Mag Stripe Encoding
The original “standard” of access control, mag stripes hold simple data that is read when swiped through a physical reader. ID card printers with mag stripe encoding are the affordable, straight-forward solution for one-application ID cards like transportation tickets, loyalty cards, university meal plan or dining cards, and simple access control cards.
Contact Chip Encoding
Using embedded external integrated circuit (IC) chips, contact smart cards take advantage of a powerful, high-capacity memory chip that can hold more data than mag stripes. Depending on the type of card stock, a microprocessor allows for programmable logic to process data, while an “intelligent” controller can be used to securely update data information.
Contactless Chip Encoding
Required for internal RFID chips, this upgraded encoding capability provides stronger security and can hold more data for diverse applications, making contactless chip encoding a staple for the redundant access control applications of government PIV credentials and hospital employee ID cards. Contactless smart cards also contain an embedded antenna for reading and writing data contained in the chip.
