Encoding contactless smart cards

A contactless card operates without any physical link with the reader: communication is performed through microwave frequencies.

A contactless card consists of multiple components:

• A chip (with a microwave transmitter)
• An antenna
• A paper support/media or a laminated plastic card.

There are different models of cards (from simple to highly sophisticated) to support multiple applications. The chip is the core enabler of contactless plastic cards: it controls all communication with the reader, as well as data storage, data encryption and security of access.

Interaction with the reader

The reader sends electromagnetic waves that create a magnetic field when coupled with the antenna of the contactless card.

A passive card leverages this magnetic field for energy that will be used to power the chip’s circuit.

The chip then modulates these waves and sends them back to the reader which converts the new waves into recognizable digital data.

The card will operate when brought to within 3 to 10 cms of the reader. Some contactless cards use radio frequencies and will even operate from a longer distance.

Encoding contactless cards with Evolis

The Evolis Zenius, Primacy, Primacy Lamination, Elypso, Quantum 2, Avansia,Tattoo2RW, KC200, KC200B, KM500B, KM2000B  printers offer contactless cards as an option. This highly flexible personalization solution will fully encode any contactless card within minutes.
Find the Evolis card printer that best fits your needs .