FYI: Where is the chip embedded in a Plastic Identification Card?

Any card that has a chip embedded in it is called a smart card. A smart card is a credit-card-sized device that has an embedded microchip that can store data. The data is protected by encryption and the chip is difficult to counterfeit or clone.

Smart cards are a simple, yet effective way to make it more difficult for hackers to steal your information. The chip in smart cards stores encrypted information and provides the cardholder with a higher degree of protection than traditional magnetic strips on cards. 

This is because if someone were to intercept this data they would not be able to access it without first decrypting the stored information through specific software or hardware. Smart cards often vary in size, shape, thickness, and capabilities depending on their usage.

A smart card can be used in many ways, such as for identification or to store information securely. ID cards are smart cards that hold information about an individual, typically used for identification purposes either in companies, or colleges, etc. 

When using the smart card, it is important to know where the chip is embedded in the card so that you can use it properly wherever needed, as different types of cards work differently. But to understand where the chip is embedded in a smart card, it is important to know what type of card it is. The type of card will determine where the chip is embedded in it.

If you’re looking to get some ID cards made, you can always contact us at Mixto to fulfill your desired orders.

The types of smart ID cards

There are primarily two types of chip-based smart cards: contactless cards and proximity cards.

Contactless cards use radio waves to communicate with the outside world. Contactless smart cards do not need to come into contact with a reader to transfer data and can communicate using radio waves from up to 10 meters away. 

They use RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification Technology) tags and use electromagnetic fields instead of radio waves and can only transmit data when they are within 3-4 inches of a reader device. Because of its features, it does not mean that contactless cards do not have a chip, they do. The chip is just not visible on the card because the nature of a contactless card is such that the chip itself does not need to come in contact with a reader to transmit the information it stores, as it does so wirelessly. 

Proximity cards on the other hand need to be close enough to the reader for the information on them to be read out by electromagnetic induction. The chip in these cards is usually embedded on the surface of the card as they need to come in contact so that the chip can transmit the information to the reader. 

The actual location of the chip varies depending on what company manufactured your proximity card; some companies place it in front while others put it on top or at the back. The location of the chip on the card is not of much importance as long as it is clearly visible on the card.

When it comes to plastic identification cards and where the chip is embedded in these cards, the answer depends on where the card was manufactured and what type of card it is, whether it is a contactless card or a proximity card.

In conclusion, the location of the chip on an ID card is arbitrary, as long as it can be read by the reader when the card is inserted into the machine, the chip can be placed on the front, back, or center of the card. 

If you are looking for a durable, affordable plastic ID card solution that can be customized to your needs and wants, contact Mixto today. We understand that having a secure identity card in today’s world is crucial, which is why we offer custom-made cards with secure credentials. If you have any questions about our Plastic Identification Card service feel free to contact us today for more information!