RFID reader’s built-in personalities ease integration

10th March 2008

TDC

ES Admin

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Wireless and communications specialist TDC has added to its portfolio of RFID solutions, with the introduction of a module that is rich in features, yet simple to integrate. The SkyeModule M4 provides state-of-the-art security standards and a host of features normally found only in much higher-priced readers. Integration is simplified by the three alternative firmware personalities, which ready the module for distinct application requirements; in product authentication, contactless payment and access control.

In its product authentication guise, the M4 provides industry-leading privacy protection, anti-counterfeiting functions and anti-tamper technology. It employs standards-based security methods such as AES encryption and supports digital signatures for authentication. Strong security can therefore be employed on generic RFID tags, providing cost savings of 60-70 percent compared with using tags that have proprietary algorithms.

The access control personality supports both industry standards like ISO-14443A and -14443B, adding proprietary security with methods such as MIFARE (used in Touch ‘n Go toll collection and Oyster Card fare payment systems) and DESfire, which offers greater flexibility along with triple-DEC encryption.

There is support for all major providers built into the contactless payment personality, which supports American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa1 payment methods.

Whatever the application, integration is simplified through use of the ReaderWare C API - a single library that abstracts, simplifies, and automates frequency, tag and protocol-specific functions from the programmer.

There is Tagnostic(R) support for more ISO-15693 and 14443 A/B tags than any other comparable reader, allowing customers to fully optimise their application. In addition, TagIQ(TM) recognises the unique characteristics of each tag so that read/write performance is maximised for individual tag types.

Optimal performance can be attained through the M4’s best-in-class output power (200mW), together with noise reduction technology, and power management facilities. Running from a 5V DC supply, the module uses just 4mA in sleep mode and 75mA when idle.

With the best price-performance in the industry, TDC can provide OEMs with additional savings through flexible licensing options that allow customers to manufacture modules at cost. A SkyeTek M4 Developer's Kit is available, together with a series of half-day RFID workshops to introduce designers to the technology.