RFID system provides cut-price security

A TDC product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Mar 11, 2008

TDC's SkyeModule M4 RFID solution supports American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa payment methods.

TDC's SkyeModule M4 RFID solution provides security standards and 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.

The M4 provides 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% compared with using tags that have proprietary algorithms.

The access control functions supports industry standards like ISO-14443A and -14443B, adding proprietary security with methods such as Mifare and DESfire.

The contactless payment system supports American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa payment methods.

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 support for more ISO15693 and 14443 A/B tags than any other comparable reader, allowing customers to fully optimise their application.

In addition, TagIQ recognises the characteristics of each tag so that read/write performance is maximised for individual tag types.

Optimal performance can be attained through the M4's 200mW output power, 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.