID tag number and then get the associated membership information.
An RFID access control card is a contactless ID card containing a specific numerical programming network that is read by the card reader to control and secure physical access. Inside the card, is an integrated circuit containing a coiled antenna and specific numerical programming that increases the range at which the card can be read. The card uses a radio frequency signal sent by the transmitter, therefore, when the card comes in the range of the card reader, the reader detects the card and reads the programmed ID data from the card. The ID data is simply a set of preprogrammed binary numbers (zeros and ones) that are used to identify the cardholder. Therefore, instead of carrying different cards for each door, one card (a master key card) can be programmed to open multiple doors.
To program any RFID card, one has to know the brand and format of the card. Most software applications require one to understand the information that is programmed into the cards and allow the respective card readers to read the information to grant or deny access. These software applications don’t require you to be intricately familiar with the programming infrastructure itself. The software requires one to ‘assign’ a specific card number to each person.
Conclusion
Most RFID readers can also program tags but it’s advisable to have a specific RFID programmer, either handheld programmers or RFID desktop programmers, that will offer various reader-writer devices to meet your RFID programming needs. There are a few steps required to read a tag. For you to tap into the hardware, you’ll need to install an Application Programming Interface (API) software.
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