RFID Hybrid Cards

One printed RFID hybrid card for access and tracking

Many organisations issue a staff ID for doors and attendance and then need something else that portal or inventory readers can count. The hybrid card puts both into one CR80 card: an HF 13.56 MHz chip (MIFARE or NTAG) that is tapped at access and attendance readers within 10 cm, and a UHF EPC Gen2 chip that portal and inventory readers pick up at 0.5–3 m. The card face takes full-colour printing, so it doubles as the person’s photo ID.

Where the hybrid card fits

• Employee ID: door access and attendance on HF, with UHF reads at exits or zones for movement records.
• Libraries: one card as the staff or student ID and for book checkout.
• Hospitals: staff door access on HF, alongside UHF equipment tracking.
• Visitor passes: campuses running both HF and UHF readers can issue a single pass.

Choosing the variant

HF + UHF covers most sites; choose HF + magnetic stripe + UHF where a swipe reader is still in service. If your access system is built on DESFire keys, compare the HF + UHF DESFire card, and if your doors run 125 kHz proximity, the LF + UHF card. Before printing a batch, confirm the chip your attendance terminal reads, as our card printing compatibility guide explains.