Tx Systems Spotlight: the 5 BEST Embedded Boards on the Market
Kate Bennett • Nov 07, 2024

The 5 BEST Embedded Readers Money Can Buy

          In today's digital environment, secure and efficient data transfer is essential across all industries. Whether it's for access control, contactless payments, or identity verification, businesses need reliable solutions that integrate seamlessly into their workflows. Our experts have selected the top reader boards across three categories: contactless, contact, and dual-interface. These products provide versatility, support multiple standards, and enable smooth transitions to the latest technologies, ensuring that your business stays ahead of the curve. Let’s explore the best-in-class offerings in each category.

       Contact       

          This embedded reader easily integrates into any device, including smart phone cases, multi-functional printers, keyboards, storage lockers, etc. CAC, PIV, TWIC, and SIPRnet-certified, the 2500 is the ideal candidate for any embedded application needing smart card authentication.


          The uTrust Smart Card Reader Module Contact Family (2500 R and 2500 F) provide full compliance with all major industry standards — including ISO/IEC 7816, USB CCID, PC/SC, and Microsoft WHQL. Full support and compliance to EMV 2011 and GSA FIPS 201 expands daily use to very specific applications requiring additional security and data protection.


          The end user can expect convenience, transaction-time efficiency, security, and reliability for embedded applications including smart metering, vending and dispensing machines, printers, payment devices, e-service kiosks, and high-security use cases for federal governments.


Shop the 2500 R, here.

          The 3121 USB Internal contact smart card reader board supports all major smart card types. It is OEM ready and is enabled with support of native CCID drivers. This reader is ideal for SSO (Single Sign On), online banking, digital signatures, PC setups, embedded devices and OEMs. 


          The Omnikey 3121 reader board is compliant with: 

T=0 and T=1 protocol Smart Cards, Synchronous S=B (I^2C) protocol Smart Cards, SLE 4432/42 S=10 (2-wire) protocol Smart Cards, SLE 4418/28 S=9 (3-wire) protocol Smart Cards, ISO 7816, USB CCID/ USB Suspend mode compliant, Microsoft® WHQL, EMV 2000, Level 1, RoHS, WEEE, and GSA FIPS 201.


Shop the 3121 Reader Board, here


       Contactless       

          Integrators can design finished readers without the need to install or maintain drivers, eliminating complex software lifecycle management issues and accelerating the time to market of finished devices. These finished devices are commonly used in printers, copiers, vending machines and access control systems.


          With the keyboard wedge functionality, end users can retrieve data from a card that is presented to the reader and directly input the card data into an application using keystroke emulation. This eliminates the need for customers to manually enter the card data into an application.


          Supporting low and high frequency credentials plus HID Mobile Access Solutions via Bluetooth Smart and NFC within a single product, the OMNIKEY 5127CK-Mini enables seamless migration in mixed technology environments.


Shop the 5127 CK Mini, here

          uTrust 3500 F is a contactless 13.56MHz USB-CCID smart card reader/writer module with power amplifier featuring ISO/IEC 14443 and NFC ISO/IEC18092, and supports all major host operating systems.


          The uTrust 3500 F's all-in-one design facilitates a seamless shift from established old technologies to cutting-edge NFC applications, opening up new business prospects. The performance-oriented reader board is small and easy to integrate, making it possible to integrate it smoothly and affordably into almost any system, including desktop computers, terminals, and kiosks. The best credentials for this reader-writer module are ID-1 cards, tokens of any kind, or even cell phones with NFC capabilities. 


          Enjoy the benefits of ease, speedy transactions, security, adaptability, and complete NFC functionality for applications such as network login, safe online transactions, and even NFC-based loyalty plans. The uTrust 3500 F offers a high return on investment and is built for safe in-field firmware upgrades.


Shop the 3500 F, here

       Dual Interface       

          The uTrust 4501 F Dual-Interface Smart Card Reader/Writer Module Board is a multi-protocol and multi-use board that can adapt to a vast amount of applications. Because of its wide support of standards including NFC (near field communication), it is a future-proof investment that can take advantage of not only the fast-paced world that we live in but the fast-paced contactless transactions that we are requiring now. So, what will you decide to build?


          This board is ideal for Kiosks, Terminals, Vending machines, Contact/contactless security, Network log-on, Web-based transactions, NFC-based customer loyalty applications, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), system integrators and VARs (Value-Added Resellers)


It is compliant with: 

ECMA-340, ISO/IEC 7816 (Parts 1-4), ISO/IEC 14443, ISO 18092, CCID, USB 2.0, PC/SC, Microsoft WHQL, and NFC


Shop the 4501 F, here


Expert Integration

          By integrating the right smart card readers and modules, you can elevate your business operations with enhanced security, efficiency, and adaptability. Whether you need contactless solutions like the Omnikey 5127 CK Mini CCID for printers and access systems, contact options such as the Omnikey 3121 for secure banking, or dual-interface solutions like the uTrust 4501 F, we have a solution for every need. With our collection of industry-leading products, you can ensure your business is equipped to meet the demands of today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

         

          Our team of experts are here to help bring your vision to life. If you have any questions or ideas for embedded reader projects, do not hesitate to contact us here, or at (858) 622-2004.

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