Arcontia launches contactless reader for transport and payments applications

By Sarah Clark | NearFieldCommunicationsWorld.com | 12 November 2009, 10:29

Swedish card reader specialist Arcontia has launched a smart card reader compatible with NFC, ISO14443 A/B, ISO 18092 and EMV contactless standards and aimed at the e-ticketing and e-payment markets.

The Optivo 1300 RS232/USB supports NFC for mobile applications, smart posters and tickets, including both passive reader mode and active peer-to-peer (P2P) mode. Optivo is also designed for EMV contactless smart card payments and houses four programmable LEDs and a buzzer for card confirmation. Optivo also complies with the latest e-ticketing requirements in public transport, supporting a broad range of contactless standards, including the entire Mifare family.

Optivo 1300 is optimized for maximum data throughput rates on both the air and serial interface, and includes four ISO 7816 SAM slots for enhanced speed and improved smart card security. The SAM chips can work in parallel independently of each other for extended performance and, for further enhanced security, the reader includes a built-in tamper switch, designed to detect unauthorized tampering with the device.

The reader is the first of a new generation of contactless readers the company is planning. It can be customized to meet specific requirements and, says Arcontia, "the reader is ideal for applications where high encryption, speed and performance are required. Typical applications include TVMs, POS terminals, driver consoles, validators, turnstiles and handheld devices."

"Our new Optivo 1300 reader is a highly innovative and flexible device for various smart card applications addressing the latest market requirements for higher security, functionality and performance," explains Magnus Stahlberg, Arcontia's marketing director.

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