These are smart cards that employ a radio frequency (RFID) between card and reader without physical insertion of
the card. Instead, the card is passed along the exterior of the reader and read. Types include proximity cards which
are implemented as a read-only technology for building access. These cards function with a very limited memory
and communicate at 125 MHz. Another type of limited card is the Gen 2 UHF Card that operates at 860 MHz to
960 MHz True read and write contactless cards were first used in transportation for quick decrementing and reloading
of fare values where their lower security was not an issue. They communicate at 13.56 MHz, and conform
to the ISO14443 standard. These cards are often protected memory types. They are also gaining popularity in retail
stored value, since they can speed-up transactions and not lower transaction processing revenues (i.e. VISA and
MasterCard), like traditional smart cards.
Variations of the ISO14443 specification include A, B, and C, which specify chips from either specific or various
manufacturers. A=NXP-(Philips) B=Everybody else and C=Sony only chips. Contactless card drawbacks include the
limits of cryptographic functions and user memory, versus microprocessor cards and the limited distance between
card and reader required for operation.
Multi-mode Communication Cards
: These cards have multiple methods of communications, including ISO7816, ISO14443 and UHF gen 2. How the
card is made determines if it is a Hybrid or dual interface card.
The term can also include cards that have a magnetic-stripe and or bar-code as well.
