Oct. 1, 2002 — FEIG Electronic GmbH, a German manufacturer of low-and high-frequency RFID readers, modules and antennas, has introduced a new RFID reader module that can read both ISO14443 and ISO15693 transponders.
FEIG designed the module for original equipment manufacturers that want to incorporate standards for both proximity cards (ISO 14443) and vicinity cards (ISO 15693) in a single device. The company says the module can be used in turnstiles that can read smart tickets, security systems that can read employee badges and other applications.
“The advantage is if you have, for example, a smart card imprinter, and you wanted to use both ISO 15693 and ISO 14443, previously, you had to have two separate imprinters,” says Michael Hrabina, a spokesperson for FEIG. “This product lets you use one module for both tasks.”
ISO 14443 contains more encryption and security features and was created for electronic wallets and smart cards. ISO 15693 can be used for smart labels, access control, but has fewer security features.
The reader module, dubbed ID ISO.RWM02, is 50 x 50 millimeters and has an integrated antenna and an RS-232 – TTL serial interface. The reader employs FEIG’s Standard Multi-tag Protocol, which enables it to read a variety of popular RFID tags, including Phillips Semiconductors’ I-Code, Texas Instruments’ Tag-it, Infineon’s y-d and ST Microelectronics’ ST/LRI512.
An anti-collision algorithm enables the reader to read several transponders virtually simultaneously. The reading distance for ISO 15693 transponders is about nine centimeters.
The module also supports the ISO 14443 encryption and security functions found in specific transponders such as MIFARE and MIFARE Ultra Light from Phillips, Infineon’s my-d and STSr176 from ST Microelectronics.
The security functions prevent unauthorized access to the data transfer between the reader and tag, which is particularly critical in payment and ticketing applications. The device has a maximum read range of about four centimeters for ISO 14443 tags.
FEIG was founded in 1970. It is based in Weilburg, Germany, and has a North American office in Quakertown, Penn. The company said the new reader module is available immediately, but declined to disclose pricing.