Does RFID Work on Metal? How to Choose On-Metal Tags
Yes, RFID works on metal with tags built for it. See why metal detunes standard tags, compare ABS, PCB, ceramic and label tags, and test read range properly.
RFID & access control buyer guides
Engineer-written guides to RFID frequencies, access-control protocols, credentials, UHF systems, RFID tags and door hardware — to help you specify and source the right parts.
Buyer guides
How to Choose a UHF RFID Reader: Integrated, Fixed, Handheld, Desktop or Module
Choose a UHF RFID reader by job: integrated for gates, fixed for dock doors, handheld for counts, desktop for encoding, module for OEM. Specs and RFQ list.
How to Choose a Magnetic Lock: Holding Force, Brackets and Door Type
A 280 kg (600 lb) maglock suits most interior doors; use 500 kg (1200 lb) for exterior doors. Compare brackets, glass doors, current draw and QC checks.
Types of Access Control Card Readers: A Buyer's Guide for Integrators
Access control card readers differ by credential, interface, form factor and environment. Compare prox, smart card, mobile, QR and face readers to specify.
How to Choose an Embedded RFID Reader Module: OEM Integration Checklist
Choose an RFID reader module by matching credentials, interface, power and antenna to your device, then plan key storage and certification. OEM checklist.
Face Recognition Access Control: How to Choose a Terminal
A face recognition access control system matches a live face to enrolled templates. Compare liveness, outdoor ratings, wiring, capacity and GDPR storage.
Maglock Bracket Guide: ZL vs L vs U Brackets (Which One Do I Need?)
Use a ZL bracket on inward-opening doors, an L bracket on narrow frame headers and a U bracket on frameless glass. Compare fit, lock sizes and install tips.
Explosion-Proof Card Readers: Ex Zones, Markings and Selection
Specify hazardous-area readers by zone, Ex marking and verified conformity documents. Compare intrinsic safety and flameproof protection before ordering.
Comparisons
Wiegand vs OSDP vs RS485: Which Reader Interface Should You Specify?
Compare Wiegand, OSDP and RS485 reader interfaces: wiring, cable limits, AES-128 Secure Channel and steps for a compatible access-control migration.
125kHz vs 13.56MHz: Choosing Access Cards and Readers
125 kHz cards are cheap but easy to clone; 13.56 MHz cards add memory and, on DESFire-class chips, AES security. Compare range, chips, security and migration.
Fail-Safe vs Fail-Secure Locks: How to Choose for Each Door
A fail-safe lock releases when power is cut; a fail-secure lock stays locked. Learn which to use per door, how to wire NO/NC, and what egress codes expect.
MIFARE Classic vs DESFire EV2/EV3: Security, Cost and Migration
MIFARE Classic's Crypto1 is broken and its cards can be copied; DESFire EV2/EV3 support AES-128. Compare security, memory and cost, then plan your migration.
Circular vs Linear Polarized UHF RFID Antennas (plus Near-Field and Gain)
Circular UHF antennas read tags at any rotation but lose about 3 dB versus an aligned linear antenna. Compare polarization, near-field, gain and cable loss.
LF vs HF vs UHF vs NFC: RFID Frequencies Explained for Integrators
LF and HF RFID read at a few centimeters and suit doors; UHF reads many tags from meters away for gates and warehouses. NFC is part of HF. Compare them here.
Types of Electric Locks for Access Control: Maglock vs Drop Bolt vs Electric Strike
The 5 types of electric locks (maglock, drop bolt, electric strike, electrified mortise and shear lock) compared by fail mode, egress, power and door fit.
EM4100 vs T5577 vs EM4305: 125kHz Chips Compared
EM4100 is read-only, T5577 is a rewritable chip that can emulate EM4100 and other LF formats, and EM4305 is a 512-bit chip used for FDX-B animal ID.
Integrated vs Fixed UHF Readers with External Antennas: Which Fits Your Project?
Use an integrated UHF reader for one read zone such as a gate or parking lane, and a fixed reader with external antennas for dock doors, tunnels and cabinets.
NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216 (and NTAG424 DNA): NFC Chips for Business
NTAG213, NTAG215 and NTAG216 differ mainly in memory: 144, 504 or 888 bytes. See what fits on each, and when NTAG 424 DNA's AES security is worth it.
E710 vs R2000-Class UHF Reader Modules: Choosing a Chip Platform
Impinj E710 vs R2000: E710-class modules usually read faster and draw less current at equal power, but range is similar. Compare specs, integration, bands.
How-to & wiring
Magnetic Lock Wiring Diagrams: Maglock, Exit Button, Power Supply and Reader
Maglock wiring with dry-relay COM/NC: keypad and reader diagrams, REX signals, approved egress release paths and manufacturer-specific suppression.
Standalone Access Control Keypad Programming: Master Code, Users and Reset
Program a standalone access control keypad: enter programming mode, change the master code, add card and PIN users, set relay time, reset and wire it.
How to Wire a Wiegand Card Reader to an Access Controller
Wire a Wiegand reader red to +12V, black to GND, green to D0 and white to D1, with a shared ground. Diagrams, cable gauge, 150 m limit and fixes inside.
How to Wire a Long-Range UHF Reader to an Access Controller or Barrier
Wire a UHF reader's D0, D1 and ground to your controller, match 26/34-bit Wiegand, size 12 V power and trigger the barrier by relay. Diagrams included.
How to Size an Access Control Power Supply and Battery Backup
Size access control supplies from operating and peak loads plus charging; calculate battery standby separately. Worked examples and cable voltage drop.
USB RFID Reader Setup: Keyboard Emulation and Card Number Formats
Most USB RFID readers need no software: they type the card number like a keyboard. Compare HID, COM and PC/SC modes, 8H10D and hex formats, and fixes.
How to Encode UHF RFID Tags with a USB Desktop Writer
To encode a UHF RFID tag, isolate it on a desktop writer, write a new EPC in hex, read it back, then lock it with an access password. Steps and fixes.
Technology explained
Wiegand 26-Bit Format Explained (with a Free Calculator)
Wiegand 26-bit is an even parity bit, 8-bit facility code, 16-bit card number and odd parity bit. Convert card numbers to hex and back with the calculator.
UHF RFID Frequency by Country: 902–928 MHz vs 865–868 MHz and Other Bands
Compare UHF RFID reader bands by country, including US, EU, UK, China, India and Japan. Understand ERP, EIRP, channel conditions and radio approvals.
UHF RFID Read Range: What Sets It and How to Increase It
Passive UHF RFID reads from a few cm to about 15 m. Learn how power limits, antennas, tags, metal and windshields set the range, and how to increase it.
QR Code Access Control: Static vs Dynamic QR, Turnstiles and 4G Controllers
Dynamic QR code access control uses signed, time-limited codes that expire, unlike static QR. How readers, turnstiles, 4G controllers and visitor passes work.
Tell us what you are building
Send your card type, interface and quantity. You get a quote, lead time and compatibility notes within 24 hours — samples available for most items.