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The UK-based auto-ID technology firm Brite iD has introduced a new 'iLam' process for the production of inlays containing RFID chips and antennas for use in the new electronic passports which are being introduced worldwide.
According to Brite iD, the new iLam inlays can be used in any of the three positions for the chips allowable under ICAO regulations cover, data page or between the centre pages. But what's new seems to be the method of encasing and protecting the chip against damage and tampering. The chip and antenna are embedded in a Polyester based elastomer core which is sealed (under heat and pressure) to two outside layers, without adhesive.
Brite iD says the process does not risk damaging the embedded chip; the core is more flexible and less brittle than polycarbonate and offers more protection for the chip than paper or thin plastic based inlays. And, because the bonding uses no adhesive, it is not possible to freeze or heat the inlay to remove the outside layers and access the chip without irreparable damage.
For e-passports with a chip incorporated into the cover page, one face of the iLam structure is the existing cover material, which provides a more secure construction than a glued-in inlay. It is not possible to remove and replace the RFID chip without destroying the cover material or antenna. As an additional security feature, the outside cover can be 3D-embossed to give a unique tactile verification of the passport, which could be very difficult for a counterfeiter to simulate.
The new inlay can also be used in a standard passport production line without any modification, where other systems may demand the installation of an additional lamination station to glue inlays to the cover material.
For e-passports with the chip in the data page, the outside layers of the iLam structure can either be printed security paper or laser-engraveable polycarbonate (PC). If security paper is used, it is extended to form a hinge for sewing into the passport book in the normal way - and all the security features of the paper remain visible after lamination.
Alternatively, the flexible core material in a polycarbonate faced laminate is extended to form the hinge, avoiding the problems of PC hinges or the need to attach additional hinge material. The data page can then be personalised by ink jet or laser engraving as appropriate and an overlay applied. One or both sides of the data page inlay can then be 3D embossed.
Source: Brite iD Ltd
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