Identification Card Printers Key Terms

Understand the meaning of identification card printers key terms

Identification card printers allow companies and schools to create and manage their own ID cards. These printers allow you to design and print as many cards as needed. This gives you the freedom to edit or change ID cards as needed. Before you purchase an ID printer make sure you understand what type of cards it prints. These key words will help you choose an appropriate card printer for the ID cards your company needs to use.

 

Smart card

Smart cards are ID cards that contain microchips with both memory and a processor. With a smart card, you can add, change or delete information as needed. Smart cards are available in both contact and proximity types.
Try: Discover more information about smart cards at HowStuffWorks. The Progressive Policy Institute has detailed information on smart cards.

Magnetic strip

A magnetic strip, or stripe, is part of a contact ID card. When the card is swiped through the appropriate machine, the magnetic strip allows employees access to rooms or it can even clock them in and out. The magnetic strip holds all of the employee or student's relevant information.
Try: Read more about magnetic strip cards at Hackers Home Page. View an article concerning magnetic stripes on ID cards at High Tech Aid.

Proximity cards

Proximity cards are embedded with an antenna that uses a radio signal to activate doors or clock an employee's time card. Proximity cards cannot have the information on them changed or deleted.
Try: Learn more about proximity cards and their uses at Free Online Library.

Hybrid cards

A hybrid card has two or more forms of technology embedded in the card. A smart card may have a contact smart chip and contact pads, a contactless smart chip and an antenna, or a proximity chip with an antenna.
Try: ID Edge provides more information about hybrid cards and their functions.

Radio frequency identification

Radio frequency identification,or RFID, uses radio waves to identify employees or other people. RFID cards contain an antenna and are programmed with a number or name to identify the person.
Try: TechTarget supplies more detailed information about radio frequency identification.

Bi-directional USB

A bi-directional USB is used with many ID card printers. A bi-directional USB allows the printer to send and receive information about the ID card.
Try: Rad.com has more information about the functions and uses of bi-directional USBs.

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