Chip impedance characterization for contactless proximity personal cards

We present a new method to characterize impedance of proximity personal smartcard chips from low voltage up to destruction level. Our method is based on an extended setup using network analysis. Combined with antenna parameters, we relate the equivalent electrical chip parameters to transponder behaviour in the contactless system. The detailed considerations of this approach allow to verify and optimize chip design, operating software and inlay antenna production for an improved fit to application requirements.