Smart Card Readers

Along with the rapid growth of technology comes the increasing prevalence of electronic data theft. This emphasizes the need to secure electronic data, thus necessitating the integration of smart card technology into current IT infrastructures. Following this trend, the ACR38 Smart Card Reader Series combines sophisticated technology and modern design to meet stringent requirements in smart card-based applications, such as payment systems and electronic identification, where a high level of security has increasingly been deemed essential.

Being compliant with the CCID specification, the ACR38 Series offers a plug-and-play solution that eliminates the need for driver installation and driver-system compatibility assessment. Its USB interface facilitates communication between a computer and a smart card very easily, allowing for a seamless implementation of smart-card based applications in a PC environment.

The ACR38 Smart Card Reader is compliant with ISO-7816 and EMV Level 1 specifications. It supports ISO-7816 Class A, B and C (5V, 3V and 1.8V) cards, including all microprocessor cards with T=0, T=1, protocols, as well as most of the popular memory cards in the market.

The ACR38 also offers an optional built-in Security Access Module (SAM) slot - ACR38U-SAM that supports various high security applications. It is also available in different casing designs. In addition, the ACR38 also has an alternative reader module form (ACM38).

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is the wireless use of electromagnetic fields to transfer data, for the purposes of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to objects. The tags contain electronically stored information. Some tags are powered by electromagnetic induction from magnetic fields produced near the reader. Some types collect energy from the interrogating radio waves and act as a passive transponder. Other types have a local power source such as a battery and may operate at hundreds of meters from the reader. Unlike a barcode the tag does not necessarily need to be within line of sight of the reader, and may be embedded in the tracked object. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is one method for Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC).

RFID tags are used in many industries.

Cardtec provides a range of RFID readers and tags for various applications.

RFID provides a way for organizations to identify and manage tools and equipment (asset tracking), without manual data entry. RFID is being adopted for item level tagging in retail stores. This provides electronic article surveillance (EAS) and a self checkout process for consumers. Automatic identification with RFID can be used for inventory systems. Manufactured products such as automobiles or garments can be tracked through the factory and through shipping to the customer.