Abstract
Vicinity smartcards are defined by the ISO 15693 standard, which also define the Radio Frequency Identification. This standard points out that these smartcards have to function at a frequency of 13,56 MHz. The Smart Card Handbook (Rankl and Effing, 1997) tells us that most of the smartcards are passive, which means they do not have integrated energy source. It is only while entering in the field of a reader that they are able to function. Their functionality range is between 15 cm and 1,50 m and the magnetic field needed to allow them to work goes from 0,15 A/m to 5 A/m. These smartcards store data, and new data can be written during transmissions. Data transmissions occur when passing by beacons or through portals. The range of these cards being relatively important, several cards can easily be inserted in a reader's field at the same time. That is why the ISO/IEC 15693 standard also describes the data transmission protocols and the anti-collision protocol.
