Contactless Payment Terminals Using The ams AS3911 Reader Chip Gain EMV Certification

The AS3911 RFID reader IC in the NBSPS terminals provides the RF and analog front end, reading any contactless payment card meeting EMV requirements. A reference design similar to a state-of-the-art contactless payment system, developed by ams, provides a ready-to-use blueprint for manufacturers wishing to produce a new EMV-certified terminal.

The AS3911 is now being used by a number of terminal manufacturers, including NBSPS, because of its high (1W) differential RF output power and integrated EMV-specific error handling. These features provide for a flexible and streamlined circuit design that requires no external RF booster circuit. This lowers the manufacturer’s bill-of-materials cost in comparison to competing reader ICs with lower output power, speeds up the design process, and shortens time to market.

“The RFID card-reading requirements of the new NOIRE payment terminals were perfectly matched by the AS3911 reader IC from ams. The high output power of the AS3911 facilitated EMV certification where competitive alternatives failed. What is more, the exceptional technical support provided by ams made integration of the reader fast and smooth”, said Richard Gooderham, Vice-President for Business Development of NBS Payment Solutions.

“NBS Payment Solutions’ successful launch of the new NOIRE line of terminals provides proof that using the AS3911 reader IC offers a quick and reliable way to implement an EMV-compliant contactless payment interface”, said Mark Dickson, Senior Marketing Manager for RFID/NFC at ams.

The AS3911 RFID reader IC is in volume production now. It is priced at $3.50 for 1,000 pieces.