The RFID wristband serves as an all-in-one ticket during the entire event. On the one hand, the participants can use their wristband to pass the access controls in seconds and pay for drinks, snacks and other items. On the other hand, the festival managers receive important data about their guests, so that future major events can be optimized.
The system used for RFID wristbands basically consists of a tag (information memory or RFID chip) and a reader (reading device). When the data is to be sent, the chip is simply held up to the reader. If the frequency and possible security codes match, the information is evaluated. You can make use of the RFID wristbands for events here.
The system is based on the transmission of electromagnetic waves. As a result, this technology is completely independent of the Internet, so if Internet access is not guaranteed, this does not matter at all and all functions of the bracelet still work.
Energy Transfer
Since energy is of course required for the entire process, but there is little space on the bracelet for an energy store, compromises have to be made. On the one hand, there are active RFID tags that have their own energy source (battery or accumulator) and can therefore be constantly active. On the other hand, passive RFID tags are smaller, cheaper and have a longer lifespan, but can only become active when they are pinned by the reader. That is why these tags are used in bracelets.
Maximum Range and Data Storage
The transmission of the data is contactless, but the range is limited. The maximum distance depends on the transmission frequency. There are three different main categories:
Low Frequency (125-134 kHz): Very short range of a few centimeters (maximum 3 cm), little data storage and also slow data transmission.
High Frequency (13.56 MHz): Relatively short range of a maximum of 6 cm, but significantly larger storage space and faster transmission rate.
Ultra-High Frequency (433 MHz & 856-960 MHz): Overcoming long distances (up to 20 m), large storage capacities and fast transmission rate. However, it is usually not used for RFID wristbands, but only in goods logistics.
In addition to the transmission range, the storage capacity of the chip is also important. The largest RFID tags can store up to 3720 bytes, i.e. 3.72 kilobytes, of information. Normally, RFID chips for wristbands, which are used for access control, have a capacity of 3 kilobytes or less. That sounds very little at first, but it is easily sufficient to save data such as name, address, credit card number, date of birth, etc. about the participant at festivals, for example.
Used Material
The three main materials used are silicone, plastic, cloth and specially treated paper. The main difference is whether the RFID bracelet is to be used once, for example at a concert, or several times for everyday use.
Materials for One-Time Use
Inexpensive materials are usually used for this, such as plastics: Tyvek, PVC, and rarely woven fabric. The RFID chip is always in a small plastic card that is attached to the bracelet. Tyvek is made of special material similar to paper. Nevertheless, Tyvek is very tear-resistant and hard-wearing. In addition, this material can withstand heat and water for a short time. These products are usually individually adjustable in size.