Chipset provides entry to RFID systems

The 13.56MHz Legic smart was specifically developed to meet the requirements of contactless access control products such as door locks but is also suitable for use with time and attendance terminals.

The new 13.56MHz Legic smart has been specifically developed to meet the requirements of contactless access control products such as door locks but is also suitable for use with time and attendance terminals.

Available in the form of a chipset and starter kit, the new product consists of the Legic smart microcontroller and the Legic smart ASIC, which contains the HF modulation and demodulation unit.

Other components, such as quartz, EEPROM, power supply etc are common components available from a range of vendors.

Other components apart from the Legic smart chipset are specified in the detailed documentation that comes with the Legic smart starter kit, which also includes a vendors' guide.

Due to its small size, low power consumption and supported interface output formats, Legic smart is highly suitable for use in the replacement of low-frequency 125kHz-based systems and magnetic stripe applications or for integration into miniature battery-powered RFID readers.

The new product also offers secure data transmission through encrypted HF communication and to further increase security, Legic smart Service Media (cards) are used to set up modules in stand-alone mode.

As the installed base of 125kHz systems is already widespread in simple access control applications, Legic smart is compatible with the most widely used interface output formats used such as Wiegand, RS232 and Omron mode.

This allows older reader bases to be replaced with new Legic smart readers without difficulty.

Although designed as an entry-level product for secure access control and related applications, Legic smart also offers the ability to migrate to more sophisticated multifunctional applications when required.

Legic smart is designed to allow later upgrades to multifunctional systems by using other Legic security modules.

For example, new functions can be added without the need to change existing readers based on Legic smart.

When door locks in an existing installation are based on Legic smart but an electronic purse function needs to be added, neither the card nor the Legic smart reader module in an access control reader will need to be changed.

A new segment can be added to the same card, which can then be used at other types of Legic readers that support electronic purse functions.

Similarly, cards of existing low-security access readers that use magnetic stripe technology can accommodate state-of-the-art Legic technology by simply applying an adhesive sticker containing the Legic chip.

This means an existing system can be kept, and an upgrade carried out immediately without the need to replace any existing cards.

Speed in new product development is fast becoming the crucial factor in maintaining a competitive edge in today's ever-changing market place.

With Legic smart, product development time can be shortened dramatically as all required hardware, software and documentation is contained in the starter kit.

Contents include: comprehensive documentation; fully functional Legic smart reader with the Legic smart chipset, onboard antenna and RS232 interface; DIP switches for easy interface selection; Legic smart chipsets to develop own reader; Legic smart cards and key fob for testing; Legic smart setup software to configure Legic smart modules and to personalise Legic smart media, such as cards; application notes and hints; and layout designs for antennas and readers.

Legic Identsystems Sales and Marketing Vice President, Stephen Neff, says: "The new Legic smart chipset and starter kit can offer a real alternative to 125kHz systems.

Together with the easy migration from magnetic stripe products to 13.56MHz Legic, we can help manufacturers kick-start innovative new access solutions in literally no time at all".

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