What is a proximity card?

 A proximity card is a device used to identify people on the basis of their membership in some group or class. These cards are made of thin pieces of plastic, similar to credit cards. They function by activating RFID chips which use electromagnetic fields to transfer data between the prox card and the prox reader (a device similar to but not identical with the prox card). A prox card will be inactive until it is "awakened" by prox reader using an alternating magnetic field.

The presence of an activated prox chip in close enough range to a prox reader causes that prox reader's antenna coil to generate an AC voltage whose frequency reflects both on proximity of the tagged individual and also on data stored exclusively in the memory inside the prox chip itself.

How Does A Proximity Card Reader Work?

How prox card readers work is a popular question. Prox cards ii support many applications and card readers come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for different tasks.

The prox reader itself works by using alternating current (AC) to power an antenna coil which creates an electromagnetic field. In turn, the prox chip inside the card uses this electromagnetic field as a source of power as well as a communication channel between it and the reader.

Because proximity cards are powered by AC they require no battery life whatsoever. Current passes through them constantly, powering their circuitry and charging up any capacitors that need replenishing at a rate high enough to keep these components active without draining the AC source too quickly.

A very simple card reader is a device that consists of two parts: prox chip and prox card. The card part of the device must be exactly like prox cards in order to work properly. Prox chip can be attached to many objects, such as access control badges, key fobs or hotel room keys for instance.

The proximity card is activated when it gets into close proximity (range) of a prox reader antenna coil and reader itself does not require power (it only requires AC). Once activated, the prox card registers with the prox reader and after verifying its authenticity, sends it's unique identification code back to the prox reader which immediately transfers this information through an output cable to a computer system. The computer then decodes this information and can take actions such as unlocking a door.

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