ISO/IEC 15693 – Cards and security devices for personal identification

ISO/IEC 15693 is a standard that specifies the characteristics of contactless integrated circuit cards (IC cards) and proximity cards that are used for various applications, including personal identification, access control, and security. This standard is part of the ISO/IEC 15693 series, which covers various aspects of identification cards and related technologies.

ISO/IEC 15693 specifically focuses on cards and devices that operate at radio frequency (RF) for communication. Here are some key features and aspects covered by ISO/IEC 15693:

1. Contactless Operation: ISO/IEC 15693-compliant cards and devices communicate with readers without physical contact. This is achieved through RF communication, typically in the 13.56 MHz frequency range.
2. Physical Characteristics: The standard defines the physical characteristics of the cards, including their size, shape, and materials. It specifies the dimensions and layout of the card, including the antenna for RF communication.
3. Data Transfer: ISO/IEC 15693 defines the protocols and methods for data transfer between the card and the reader. It specifies how data is modulated and transmitted between the two, ensuring reliable and secure communication.
4. Anti-Collision: The standard includes mechanisms for handling multiple cards in the proximity of a reader simultaneously. It enables anti-collision protocols to ensure that the correct card is identified when multiple cards are present.
5. Security Features: ISO/IEC 15693 includes provisions for security features such as encryption and authentication to protect the data stored on the card and ensure that only authorized readers can access the information.
6. Data Format: It defines the format of data on the card, including data structure, coding, and organization. This helps ensure interoperability between cards and different manufacturers’ readers.
7. Read/Write Operations: The standard specifies how data can be both read from and written to the card. This is important for applications where information on the card needs to be updated or modified.

ISO/IEC 15693 is commonly used for applications like access control systems, public transportation cards, library cards, and other situations where contactless identification and data storage are needed. It’s important for ensuring compatibility between cards and readers from different manufacturers, which is crucial for widespread adoption and interoperability in various systems.

Here are some of the standards within the standard series that are related to identification cards and technologies:

1. ISO/IEC 15693: This is the primary standard that specifies the characteristics of contactless IC cards and proximity cards for personal identification and other applications, as explained in the previous response.
2. ISO/IEC 15692: This standard specifies a framework for an integrated circuit (IC) card with contacts for electrical connections and is often used in smart card applications.
3. ISO/IEC 15693-x: This is not a separate series but a way to denote different parts or sections of the ISO/IEC 15693 standard that may cover specific aspects or extensions. For example, ISO/IEC 15693-2 may cover air interface and signal protocols, while ISO/IEC 15693-3 may focus on the initialization and anticollision protocols.
4. ISO/IEC 15694: This standard specifies a unique identifier (UID) scheme for contactless integrated circuit (IC) cards. It defines the structure of the UID and how it should be used.
5. ISO/IEC 15695: This standard specifies the data format for uniquely identifying an organization or entity within the financial industry. It is used for financial transaction cards.
6. ISO/IEC 15696: This standard specifies a unique identifier (UID) for RF cards that do not have an internal power source. It is used for cards that are powered by the RF field generated by a reader.

ISO/IEC 15693-2:2019 Cards and security devices for personal identification — Contactless vicinity objects — Part 2: Air interface and initialization

ISO/IEC 15693-2:2019 is a specific part of the ISO/IEC 15693 standard series. This part is titled “Cards and security devices for personal identification — Contactless vicinity objects — Part 2: Air interface and initialization.” It focuses on the air interface and initialization protocols for contactless vicinity cards, which are commonly used in personal identification, access control, and security systems.

Here is an overview of what ISO/IEC 15693-2:2019 covers:

• Air Interface: This part of the standard specifies the characteristics of the air interface for contactless vicinity cards operating at 13.56 MHz. It defines how data is transferred between the card and the reader through radio frequency (RF) communication.
• Modulation and Coding: ISO/IEC 15693-2 defines the modulation and coding schemes used for data transfer. These schemes are essential for reliable communication between the card and the reader.
• Frame Structure: The standard specifies the frame structure for data frames exchanged between the card and the reader. It defines the format of data frames, including the header and data fields.
• Anticollision Protocol: ISO/IEC 15693-2 includes provisions for an anticollision protocol. This protocol is crucial when multiple cards are in the vicinity of a reader, ensuring that only one card is addressed and responded to at a time.
• Initialization and Deactivation: The standard outlines procedures for initializing contactless vicinity cards when they come into the RF field of a reader and for deactivating them when they leave the field. Initialization is the process of establishing communication, and deactivation is the process of ending it.
• Data Coding and Structure: ISO/IEC 15693-2 specifies how data is encoded on the card and organized. It defines the coding schemes for data storage and retrieval.
• Error Handling: The standard includes error detection and correction mechanisms to ensure data integrity during communication.

In summary ISO/IEC 15693-2:2019 is important for ensuring interoperability and compatibility between different manufacturers’ cards and readers in contactless identification systems. By following these standardized air interface and initialization procedures, organizations can deploy secure and reliable contactless personal identification and access control solutions.

ISO/IEC 15693-3:2019 Cards and security devices for personal identification — Contactless vicinity objects — Part 3: Anticollision and transmission protocol

ISO/IEC 15693-3:2019 provides detailed specifications for the anticollision and transmission protocol used by these contactless cards. Below are some key points covered by ISO/IEC 15693-3:2019:

• Anticollision Protocol: This part of the standard specifies the anticollision protocol used to manage multiple contactless cards that are in the vicinity of a reader simultaneously. The protocol ensures that only one card is addressed and responded to at a time, preventing collisions and interference.
• Transmission Protocol: ISO/IEC 15693-3 defines the transmission protocol that governs how data is exchanged between the contactless card and the reader. It outlines the rules and procedures for initiating communication, transmitting and receiving data, and ending communication sessions.
• Frame Format: The standard describes the format of frames that are used for communication between the card and the reader. This includes details about the structure of frames, the fields within frames, and any control information needed for proper data transfer.
• Bit Rate and Modulation: It specifies the allowable bit rates and modulation schemes used in the communication between the card and the reader. These parameters are essential for defining the physical characteristics of the communication link.

Also

• Collision Resolution: The standard provides guidance on how collisions are resolved when multiple cards respond to a reader’s request simultaneously. This ensures that each card is uniquely identified and addressed.
• Error Handling: ISO/IEC 15693-3 addresses error detection and correction mechanisms to maintain data integrity during communication. These mechanisms help ensure that data is accurately transmitted and received.
• Transponder Commands: It defines a set of standardized commands that can be used by the reader to interact with the contactless card. These commands are essential for various operations, including reading data from the card and writing data to it.

Overall, ISO 15693-3:2019 is crucial for standardizing the communication and interaction between contactless vicinity cards and reader devices. It ensures that these cards can be effectively used in personal identification, access control, and security systems, with the added benefit of anticollision mechanisms to handle situations where multiple cards are in close proximity to a reader.

At last, Pacific Certifications is accredited by ABIS, if you need more support with ISO 15693, please contact us at +91-8595603096 or support@pacificcert.com

Also read: ISO/IEC 20243-1:2018-Information technology