Technology Testing


With our expertise on a wide range of card & token related technologies, CTI provides rigorous, high level & accurate evaluation of any technology your product may contain.

CTI's Technology Testing & Reporting Services can inform you of the quality of your card technologies' functionality and standard compliance. These services are covered under CTI's Card Testing Services.

For further information regarding card / token related technologies, please contact us via our Contact Page.
 


RFID/NFC Contactless Testing


Overview
A Contactless Smart Card is like any smart card with an embedded integrated circuit (IC) but with an added internal antenna that can communicate data between the IC and the reading device. The communication is Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) or Near Field Communication (NFC).

When the card is within range of the reading device/contactless terminal the IC is powered through electromagnetic induction and transmits its data through radio-waves. The range of distance for Proximity Cards (bank cards) are up to 75 mm.

Transactions carried out by:
  • RF Comms at 13.56 MHz (Incl. Anti-collision handling)
  • Security Encryption processing
  • Application Layer (EMV,MIFARE (Transport Sector))

Proximity Card
Proximity Card / Contactless Smart Card
 
Smart cards provide increased security over traditional magstripe only cards, massively reducing fraud. The processes for authentication, as well as ensuring all data transferred is encrypted, protects against middle attacks. The most important way to ensure data security for the future, is for manufacturers to make cards as tamper resistant as possible and payment systems to continue to incorporate the necessary security features.

Integrated Circuit Testing
Testing helps ensure the security, integrity and reliability of the card at the point of transmission. CTI tests contact IC cards to recognised ISO/IEC standards - evaluating for consistency and functionality in-line with what is expected internationally. Making sure the card is manufactured to be tamper resistant is important for security after deployment.

Cards must comply with ISO/IEC 7810 ID Cards - Physical Characteristics: General compliance & durability

Durability Tests:
  • Functionality check carried out before testing
  • Physical challenge test carried out
  • Does the card still function?
Standards
  • ISO/IEC 14443-1 Contactless IC Cards - Proximity Cards - Physical Characteristics
    • Antenna Location
    • Alternating Magnetic Field
    • PICC Maximum Loading Effect
  • ISO/IEC 14443-1 Amd 1 - Additional PICC Classes
    • 6 types of Antenna dimensions, placement & occupied area
  • Manufacturing Design Process Also Involves:
    • ISO/IEC 14443-2 RF Power & Signal Interface
    • ISO/IEC 14443-3 Initialisation & Anti-collision
    • ISO/IEC 14443-4 Transmissions Protocol