RFID Smart Parking Demo

Wisense RFID parking ...

RFID Reader Module: Small Form Factor

WJ Communications introduces a low cost, small form factor Gen2 UHF RFID module, the WJM3000, which is based on its WJC200 reader chipset. The WJM3000 is the size of a compact flash card and uses almost 60% fewer discreet components, compared to currently available modules on the market. This RFID module will exceed industry benchmarks for fast inventory time and longer read and write range with worldwide Generation-2 RFID tags. ...

... "Utilizing WJ's RF expertise and leadership in wireless infrastructure and radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, WJ has developed the WJM family of UHF RFID Reader Module products to enable OEMs to offer RFID functionality in mobile devices while maintaining key parameters such as low cost, light weight and extended battery life. The data connectors provide an easy snap on PCB or a cable connection allowing for easy integration.

The main applications for WJM3000 include: RFID enabled Mobile Devices, RFID Enabled Handheld Readers, RFID Enabled Fork Lift Readers, and RFID Portal Reader. " ...

Via WJ Communications: WJ Communications Revolutionize the UHF Gen2 RFID Reader Module Market ...

OTI RFID Supports Discover Network Contactless Payment

OTI receives certification for its RFID reader in support of the contactless payment solution for the Discover Network. ...

... "Discover Network, a business unit of Discover Financial Services and Morgan Stanley, announced that it has certified the Saturn 5000 contactless reader developed by On Track Innovations (OTI) (NASDAQ: OTIV), a global leader in contactless microprocessor-based smart card solutions, for use with Discover Network's contactless payment application. The certification process ensures that the Saturn 5000's reader technology is able to support Discover Network's proprietary contactless payment solution. Additional OTI readers are in the certification process.

Compatible with major POS terminal providers and acquirers, Saturn 5000's enhanced features allow the reader to support multiple application programs and read a variety of payments sources, including credit cards and key fobs and cell phones. The console's plug-and-play design and small footprint facilitates quick upgrades of existing POS terminals to accept contactless payments. And because the reader faces the customer, the Saturn 5000 enables easier and faster payment transactions. Additionally, OTI's patented matched antenna technology provides more effective power consumption, reliable and stable communications, and additional levels of security and encryption throughout the communication link. " ...

Via Discover Network: Discover Network Certifies Oti Card Reader For Contactless Payment System, OTI's Saturn 5000 to Support Discover Network's Fast, Secure, and Simple Contactless Payment System Worldwide

RFID SmartCards AccessControl ...

ASSA ABLOY Identification Technologies supplies the Cartes conference with RFID-enabled smart card for access control. ...

... "ASSA ABLOY Identification Technologies (ITG) will provide 30,000 contactless smart cards to be used by exhibitors, visitors, VIP guests and the organizers themselves. The cards are manufactured by VisionCard, a leading European card manufacturer based in Austria and part of ITG. Among the special features of the card is the printed antenna, which represents a complementary technology to ITG's other core transponder technologies, wire-embedding, wire-transfer and coil winding. VisionCard's long track record and their expertise in high volume printing allow the company to produce high quality printed antennas very cost efficiently and to connect them to any 13.56 MHz IC module available in the market. The cards for the CARTES exhibition are based on Philips mifare 1k chips. Set up of the access control system at the exhibition has been entrusted to French system integrator Tech-Event. For this application, Tech-Event has chosen RFID reader modules manufactured by ACG Identification Technologies, another ASSA ABLOY ITG company. The reader modules provided by ACG, compatible with multiple ISO standards including ISO 14443A/B and ISO 15693, will be used to read all the entry badges issued for the exhibition. " ...

Via ASSA ABLOY Identification Technologies: CARTES exhibition goes contactless with RFID technology from ASSA ABLOY ITG ...

RFID Reader Korean Market ...

WJ Communications certifies its RFID reader module for the Korean market. The reader supports a number of mobile form factors. ...

... "WJ Communications, Inc., a leading designer and supplier of RF products and solutions for the wireless infrastructure and RFID reader markets, announced that it has successfully achieved certification from the South Korean government Ministry of Information Communication (MIC), for its RFID UHF WJR7090 reader module and is now approved for sale in Korea. The recently developed WJR7090, is a highly scalable, high-performance, and easy to integrate Gen2 UHF RFID reader module ideally suited for the Korean handheld and mobile market. Packaged in a PCMCIA Type II PC card format, the WJR7090 is compact in size and is ISO18000-6B, ISO18000-6C (Gen2) and Class 1 compliant. The WJR7090, is designed to offer maximum RFID read-range in applications such as handhelds, printers, forklift readers, portal readers, and other mobile devices enabled for RFID functionality. " ...

Via WJ Communications: South Korea Certifies WJ Communications RFID UHF Reader Module ...

RFID Security: NSF Funds Smart Tag Research ...

National Science Foundation, NSF, provides funding to increase the privacy and security of RFID smart tags, through better cryptographics.

... "Strengthened security for smart tags - the wireless devices that allow drivers to zip through automatic tollbooths or pass a security desk with the flash of a card - is the aim of a new initiative that has received $1.1 million from the National Science Foundation. Led by Kevin Fu of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the researchers are developing much-needed cryptographic protocols, hardware and applications for the increasingly common devices. Millions of consumers already use smart tags—wireless devices that use radio waves to identify and authenticate people and things - and they will become more numerous, says Fu.



Smart tags - which include Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags—are already used to track items from library books to merchandise to cattle. Increasingly, they are replacing the magnetic stripe cards used in security badges and mass transit cards, sometimes also serving as electronic cash. The tags will soon be incorporated into documents such as passports; their use is being explored for tracking medical records and prison inmates. But the tags, which also include contactless smart cards and low-resource sensors, are a technology that has crept in from the edge of the Internet and they present new challenges in terms of security and privacy issues, says Fu.

The unique environment presented by smart tags - they can operate without human intervention and without a physically connected power source - presents unique security concerns, says Fu. Smart tags automatically respond to the device that reads them, so human users don't have the traditional means of giving or denying consent to the reader. This infrastructure of untrusted readers and tags requires an approach that preserves privacy while maintaining the flexibility and convenience that the tags offer.

The new consortium, dubbed the RFID ConsortiUm for Security and Privacy (RFID-CUSP), takes these operating conditions into account and is designing new cryptographic definitions, algorithms and models that will lay the solid foundation on which secure applications can be built. As part of their project, the researchers are working with the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). The project will result in the first completely open, publicly available software for experimenting with RFID security and privacy. " ...

UMass Amherst: UMass Amherst-Led Research Will Protect Consumers by Ramping Up Security for Smart Tags

Kevin Fu: "Open cryptanalysis of existing RFID protocols will give assurance in the soundness of reliable RFID technology. At UMass, we are investigating how to build secure RFID-based systems. "

The Sensor Revolution: Industry & Commerce: "Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) stands among the fastest-proliferating sensor technologies. RFID systems combine electromagnetic sensing with radio communications. RFID tags and interrogators can be used to track inventory in a warehouse or collect tolls from moving cars. "

Understanding Contactless Smart Card Technologies and Some of the Leading Reader/Card Product Providers (PDF): "That transmission could then be replayed to a reader to gain access illicitly at some time in the future. In contrast, today’s secure contactless cards and readers (such as XceedID ISO-X and HID iCLASS) employ a myriad of cryptographic techniques. These techniques encrypt data in ways that render it useless to an illicit user. Thus, traditional proximity cards and readers provide inferior communication security when compared to secure contactless smart cards and readers. "

RFID MasterCard PayPass KeyFob ...

Good look at the Mastercard Paypass keyfob, based on RFID technology ...

... "The new MasterCard PayPass is an RFID token that uses radio frequency keys to authorize purchases. " ...

Via Popgadget: Citibank's RFID PayPass credit card ...

... "The average time consumers spend waiting in line is 7.4 minutes, but starting this fall, Citibank Banking Card cardholders in New York will begin zipping through checkout lines faster. They will be able to make their purchases quicker with the innovative, new tap-and-go Citibank MasterCard PayPass,a free, speedy companion payment device to the Citibank Banking Card, Citibank's ATM/debit card. Similarly, Citi will begin to pilot MasterCard PayPass for its credit card customers this fall. The PayPass key fob device fits on a key chain for easy access, so customers can make payments on purchases with a simple tap on a PayPass reader at participating merchants...and go. Following the initial launch in the New York market beginning this fall, Citibank plans to roll out 2.5 million PayPass debit devices across the country.



With the Citibank MasterCard PayPass, there is no need to swipe a banking card or hand it to a cashier to make a purchase. Customers simply tap their PayPass-enabled key fob on the PayPass reader at participating merchants and they are on their way. The purchase is automatically deducted from their checking account. When the lights flash on the reader, the transaction is complete. Tap-and-go convenience makes payment faster than using cash, check, even a card. Also, tracking smaller purchases is easier than when paying with cash, and no signature is required for purchases under $25 at select merchants. " ...

Via Mastercard International: Citibank Introduces Tap-and-Go Convenience for Its Debit Customers: Citibank MasterCard PayPass Fits on a Key Chain, Does Not Have to Be Swiped or Handed to a Cashier, Saves Time ...

RFID Proximity Device: Healthcare Application ...

... "RF IDeas, Inc., creators of single-badge solutions for physical and logical access control and security, has shipped its 30,000th RFID proximity device for use in the healthcare industry. The milestone is confirmation of RF IDeas' leadership position in the emerging field of single sign-on authentication and access systems, as well as the growing adoption of this technology in healthcare organizations, where protection of patient information as mandated by HIPAA is crucial. RF IDeas will be demonstrating its cutting-edge solutions at booth #1851 of HIMSS, February 12-16, 2006. " ...

RFID Proximity Device: Healthcare Application: Via RF Ideas: RF IDeas Ships Its 30,000th Proximity Reader for Smart Card Access in the Healthcare Field

RFID-Enabled Smart Card ...

QI Sys is developing RFID smart cards for contactless payment applications ...

... "QI Systems Inc., a leading developer and integrator of smart card payment, access control and tracking solutions, announced that QI product engineers are now developing hardware and software components that support RFID-enabled contactless payment systems. RFID-enabled payment systems are rapidly gaining in popularity with merchants and consumers in the U.S. Small-value transactions can now be quickly completed using a payment card with a built-in microchip and wire-loop antenna utilizing very-short-range (several inches) radio waves to securely transmit account information from the card to the merchant point-of-sale terminal. There is no need for the merchant to swipe the card through a reader, so the cardholder always remains in control of the card and transaction time is optimized. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are actively promoting contactless-payment versions of their cards. The International Standards Organization has established an implementation specification enabling these credit-card leaders to share a common transmission protocol. That in turn facilitates the programming of a single merchant point-of-sale terminal to accept and process transactions from all three companies’ payment cards/devices. Merchants and cardholders alike should benefit significantly from the enhanced convenience and security offered by a broader selection of contactless payment solutions. " ...

RFID-Enabled Smart Card: Via QI Systems Inc.: QI Systems Inc. Developing Products for RFID-Enabled Smart Card ...

RFID eIdentity USB Reader: Passport Capable ...

ASK introduces USB-connection RFID reader that has shown interoperability with Interfest e-passport standards. ...

... "ASK launches the RDR 400 series of contactless USB readers, designed for performance, security and ergonomics. RDR 400 readers are ideal for contactless logical/physical access control, identity, banking and PC-based applications. Based on CPL 400 couplers, the RDR 400 series is high speed, low cost, multi-standard and multi-application; its unique and powerful RF interface means that RDR 400 readers support all current ISO dual interface/contactless cards and contactless tickets.

RDR 400 has passed successfully e-passport Interfest interoperability tests taking place in November in Singapore. These tests involved 124 different passports complying with ISO14443 type A or B standards from 28 countries to be tested on 40 readers. ASK reader reached the best performances both in terms of interoperability and communication speed. ASK is breaking new ground in emerging markets such as e-identity and banking where clients need technology partners with superlative expertise in both RFID card and reader technology " ...

RFID eIdentity USB Reader: Passport Capable: Via ASK: ASK launches new contactless USB reader RDR 400 series ...

Founded in 1997, ASK is now the supplier of the most comprehensive range of contactless cards, tickets, RFID tags and readers on the market. All products comply with ISO and EPC standards. ASK addresses the mass transit, access control, e-government ID, supply chain and logistics markets. 50 million contactless cards, tickets and RFID labels are already in use worldwide. ASK’s manufacturing plant is located at its Sophia-Antipolis headquarters in France, with regional offices in Paris, Singapore and Westport, USA.

RFID Emergency Card: Enables Electronic Health Record ...

MedicAlert will show its RFID-enabled smart-card for enabling emergency medical care through the use of identification and electronic health records. ...

... "MedicAlert will be showcasing technology products - the MedicAlert® E-HealthKEY, the Health Enhancement System (HES), and the RFID Emergency Card in response to the federal government’s goal to give all Americans electronic medical records in the coming years. Within a few years, one-third of all Americans will be elderly – about 77 million people – the single biggest demographic group in the country. Globally, the U.S. will have the largest population of elderly people in the history of the world. " ...

RFID Emergency Card: Enables Electronic Health Record: Via MedicAlert: MedicAlert® to showcase technology at the White House Conference on Aging ...

MedicAlert® is committed to providing technology-based solutions and is an active member and a leader in developing interoperability standards with all the major Healthcare IT standards organizations. The MedicAlert® repository uses Web service interfaces to support standard Electronic Health Records (EHRs), including electronic drug prescriptions and for patient record interoperability. These activities will ensure the rapid development and deployment of standards to improve the quality of care, lower healthcare costs while increasing patient safety. MedicAlert® is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1956 with a mission to protect and save lives, is headquartered in the United States and has international affiliates in nine countries.

Additional resources on uses of RFID to support emergency health care or electronic health care identification:

Health Care CIO Runs Internal RFID Test - Computerworld: "Halamka said this month that when the chip is scanned by an RFID reader, an identifying number directs physicians to his medical records, which are stored electronically at CareGroup's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. "

VeriChip launches secure database to consult health care data stored on implantable RFID chips: "VeriChip is a miniaturised, implantable, radio frequency identification device (RFID) which can be used in a variety of security, emergency, and health care applications. About the size of a grain of rice, each VeriChip is composed of FDA-accepted materials and contains a unique verification number which can seamlessly integrate to the GVS Registry."

RFID can be a matter of life and death in the medical world | WTN: "Radio frequency identification technology is often touted as a way to improve supply chain management. But in the health care world, the technology is bringing other, perhaps more important benefits: safety and security."

RFID Technology ISO9001:2000 Certification ...

HID achieves ISO9001 certification for the design, manufacture, and distribution of RFID technology. ...

RFID Technology ISO9001:2000 Certification: Via HID: HID Achieves ISO9001:2000 Re-Certification for Design, Manufacture, and Distribution of RFID-Based Contactless Smart Cards and Readers: The Management System Certification Encompasses Excellence Meeting Customer and Regulatory Requirements While Continually Improving HID's Product Performance ...

... "HID Corporation, the premier manufacturer of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry, announced that is has achieved ISO 9001:2000 re-certification for quality management and its system certification that encompasses manufacturing. HID first received ISO9000 certification on June 1, 1999, ISO 9001:2000 certification on June 1, 2002 and has been continuously certified while they maintain focus on continuous process improvements for the company's entire iCLASS 13.56 MHz, Prox 125 kHz, and Wiegand card and reader technology design, manufacture and distribution processes. To attain ISO9001 certification, all certified companies must be in conformance to the ISO9001:2000 standard that requires companies to do what is needed to fulfill the customer's quality requirements, enhance customer satisfaction, manage the processes or activities and to achieve continual improvement of their performance in pursuit of these objectives. " ...

As the largest manufacturer of contactless access control readers and cards for the security industry, HID has shipped over 250 million credentials to customers worldwide. HID pioneered the development of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for physical access control. Proximity and iCLASS® technologies can be housed on the same credential and combined with other technologies such as magnetic stripe, barcode, or contact smart chip modules. This provides users the ability to leverage their investment in existing systems while seamlessly upgrading to new technologies and adding new applications. For increased security, users can add a photo ID or anti-counterfeiting element such as a hologram or ultraviolet ink. HID’s experience in developing card technologies enables them to play a critical role in the evolution and adoption of contactless smart card technology used for applications such as access control, IT secure authentication, digital cash, the storage of biometric templates, and the storage and retrieval of critical information.

RFID Card Monthly Train Passess: SNCF ...

RFID Card Monthly Train Passess: SNCF: Via Psion Teklogix: PSION PLC: Major contract win ...

... "The WORKABOUT PRO configuration includes: a Symagery 2D Imager to read an encrypted barcode on the passenger's ticket; an RFID reader to read RFID cards (monthly passes); radio card for data synchronization when the train enters the main stations; and a Bluetooth connection to a portable printer. After 4 weeks of live testing with 120 controllers and several products, SNCF has agreed this contract with Psion Teklogix. SNCF has selected the WORKABOUT PRO mobile computer for its features in terms of ergonomics, battery life and data capture performance for both barcode and RFID. " ...

Psion (PON.L) is listed on the London stock market. Its operational business, Psion Teklogix, is a global provider of solutions for mobile computing and wireless data collection. The company’s fully integrated mobile computing solutions include rugged hardware; secure wireless networks, robust software, professional services, and exceptional support programs. Psion Teklogix is committed to helping its customers reap the benefits of new and emerging technologies, including image capture and RFID. With over three decades of industry experience, Psion Teklogix has customers in more than 80 countries around the world, and over 36 sales and support offices in 17 countries.

RFID Sweden National Electronic Passport Initiative ...

RFID support the Swedish Police Department in their national electronic passport initiative. ...

RFID Sweden National Electronic Passport Initiative: Via Arcontia: ACG ID and Arcontia roll out the new passport reader chosen by the Swedish Police Department: 320 contactless readers will form the backbone of the Swedish Police Department’s electronic passport infrastructure ...

... "ACG Identification Technologies, a leading component and technology supplier in the smart card and RFID markets, and Arcontia AB, a contactless smart card reader supplier in RFID markets, announce that their customized passport readers were chosen by Setec and the Swedish Police Department for use within the country’s nationwide electronic passport project. In total, 320 units were installed in local police stations across the country to be used by citizens when collecting their newly issued electronic passports. " ...

ACG Identification Technologies is an independent component and technology supplier serving the entire value chain of smart card and RFIDbased systems. Headquartered in Walluf (Germany), ACG has 21 locations throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Arcontia has been active in the RFID technology since 1996 and is today a developer of a comprehensive range of contactless smart card readers and terminals, complying with ISO14443 A/B and MIFARE standards. The product range addresses e-ticketing and e-government markets as well as the supply chain management and logistics market. Local office is based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

RFID Smart Cards: Norwegian Rail: National eTickets ...

Arcontia supplies RFID smart card solutions to Norwegian Rail in support of national eTicket program. ...

RFID Smart Cards: Norwegian Rail: National eTickets: Via Arcontia: Arcontia rolls out the new e-ticketing reader chosen by Norwegian State Railways (NSB): 1000 contactless smart card readers for the new onboard electronic ticketing system will be the new equipment for train conductors in Norway ...

... "Arcontia AB, a contactless smart card reader supplier in RFID markets, announces that its contactless smart card readers were rolled out to the Norwegian State Railways (NSB) for use within the nationwide electronic e-ticketing project. In total, 1000 pocket PC’s with the attached compact flash readers are to be used by train conductors across the country. The Norwegian company Unified Consulting and Arcontia have been cooperating since February 2005 regarding the implementation of the electronic ticketing issue in the Mobile Terminal system (the MT project) for the Norwegian State Railways. " ...

Arcontia has been active in the RFID technology since 1996 and is today a developer of a comprehensive range of contactless smart card readers and terminals, complying with ISO14443 A/B and MIFARE standards. The product range addresses e-ticketing and e-government markets as well as the supply chain management and logistics market. Local office is based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Reference on RFID Smart Cards for eTicketing:

Via CIOInsight: Ahead of the Game: Designed by Hewlett-Packard Co., Cisco Systems Inc., and Fortress GB Ltd., the system includes RFID-enabled smart cards that must be scanned at one of the stadium's 84 turnstiles for entry. The smart cards were used by 85,000 fans last season - they are included with season tickets ...

RFID Contactless Payment Cards ...

Axalto RFID contactless payment cards are being supplied to KeyBank for contactless debit role ...

RFID Contactless Payment Cards: Via Axalto: Axalto Provides Contactless Payment Cards for KeyBank Debit Card Rollout in the United States ...

... "Axalto, the world's leading provider of microprocessor cards, is supplying more than two million MasterCard® PayPass™ cards to KeyBank for the first contactless debit card rollout in the U.S. Axalto contactless payment smart cards enable cardholders to simply tap their card on the reader or within one inch of a point-of-sale terminal at checkout, instead of swiping their card or handing it to a store employee. The terminal quickly emits a signal acknowledging payment confirmation. The payment transaction is then processed. The KeyBank MasterCard PayPass card – available beginning September 1 – also includes a magnetic stripe, allowing consumers to use it at any location that accepts MasterCard debit cards. " ...

CF RFID Reader Card ...

CF RFID Reader Card: Socket Communications Delivers Industry First CF RFID Reader-Scan Card with Combined Bar Code and RFID Technology: Unique Multi-Functional Device Supports Both Technologies with a Single Plug-In Accessory for Pocket PC-Based Applications ...

Socket offers a CF RFID reader card to the mobile marketplace ..

... "Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT), an innovative provider of mobile productivity products, today announced the availability of the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card Series 6. Designed for Pocket PCs or other mobile devices running Windows Mobile software, the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card is an industry first, and combines both RFID and bar code technology within the same CF housing, enabling users to scan bar codes and read/write to high frequency (13.56MHz) RFID tags with a single, affordable mobile device. " ...

Socket’s CF RFID Reader-Scan Card Series 6 is supported on Pocket PC 2003 (Windows Mobile) and soon to be released Windows Mobile 5.0. Socket’s CF RFID Reader-Scan Card Series 6 will be available September 12, 2005 through Socket’s worldwide distribution channels with an MSRP of $729 (version 6M) and $799 (version 6P). Socket Communications (NASDAQ: SCKT) develops and distributes a broad range of data collection and network connectivity products for mobile devices such as PDA’s, Smartphones and tablet notebooks. Working collaboratively with mobile solutions from leading Strategic Vertical Integrators, world-class 3rd party software developers and OEM's, Socket's products are proven to drive operational efficiencies, increase mobile workforce productivity, boost corporate performance and improve customer satisfaction.

Tag: RFID

Zebra TI RFID Gen2 Demonstrated

Zebra TI RFID Gen2 Demonstrated: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES FIRST COMPANY TO SUCCESSFULLY DEMONSTRATE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS’ GEN 2 TECHNOLOGY: Zebra, Texas Instruments and ThingMagic demonstrate Gen 2 technology, proving Zebra’s flexibility to handle RFID tags from multiple sources, to help accelerate the adoption of Gen 2 ...

RFID leaders collaborate to demonstrate RFID Gen2 performance ...

... "Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand printing solutions for business and process improvement, recently collaborated with Texas Instruments and ThingMagic to demonstrate EPC Gen 2 tags from Texas Instruments in a Zebra printer/encoder during the EPCglobal Fast Moving Consumer Goods Business Action Group meeting in Houston, Texas. Zebra is the only company to successfully demonstrate printer/encoder communication with Gen 2 inlays from several leading suppliers. Highlighting the meeting’s Gen 2 Live theme, the demonstration featured Zebra’s R110Xi printer/encoder, embedded with ThingMagic’s RFID reader module and Texas Instruments’ EPC Gen 2 inlays incorporated into label rolls. " ...

Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, "smart" label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company has sold more than four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies.

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company’s businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications.

Founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, MA, ThingMagic is a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID), sensing and embedding computing technologies. Mercury4, ThingMagic’s fourth generation agile RFID reader, builds on and substantially enhances the company’s original platform created for early field tests of the Electronic Product Code (EPC). Designed to meet the business needs of a future where networked objects are pervasive, the Mercury4 line of RFID readers also includes an embedded reader, Mercury4e, and a handheld reader, Mercury4h. Mercury4 RFID readers are the only intelligent, network-ready RFID readers, and the only devices that can read any RFID tag.

FAST RFID Card: Unique Chip ...

FAST RFID Card: Unique Chip: The FAST Commercial Driver Program is the result of the United States, Canada and Mexico Border Partnership Action Plans ...

... "The FAST Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card is a card that can be read electronically without mechanical contact, at a distance of a few feet. The FAST RFID card has a unique chip embedded in the card that transmits its arrival to a reader/antenna. The driver’s FAST RFID card is valid for up to five years. However, the driver’s visa or waiver could expire within the five years. If the visa or waiver expires within the five years, the system will automatically deactivate the FAST RFID card when the expiration date for the card is input into the CBP database. " ...

MasterCard SmartCard RFID Payment

MasterCard SmartCard RFID Payment: Hypercom Terminals Star in MasterCard Promotion at Major League Baseball All-Star Game FanFest: 80,000 Fans Tap for Prizes with Optimum T4100s and Smart Cards in Baseball Giveaway Event ...

... "MasterCard’s use of a contactless prize card drew attention to the MasterCard® PayPass™ program, an initiative that eliminates the need for consumers to swipe their credit cards through a reader. Cardholders simply tap their MasterCard PayPass card on a specially equipped merchant terminal that reads consumer account information from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedded in the card. " ...

Widely recognized as the global payment technology innovator, Hypercom delivers complete card payment terminal, network access device, server and transaction networking solutions that help merchants and financial institutions generate revenues and increase profits. Hypercom’s card payment terminal, network and server solutions are leading the transformation of electronic payments in more than 100 countries. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

Short Range RFID: Radio Frequency Identification

Short Range RFID: Radio Frequency Identification

... "Given the short read range of these tags, the item typically travels on a conveyor bringing it in close proximity to the interrogator. Short range systems are also used for personal identification and access control operations. The identity of the individual can be determined either with a very short range RFID card reader when held within a few inches of the reader, or with somewhat more expensive systems which can read the card even when it is kept in a pocket. " ...

RFID Reader CompactFlash FormFactor

RFID Reader CompactFlash FormFactor: ACG: ACG completes HF Dual ISO reader family: Handheld version of fully ISO 14443 A/B compatible read/write module available now ...

... "ACG Identification Technologies GmbH, a leading component and technology supplier in the smart card and RFID markets, announces today the launch of its new high-speed, fully ISO 14443 A and B compatible RFID reader in a Compact FlashTM card form factor. The new RFID read/write handheld module completes ACG's HF Dual ISO Reader family, which already comprises an OEM module, a Plug&Play board and a fully packaged desktop reader. It is ideal for numerous mobile applications, including mobile verification of e-passports, e-drivers licenses and e-ID cards. " ...

ACG Identification Technologies is an independent component and technology supplier serving the entire value chain of smart card and RFID-based systems. Headquartered in Walluf (Germany), ACG has 21 locations throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

RFID Reader Mobile Workforce Solutions ...

RFID Reader Mobile Workforce Solutions: Everypath and Socket Communications Partner to Deliver Integrated Solutions for the Mobile Workforce ...

Everypath's software supports RFID reader integration for mobile workforce field solutions ...

... "With the combined Everypath MTA and Socket barcode scanning solution, customers benefit from real-time product, inventory and pricing information and the ability to capture accurate data while in the field. Everypath’s MTA applications streamline and deliver data from existing databases within the network directly to handheld devices operated by employees in the field. Socket offers a variety of plug-in and cordless barcode scanning products, providing efficient alternatives to manual data entry via keyboard. Socket’s barcode scanners have been shown to be up to 50 times faster than the manual method and to dramatically improve data accuracy. Everypath MTA software supports Socket’s CF Scan Card – 5 Series, its Cordless Hand Scanner, 2D Scan Card and RFID Reader. " ...

... RFID readers and field force software solutions enable powerful mobile workforce applications.

Everypath is a leading provider of Mobile Task Automation (MTA) solutions to global 1000 companies. Customers and partners worldwide use the Everypath MTA™ to enable field representatives to capture orders, track inventory and serve customers with greater efficiency. By unleashing Everypath’s innovative technology, companies can fuse, miniaturize and adapt their enterprise information assets to help increase revenue, reduce costs and improve responsiveness. Everypath's customers include leaders such as Bayer, Biogen, E*TRADE, NTT, Smith & Nephew, Sumitomo Trust Bank, Toshiba, Wright Medical and Yamaha. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company serves customers in North America, Japan and Europe.

Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection™ Company, provides a broad range of connectivity and data collection products for mobile devices using Microsoft’s Windows Mobile, CE, XP, and Palm, RIM, and Symbian-based operating systems. These mobile devices include PDAs, Smartphones, Tablet PCs and notebooks that support standard expansion mechanisms. Socket’s Mobility Friendly™ products are feature-rich while promoting ease of use and lead the market with the smallest footprint and the most Battery Friendly® power consumption in their class. Socket’s Development Services team provides hardware developers with solutions using mobilityIC™ interface chips, KwikBlue™ modules with embedded Bluetooth® Wireless Technology, as well as other technologies implemented in Socket’s wide range of products. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California.

RFID Contactless Cards Growth: Vending Applications ...

USA Technologies : Exciting Developments in Cashless Vending ...

... "We are collaborating with major players in the credit/debit card industry such as American Express, MasterCard and others to bring contactless payment technology to the vending market; and for us to further participate in the $40 billion US vending business, considered one of the last major cashless opportunities. These companies are conducting multi-million dollar advertising campaigns and shipping millions of new credit cards to consumers with RFID capability. The contactless cards are activated by radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, and are recognized by the e-Port terminal when the consumer either passes the credit card in front of the vending machine, or taps the reader. Our e-Port technology is also designed to continue to let consumers swipe their cards. " ...

RFID 1356Mhz Smart Card Reader

RFID 1356Mhz Smart Card Reader: Atmel Introduces AVR Microcontroller-based 13.56 MHz Contactless Smart Card Reader ...

... "Atmel Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML), a global leader in the development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced today the world's smallest and lowest-cost 13.56 MHz RFID single chip reader. Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers allow devices to wirelessly interrogate and write to tags and Smart Cards. This technology is now being used in applications such as consumer, healthcare, transportation and logistics products. Smaller than a US dime, the AT90RF135602 is ideal for portable devices. Combined with its low power consumption and intelligent power management, the AT90RF135602 is especially suited for small, battery-powered handheld devices. It integrates, in a single BGA package, an RF block developed by a leading RFID design company and an Atmel AVR high performance RISC microcontroller. " ...

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are®.

RFID Career Path Promotion: Executive Vice President Of Marketing

RFID Career Path Promotion: HID Promotes Holly Sacks To Executive Vice President Of Marketing

... "HID Corporation, the premier manufacturer of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry, today announced that Holly Sacks has been promoted to executive vice president of Marketing. " ...

HID is the premier global supplier of contactless access control cards and readers for the security industry. With over 200 million credentials (cards, fobs and keys) in use worldwide, HID leads the industry in 13.56 MHz and 125 kHz RFID card and reader technology for a wide range of applications including access control, IT secure authentication, time and attendance, digital cash/cashless vending, automotive vehicle identification, and biometric verification. HID's award-winning product line includes iCLASS® 13.56 MHz contactless smart cards and readers, 125 kHz proximity, magnetic stripe, and Wiegand technology cards and readers. The company also provides specialized card manufacturing services including custom pre-printed graphics, micro printing and anti-counterfeiting elements, holograms or ultraviolet ink for increased card security. HID’s corporate offices are located in Irvine, California, with international offices supporting more than 100 countries. The company is part of the ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group.

High Frequency RFID Reader ...

High Frequency RFID Reader: Improved Data Capture Capability: Psion Teklogix Enhances WORKABOUT PRO Product Line to Provide Customers with Greater Flexibility and More Application Options: Global mobile computing customers and partners now have access to 1D and 2D image readers, PC Card Kit and Windows Mobile platform to meet the needs of field service, asset tracking and route accounting markets ...

Psion Tek integrates high-frequency RFID reading into the software enhancement cycle for its Workabout Pro software ...

... "Psion Teklogix, (LSE: PON), a global provider of solutions for mobile computing, RFID and wireless data collection, is continuing to improve flexibility and data capture capabilities for customers with a range of features that are available on the WORKABOUT PRO. Recent enhancements include 1D and 2D image readers, a high-frequency RFID reader, a wide area wireless communications PC Card Radio Kit, and Windows Mobile as an alternative platform to Windows CE .NET. ... A high-frequency RFID reader is now available, further enhancing the multimedia data capture capabilities of the WORKABOUT PRO. Operating at 13.56 MHz, high-frequency RFID is often used in applications such as asset tracking or closed-loop supply chain logistics. " ...

Psion Teklogix is a global provider of solutions for mobile computing, wireless data collection and RFID. The company's fully integrated mobile computing solutions include rugged hardware; secure wireless networks, robust software, professional services and exceptional support programs. Psion Teklogix is committed to helping its customers reap the benefits of new and emerging technologies, such as RFID. The company continues to introduce new RFID technologies that show tremendous potential across a wide range of markets. With over three decades of industry experience, Psion Teklogix has customers in more than 70 countries around the world, and over 36 sales and support offices in 17 countries. Psion Teklogix is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada with additional corporate offices located in the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Psion Teklogix is the operating business of Psion PLC, which is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange (PON.L).

Additional references on high-frequency RFID readers ...

One-Source™ for Radio Frequency Identification ... ... High Frequency RFID Readers are designed to read and write information to High Frequency “Smart Labels”, typically operating at 13.56 MHz. ...

E* Tag ... ... The e*Tag® series of high frequency RFID readers and reader/writers utilize 13.56 MHz, a worldwide standard for radio-frequency identification ...

Solutions - Overview ... ... All RFID readers have the same basic architecture: an antenna (a coil of wire ... High-frequency RFID systems are suitable for applications requiring a ...

RFID Background ...

United States Patent Application: 0030028787

... "One solution involves the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. RF ID technology is more commonly associated with aircraft identification systems, in which each aircraft has a transponder that emits a code in response to receiving radio waves of the correct frequency. The emitted code helps aircraft identify one another and thereby avoid collision or, in the case of military aircraft, avoid firing on each other. This technology has also been used in door entry systems, in which employees of a company are issued security cards, each card having a transponder that transmits an ID code in the presence of an electromagnetic field. To enter a secured door, an employee places his or her security card in close proximity to a card reader. The card reader emits radio waves that cause the security card to respond with an ID code. The security system then determines whether or not to open the door based on the ID code. " ...

RFID SmartCard For eTicketing ...

RFID SmartCard For eTicketing: T-Systems presents smartcard for e-ticket valid throughout Germany ...

T-Systems leverage RFID smartcard technology to deliver electronic ticketing solutions to the German mass transit market ...

... T-Systems has developed an electronic chip card for mass transit companies in Germany. The card will replace various ticket systems currently in use. Thus, for the first time ever, bus and commuter train passengers across Germany can travel without cash. Riders will receive an overall monthly invoice for all the trips they take on public transportation. Besides the great flexibility the solution enables, Germany’s mass transit operators also benefit from the fact that the card is counterfeit-proof. Up to now, the manipulation of paper tickets has resulted in revenue losses. Instead of using the familiar ticket-canceling machine, soon mass transit passengers will simply wave a smartcard equipped with a wireless antenna in front of a card reader when they board the bus or train. ...

T-Systems is one of a group of German technology firms involved in a government-sponsored research project to develop a core application for Germany’s associated mass transit companies, known collectively by its German acronym VDV. The common goal behind the "VDV Core Application" project is the creation of a national standard for electronic tickets and related technical components.

RFID Potential Application: Radio Frequency Identification

Radio Frequency Identification

... "The potential applications for this technology are numerous. RFID technology offers inexpensive read-only tags, which are generally short range (a few inches to a few feet), or more expensive long range, read/write devices with large memory capacities. The short range tags can be used in lieu of bar codes for identifying objects in harsh environments. For example, these tags are used in factories to track items through their production cycle. Given the short read range of these tags, the item typically travels on a conveyor bringing it in close proximity to the interrogator. Short range systems are also used for personal identification and access control operations. The identity of the individual can be determined either with a very short range RFID card reader when held within a few inches of the reader, or with somewhat more expensive systems which can read the card even when it is kept in a pocket. " ...

Proximity Cards ...

4.1 INTEGRATED ELECTRONIC AND AUTOMATED FARE PAYMENT SYSTEMS

... "There are two techniques that eliminate the requirement for physical contact between card and reader. The most prevalent of these techniques uses radio frequency inductive coupling. Since RF inductive coupling does not require physical contact between circuits being coupled, but only requires that the circuits be in proximity, cards using this type of coupling are called proximity cards. This technique employs an induction coil in the card read-write unit to generate an RF magnetic field that couples to another induction coil embedded in the card. The RF magnetic field provides power to the card's circuitry, and is modulated to carry signals to the card as well. The card must be equipped with a small power conditioning system to extract needed power from the magnetic field, regulate it, and provide it to the card's circuitry as long as the card is in the vicinity of the read-write unit. The card transmits signals back to the read-write unit by means of the same coil used to receive signals, or by means of a separate coil or antenna. " ...

RFID Reader: Georgia 400 to Upgrade Cruise Card

georgia.gov - Home

... "The eGo 3110A reader is a high-speed, multi-protocol 915 MHz RFID reader system and is ideal for multilane installations that require the ability to read two tag protocols and provide a migration path from an existing tag protocol. The eGo 3110A reader is capable of operating in any two of the three following protocols in a given installation: eGo (read-only), American Trucking Associations (ATA) (read-only), and California Title 21 or TransCore's Amtech IT2200 (read-only)." ...

Smart Card Interoperability Is A Challenge ...

NIST Smart Card Home

... "Smart cards provide greatly increased security for multiple applications. A smart card's usefulness is based on its intrinsic portability and security. A typical smart card has the same dimensions as a standard credit card and appears to be very similar with the exception of a set of gold contacts. When inserted into a reader, these contacts provide power to a microprocessor located on the smart card; the smart card is thus able to store and process information, in particular cryptographic keys and algorithms for providing digital signatures and for use with other encryption. A major impediment to the widespread use of smart cards has been interoperability: the majority of smart cards from different vendors are not interoperable and therefore must use specific software and smart card readers. " ...

Secure RFID Chips for Payment Card Applications ...

Secure RFID Chips for Payment Card Applications: Texas Instruments to Deliver RFID Solution for MasterCard PayPass

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Texas Instruments today announced plans to deliver ISO/IEC 14443 compliant radio frequency identification (RFID) chips designed to meet the ...

... Texas Instruments today announced plans to deliver ISO/IEC 14443 compliant radio frequency identification (RFID) chips designed to meet the stringent security requirements for MasterCard International's PayPass(TM) line of RFID payment cards and tokens. TI expects to submit this product for MasterCard certification in the second quarter of 2005. Full production is planned to start in the second half of this year TI's new 13.56 MHz RFID chip is the latest to be introduced in a series of solutions based on the company's ISO/IEC 14443 technology platform. This proven platform features products with universally accepted and standardized cryptography, using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) approved crypto algorithms, including Triple DES and SHA-1. ...

Texas Instruments is the world's largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications. Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.

Additional resources on secure RFID chips for payment card applications ...

RFID Tags and Contactless Smart Card Technology: Comparing and: The on-chip intelligence uniquely enables systems that ... card technology for new secure identification and ... For additional information on how RFID and contactless ...

Infineon Technologies AG: Business Concept ... Secure Mobile Solutions offers an extensive line of ... health insurance cards) and payment cards (debit and ... and customer base with RFID chips for identification ...

DOI Buys 30,000 DESFire Chips: says the government has tested a number of other chips that meet the ... NASA, which began a DESFire-based smart card secure access program at an ...

Flexible RFID Readers Used at RFID Compliance Test Center ...

Flexible RFID Readers Used at RFID Compliance Test Center: SAMSys Readers Selected for New RFID Test Center To Meet ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX) announced today that its radio frequency identification (RFID) readers have been selected and ...

... SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX) announced today that its radio frequency identification (RFID) readers have been selected and installed as part of the hardware infrastructure of the new Star Alliance Center, a 3,200-square-foot RFID demonstration center designed to assist companies in complying with RFID tagging mandates from Wal-Mart, the Department of Defense, and other major retailers and organizations. SAMSys equipment was chosen because its built-in support for multiple tag protocols and frequencies will allow tags from any supplier to be tested without installing multiple readers. ...

SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SAMSys), founded in 1995, is a world-leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services designed to evaluate and recommend optimal RFID solutions to enhance existing business process. SAMSys offers a family of products to simplify the installation and ensure the ongoing performance of the overall RFID hardware infrastructure. SAMSys is a public company whose shares are listed for trading on the TSX Exchange under the symbol: "SMY". The Company has a total of 47.6 million shares outstanding.

Additional resources on flexible RFID readers ...

Long-range Active RFID Specialists - Products: The i-CARD is the most adaptive and flexible RFID reader available, allowing users to select from a range of handheld equipment specific to their needs. ...

Psion Teklogix Launches RFID Development Kit: Both the Mobile UHF RFID Reader and the Fixed Station Readers are flexible enough to integrate with the protocols chosen by customers. ...

Texas Instruments’ Multi-Function: With its flexible architecture and scalability to a variety ... and design engineers an adaptable reader technology for open RFID infrastructure implementations ...

RFID Readers: 1 Tags Low Cost, Flexible Reader. This new product addresses a key market need for a low-cost, flexible industrial reader. The combination ...

Micropayment Contactless Reader Solutions Have Global Reach ...

Micropayment Contactless Reader Solutions: OTI Subsidiary ASEC SA Receives Follow-On Order for Additional ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... (OTI) (Nasdaq: OTIV; Prime Standard (Frankfurt): OT5), a global leader in contactless microprocessor-based smart card solutions for homeland security ...

... On Track Innovations Ltd. (OTI) (Nasdaq: OTIV; Prime Standard (Frankfurt): OT5), a global leader in contactless microprocessor-based smart card solutions for homeland security, micropayments, petroleum payments and other applications, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, ASEC S.A., received a follow-on order for 1500 additional Verifone's Omni 3750 terminals with contactless reader solutions for micropayments to be located in one of the largest kiosk chains across Poland. The order follows an earlier announced initial order for 1000 terminals, and creates one of the largest infrastructure for contactless payments in the market, which can support additional applications to meet the needs of stores, hypermarkets, and other commercial enterprises. ...

Established in 1990, OTI (Nasdaq: OTIV, Prime Standard: OT5) designs, develops and markets secure contactless microprocessor-based smart card technology to address the needs of a wide variety of markets. Applications developed by OTI include product solutions for petroleum payment systems, homeland security solutions, electronic passports and IDs, micropayments, mass transit ticketing, parking, loyalty programs and secure campuses. OTI has a global network of regional offices to market and support its products. The company was awarded the prestigious ESCAT Award for smart card innovation in both 1998 and 2000. Major clients include: MasterCard International, Atmel, BP, Scheidt & Bachmann, EDS, Repsol, and the Government of Israel.

Additional resources on contactless reader solutions for micropayment management ...

Emerging Payments: NFC technology, which complements our contactless-payment strategy ... and vending machine card readers that access ... from proprietary niche solutions to applications ...

Quarterly Report: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... the transition from contact to contactless seamless ... that combine smart cards, readers,
related applications ... g Micropayment Solutions: Teaming up with financial ...

Smart Cards: can also operate through a reader terminal installed ... specifies similar characteristics for contactless cards ... By limiting to specific solutions, these standards ...

ONE MICROPAYMENT AT A TIME: with contactless readers and thePoS terminal software to the ... ... with easy-to-use, secure software solutions for ... ... The M4e reader uses software-defined radio ...

Wireless Communication and Smart Card-enabled Route Accounting Drives Efficiency ...

Smart Card-enabled Route Accounting: Zebra Technologies Changes Rules of the Road for Route Accounting ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... It includes wireless communications options such as Bluetooth and 802.11b, and a smart card and magnetic stripe reader module that is EMV certified for use in ...

... When it comes to record keeping and reconciliation at the end of a shift, route drivers who deliver and stock retailers' shelves with beverages, bakery goods, and snack foods, readily admit it's a time-consuming and frustrating chore. While some drivers use automated mobile and in-vehicle systems to record sales orders and issue receipts, those systems are bulky, prone to failure, and inflexible -- severely limiting on-the-spot transaction processing that can save time, increase accuracy and boost cash flow. But now, the rules of the road for route accounting and direct store delivery (DSD) applications are about to change. ...

Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 90 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, "smart" label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company has sold four million printers, including wireless/mobile solutions and RFID printer/encoders, and also offers software, connectivity solutions, and printing supplies.

Additional resources on smart card-enabled route accounting ...

Telemetry & Applications: also offers other upwardly mobile features, such as smart card, IrDA, and ... in many scenarios including: field sales, field service, route accounting and ticket ...

Mobile printers, portable printers, Zebra: such as: shelf labeling, bin labeling, product identification and route accounting. ... optional bidirectional MCRs (magnetic card readers) and smart card readers. ...

Route Accounting Solutions from Symbol Technologies: If your organization relies on a mobile workforce for direct store delivery (DSD), route accounting or field service, Symbol Technologies offers powerful ...

Route Accounting, Mobile Computers & Delivery: Route Accounting >. Route accounting is the term used to describe those applications in which goods and services are bought and sold in a mobile environment. ...

Navy Smart Cards ...

From Department of the Navy, CAPT Pete Hyers, USN, writes ...

... "Smart Card technology has improved dramatically since the cards were first introduced to the Department of the Navy (DON) in 1996. They are longer no longer simple plastic cards with magnetic stripes that contain static information. Today, Smart Cards have embedded integrated circuit computer chips for storing data and programs that can run when connected via a card reader to a PC or network. The magnetic stripe can hold personal, access and financial information. The strides made in Smart Card technology enable people to work more efficiently, improve information assurance and reduce costs of operation. Currently, Smart Cards are used at various commands throughout the Department. Every recruit entering the Navy receives a Smart Card upon arrival at the Recruit Training Center, Great lakes and uses the card for numerous functions throughout basic training. A similar implementation of Smart Card technology is underway at the Marine Corps Recruits Depot at Paris Island. Smart Cards are also in use in Hawaii, Pensacola, Dam Neck, Virginia; and two carrier battle groups. A number of applications are in use, including quarterdeck access, manifesting, weapons issuance, property accountability, food service, and medical and dental." ...

Definition: smart card ...

From National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA, a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce DOC) ...

... "smart card: A digitally encoded card, similar to a credit card, usually containing a variety of information about the individual(s) authorized to use it. Note: The information can be accessed by a card reader into which the card is inserted. The information may include access codes (for opening doors), account numbers (merchant account numbers as well as banking account numbers), and electronic cash (which is withdrawn from the card as a purchase is made). " ...

RFID Alliance: Zebra Technologies and ThingMagic Join Forces to Tap Lucrative ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Largest and Most Recognized Brand in the Bar-code Industry Partners with RFID Pioneer to Offer Advanced Smart Label Printer/Encoders VERNON HILLS, Ill. ...

... Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in specialty printing solutions for business improvement and the design and manufacturing of RFID smart label printer/encoders, today announced it has entered into an alliance with ThingMagic LLC, a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID), sensing and embedded computing technologies, to deliver label printing solutions for the fast emerging market of RFID smart labels. ...

Founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, MA, ThingMagic is a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID), sensing and embedding computing technologies. Mercury4(TM), ThingMagic's fourth generation agile RFID reader, builds on and substantially enhances the company's original platform created for early field tests of the Electronic Product Code (EPC). Designed to meet the business needs of a future where networked objects are pervasive, the Mercury4 line of RFID readers also includes an embedded reader, Mercury4e, and a handheld reader, Mercury4h. Mercury4 RFID readers are the only intelligent, network-ready RFID readers, and the only devices that can read any RFID tag.

Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 90 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, "smart" label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company has sold four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies.

Smart Card Solutions: Litronic Receives Armed Forces Order

From Yahoo News (press release) ... SAFLINK Corporation offers biometric security and smart card solutions that protect intellectual property, secure information assets, and eliminate passwords. ...

... Litronic, a SAFLINK® Company (Nasdaq: SFLK - News) and leading provider of secure identity management technologies, today announced that it has received an additional order, in the amount of $145,000, from a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The client has deployed Litronic's Argus 2108 CipherServer® in support of the Defense Message System (DMS), the world's largest deployed secure messaging system. The Argus 2108 CipherServer is a FORTEZZA Card reader and writer that is being utilized in a continuing deployment by the client in support of Department of Defense (DoD) organizational messaging requirements. ...

Litronic, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAFLINK Corporation, is a global provider of secure identity management and information assurance products for the government and commercial markets. By facilitating the deployment, management and use of digital certificates and smart cards, Litronic's products are designed to provide high assurance solutions that help organizations achieve their physical and network security goals. The company's NetSign® CAC product is deployed in many organizations of the U.S. Government, including the U.S. Armed Services and various DoD agencies.

RFID Readers: WJ Announces the MPR 5000 -- A Multi-Protocol EPC Class 0/1 RFID ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... WJCI), a leading designer and supplier of RF semiconductors and multi-chip modules, today announced another major milestone for small RFID readers -- the multi ...

... WJ Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:WJCI), a leading designer and supplier of RF semiconductors and multi-chip modules, today announced another major milestone for small RFID readers -- the multi-protocol MPR 5000 RFID Card with integral antenna. The MPR 5000 RFID Card is Type II PCMCIA compatible and operates with the EPCglobal(TM) Class 0 and Class 1 RFID standards. The reader works in Type II PCMCIA card sockets. It is an ideal platform for OEMs, systems integrators and others developing host API software for printer, handheld, fixed and other integrated RFID end-products using WJ's recently announced Multi-Protocol MPR 6000 RFID Card. The MPR 5000 is also well matched to small and mid-sized business needs and as such makes RFID more affordable and accessible to such businesses. The Type II PCMCIA package ensures ease of use -- just insert the MPR 5000 card into a PCMCIA Type II slot, load WJ's driver and then read and write tags. WJ will be demonstrating the MPR 5000 at the 2004 EPC Global US Conference held at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore during September 28-30, 2004, booth #505. ...

WJ Communications Inc. is a leading RF semiconductor company focusing on the design and manufacture of high-quality devices and multi-chip modules (MCMs) for telecommunications systems worldwide. WJ's highly reliable amplifier, mixer, RF IC and MCM products are used to transmit and receive signals that enable current and next generation wireless and wireline services.

Sports RFID Application: Contactless payments now accepted at three NFL football stadiums

From Contactless News (press release), VA ... Based around Texas Instruments RFID engineering, the PowerPay contactless token was first introduced to Seattle Seahawks fans at the first preseason game in ...

... PowerPay's contactless tag is designed to make it easier for football fans to return to the game quicker. The contactless tag got its start with the Seattle Seahawks last season (see November/December Contactless News), and is now in used in Detroit and Philadelphia as well. Consumers, using the cashless PowerPay fob, can complete a transaction at the concession stand in as little as three seconds by waving the tag in front of a PowerPay reader. That means they miss less of the football action. ...

SMART System Technologies, Inc. developed and operates the PowerPay "smart network" for hands-free, instantaneous, secure, and discrete customer identification, electronic payment, and fulfillment of CRM functions in the retail environment. PowerPay's retail applications take advantage of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology-the same technology that has been in use in tollway express lanes for several years-to allow consumers to easily and conveniently apply their purchases to the credit card of their choice while taking advantage of retail rewards, automatic electronic coupons, and other exciting discount and promotional programs.

RFID Tags: Texas Instruments Expands 13.56 MHz Line of Tag-it RFID ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... New Form Factors Satisfy Demand for Item-Level RFID Applications in the Library, Pharmaceutical, Hospital, Patron ID and Supply Chain Management Markets DALLAS ...

... As part of its ongoing development to offer a broad array of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN), a worldwide leader in RFID technology, today announced two new additions to its line of 13.56 MHz Tag-it(TM) HF-I products: the 32.5 millimeter CD/DVD Inlay and the 24.2 millimeter Circular Inlay. Both inlays are compliant with the ISO/IEC 15693 vicinity card standard and the ISO/IEC 18000-3 item management standard, making them suitable for adoption worldwide. RFID systems integrators are implementing TI's new 13.56 ISO/IEC inlays for end-user applications including item-level management of electronic materials in libraries, pharmaceutical products, and consumer products on retail shelves, as well as for patient identification in hospitals and patron ID, ticketing and wireless payment at amusement parks and sports venues. ...

Texas Instruments is the world's largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications. For more information, contact TI-RFid Systems at 1-888-937-6536 (North America) or +1 972-575-4364 (International), or visit the Web site at http://www.ti-rfid.com . Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN.

RFID Concept: Anticollision enables multiple card reads at the ...

From Contactless News (press release), VA ... Another one of the basic technical concepts of RFID is anticollision. ... How might he do this? Likely using similar principles that RFID systems have employed. ...

... Another one of the basic technical concepts of RFID is anticollision. To understand anticollision we first must define a collision. An RFID collision involves multiple cards crashing into each other within a reader’s field. This crash need not be a physical touching of cards but rather sending a response to the reader at the same time such that the reader cannot differentiate between cards. ...

RFID Smart Cards: Integration of Smart Cards with Upcoming Technologies Essential to ...

From Tekrati Industry Analyst Reporter (press release), CA ... Even as smart card manufacturers remain ... These USB tokens use a smart card-based network login system that eliminates the need for an actual card reader. ...

" ... Analysts at Frost say the uptake of smart cards is likely to be threatened by the emergence of alternative technologies, such as proximity and magnetic stripe cards in physical access control applications and universal serial bus tokens in logical access control applications. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, World Access Control (Physical & Logical) Market, reveals that revenues in this industry totaled $62.4 million in 2003 and are projected to reach $86.9 million in 2008. ... "

Frost & Sullivan employs over 400 consultants, market analysts, corporate trainers, account managers and customer support staff globally. They work together in providing growth consulting and corporate training solutions to clients in more than 50 countries around the world.

RFID Tracking: National Scientific Corp. to Exhibit IBUS School Bus Rider Product

From Wireless Developer Network ... IBUS is a school bus rider authentication system that combines GPS with RFID and Wi-Fi technologies to form a cost-effective solution for keeping track of ...

" ... IBUS is a school bus rider authentication system that combines GPS with RFID and Wi-Fi technologies to form a cost-effective solution for keeping track of school children en route to and from school each day. Combined with National Scientific's powerful iVerified for Schools(TM) software, highly accurate location and rider data is converted into easy-to-use, instantly accessible reports. The information can be used to streamline a school's internal and external reporting requirements, including Medicaid reimbursements. At the same time, parents have the peace of mind of knowing they can quickly determine exactly when their child stepped onto or off the school bus. National Scientific's IBUS student and school bus tracking system includes an ID card reader, a GPS module for time and location information and iVerified for Schools software. This system interfaces with any standard 802.11x Wi-Fi access points ... "

National Scientific Corp. is one of the leading public companies with a primary focus of developing standards-based indoor and outdoor wireless location-sensitive customer solutions. Founded in 1996, National Scientific's core business focuses on wireless location-sensing products and semiconductor IP (eight patents), with solutions that blend semiconductor design, Wi-Fi, GPS, Linux, RFID, UWB, satellite, cellular technologies and more into cost-effective and unique vertical market platforms. Intent upon making devices that are smaller, faster, safer, and with a special interest in the safety of children, National Scientific develops and sells a variety of devices that location-enable important commercial and noncommercial activities, such as the safe and secure movement of people and assets over short and long distances.

Smart Card: Dekart SIM Manager 1.08 released - edit and backup the mobile ...

From eBCVG ... phonebook entries. It works with any SIM card using any compatible PC/SC smart card reader to set up, transfer and change user data. The ...

Bluetooth Smart Card: Transmitting Payments with a Bluetooth

From Green Sheet ... integrated PIN pad. The device is Visa PED and 3DES approved and contains a magnetic strip and smart card reader. Without wires, it ...

Smart Card Security: General Design Considerations for Secure Networks

From informIT, NY ... provide increased security measures. Key card access can take the form of a magnetic card reader or a smart card. All of these systems ...

Healthcare Smart Card: FDA Grants Clearance for New Diagnostic Technology; Lifestream ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Lifestream's products also integrate a smart card reader further supporting compliance by storing test results on an individual's personal health card for ...

Lifestream Technologies® is a healthcare company that links secured Internet information services to its medical diagnostic products through encrypted Smart Cards to aid in the prevention, monitoring, and control of disease. The Company’s products, cleared by the FDA, includes cholesterol monitors for healthcare professionals and consumers. Lifestream Technologies® (OTCBB: LFTC) is committed to increasing shareholder value.