Encoding is one of the most important functions of an ID issuance system. Cards containing secure electronic information can be used to digitally interact with a range of systems, including payment, access control and automated verification solutions.

Matica’s systems support a wide range of encoding types, these are mostly centred on three main technologies – magnetic stripe, contact IC chip and contactless IC chip. Matica’s encoding modules can be deployed inline as part of both its centralized and desktop issuance systems.

Contact smart cards have an embedded integrated chip that can is programmed or read by direct contact with the chip’s gold-plated contact pads. These pads provide electrical connectivity when inserted into a reader or encoder.

A smart card can hold up to 100 times more data than a standard magnetic stripe ID card. With an enhanced degree of processing capabilities, these cards are also tamper-proof and can be reconfigured to add, erase, or edit the data they host. Of all the technology card options available, smart cards are the most secure, making them the optimal choice for accommodating a wide variety of sensitive data types.

A contact chip encoder can be added inline to most of Matica’s centralized and desktop card issuance systems. This can be a standard ISO 7816 PC/SC and/or EMV compliant device.

Contactless smart cards also have an embedded integrated chip. However, they differ from contact smart cards in the way that information is encoded to, or read from the chip. Instead of contact pads, the IC in a contactless card is connected to a RFID antenna enabling communication through radio waves.

A contactless chip encoder can be added inline to most of Matica’s centralized and desktop card issuance systems. Supported technologies include; ISO 14443 A and B, iCLASS®, MIFARE® and MIFARE DESFire®.

A magnetic stripe card stores data by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based particles on a band of magnetic material on the card.

Magnetic stripe cards are available in two types:

• High coercivity (HiCo)
  The most common and recommended type of magnetic stripe. Due to their b magnetic field, they retain data longer and are more durable. In addition, HiCo cards are resistant to damage from most magnetic fields.
• Low coercivity (LoCo)
  Most often used for short-term data storage. LoCo cards are less popular than high-coercivity cards as they can be damaged by contact with a magnetic field.

An ISO 7811 compliant HiCo/LoCo magnetic encoder can be added inline to most of Matica’s centralized and desktop card issuance systems.