Elatec Adds MIFARE® Plus Support to TWN3 RFID Reader
30.10.2009
Flexible multiple-format card readers allow easy integration of MIFARE® Plus chips
Munich, 01 November 2009 – Bringing contactless chip cards into service that implement the new MIFARE® Plus standard has become easier than ever: The “Multi ISO” version of Elatec’s flexible multiple-format card reader TWN3 now supports the new MIFARE® 128 bit AES mode as well. As a result, the TWN3 reader allows straightforward upgrades of existing MIFARE® Classic infrastructures for a flexible migration to MIFARE® Plus as well as to build new e-payment applications efficiently.
The “Multi ISO” version of Elatec’s transponder card reader TWN3 now supports the new MIFARE® Plus standard. At the same time, the different security levels of its various operating modes (levels 0 to 3) allow for particular operational flexibility. “And this is true in more than one way”, Stefan Haertel, head of Elatec’s RFID department, explains. “For instance, e-payment applications that still have payment cards using MIFARE® Classic chips in circulation can make a step-by-step changeover to MIFARE® Plus with its safe 128 bit AES encryption. Moreover, the TWN3 can be integrated into new or existing applications most flexibly so installing TWNS readers will soon pay off as well.” The MIFARE® Plus functionality can easily be retrofitted by firmware update in existing Multi ISO type TWN3 installations.
A further benefit of the multiple format reader, TWN3, is that it also offers support for MIFARE® DESFire complete with an integrated MIFARE® DESFire SAM (Secure Application Module), over and above its support for MIFARE® Plus. In this way, the TWN3 Reader reduces the overhead needed for key management between cards and the infrastructure and this in turn enables to implement ID solutions cost-effectively that deliver maximum performance and security.
The Elatec TWN3 multiple format reader family
Supporting all common RFID standards, the TWN3 compact reader module product line offers unsurpassed flexibility. Integrators and device manufacturers can choose between support for HID PROX, HID iCLASS, Multi125 (EM410x, HITAG-1, HITAG-2, HITAG-S, EM4150, EM4350, T5567, Q5), MIFARE® (Ultralight, Mini, 1k, 4k, DESFire), Multi ISO (MIFARE® Family including MIFARE® Plus, MIFARE® DESfire, ISO14443A, ISO14443B, ISO15693) as well as LEGIC® (advant und prime). This brings the advantage that the Elatec TWN3 reader family needs only to be integrated once. Afterwards, all offered RFID standards are available for application-specific use in a flexible way.
Elatec offers OEM PCB boards and 88 x 56 x 18mm sized RFID readers in black or white casings ready for connection. They can be connected directly to a PC using a USB or RS232 interface with an integrated 5V power supply. The boards themselves can also be powered with 3.3V. All transponder functions are available via a virtual COM port. Alternatively, a keyboard emulation mode enables data output without an additional device driver. TWN3 readers can be configured with the help of a script so they can even perform more complex operations autonomously, including password protected logins or reading and modifying data blocks.
