Infineon’s CALYPSO move enables ticketing solutions based on open standards

This, coupled with the need for sustainability and convenience, is creating a rapidly expanding market for digital ticketing and smart mobility. This transformation requires open standards that enable secured, convenient and interoperable ticketing solutions with the necessary transparency and trust. Infineon Technologies addresses this development with CALYPSO move, the first secured memory for simple contactless ticketing based on the Calypso basic specification. It allows manufacturers to meet the specific requirements of each transport operator and authority, avoiding the use of magnetic stripes, barcodes and proprietary tickets.

"An implementation must take into account numerous specifications developed independently by different companies within the transit community," said Tolgahan Yildiz, Head of Payment Solutions at Infineon's Connected Secure Systems Division. "However, to implement a convenient and secured digital ticketing infrastructure that meets stringent requirements, we need open standards, which Infineon is committed to. With CALYPSO move, we are enabling solutions that promote the transition to clean, safe and intelligent mobility across all modes of transportation."

Compliant with the Calypso basic specification

The Calypso Networks Association (CNA) is a non-profit organisation that brings together members of the transportation, mobility and services community to exchange ideas, experiences and requirements. Its goal is to promote open systems that support the seamless ticketing needs of consumers. CNA is the governing body for Calypso technology; a proven, trusted technology standard for ticketing and access control that is used in over 29 countries and more than 170 cities worldwide with more than 100 million travel cards shipped in the five past years. All Calypso technology respects existing standards to enable seamless integration and support global interoperability.

Infineon's CALYPSO move is a suited for low-cost limited-use tickets. The secured memory is primarily intended for public transport applications. However, it may also comply with other potential use cases as specified by the CNA such as mass transit, payment and access.

"Because travellers' needs, expectations and behaviours vary widely, it is impossible to address them all with a single ticketing solution," said Paulo Barreto, Calypso basic Project Manager of CNA. "That's why the Calypso standard supports a broad product portfolio that meets the needs of all travellers, whether regular or occasional, in any configuration, media or system. To further drive the evolution of the digital ticketing market, we believe that this year will be the year of Calypso basic."

Optimised security and low cost of operation

As part of the Calypso infrastructure, CALYPSO move is based on open standards, avoiding vendor lock-in and contributing to fair competition and sourcing flexibility. The secured memory is ready to use and serves the low-cost paper ticket segment while meeting the high security requirements of transportation and access systems. In addition, terminal implementation and system upgrade costs are minimised as the solution is also compatible with existing Calypso Automatic Fare Collection systems. The memory is certified to the Common Criteria EAL2+ security standard, providing optimised security plus excellent contactless performance for tickets with limited life and usage.