UK's first EMV full service test house

A Radio Frequency Investigation product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 29, 2001

Radio Frequency Investigation (RFI), the global wireless testing and regulatory body, is now recognised by Visa International to test devices for EMV levels 1 and 2.

Radio Frequency Investigation (RFI), the global wireless testing and regulatory body, is now recognised by Visa International to test devices for EMV levels 1 and 2.

RFI already provides a wide range of compliance and regulatory solutions to the global wireless and electronics industry.

Specific areas of expertise include compliance management, regulatory consultancy, hardware and software testing, for local and global markets.

Following successful completion of Visa's training program RFI is the first full service test house (supporting levels 1 and 2 of the EMV standards) in the UK, providing valuable local support to the UK's EMV roll-out program.

RFI will be able to provide an end-to-end service harmonising both hardware and software requirements of EMV devices.

It is anticipated that the service will support growth in new channel devices such as set-top boxes, mobile phones and PC based readers as well as continuing to support more traditional retail applications and Point of Sale (POS) devices.

RFI will use the full EMVCo test cases and methodologies agreed by all the card schemes and can therefore support the full testing process defined by EMVCo.

A formal application for recognition by EMVCo has been requested by RFI, which will offer 'one stop testing' to vendors and members.

Bill Dunn, senior vice president of Visa's Chip Business Support team, said "We are very pleased to welcome an organisation of RFI's quality to our network of global test houses.

This accreditation demonstrates Visa's on-going commitment to remove barriers for our members and their chosen vendors in delivering EMV capable payment devices." Jean McKenna, senior vice president, Industry Services at Visa International, said: "As the migration to chip gathers increasing momentum worldwide, it is crucial that test houses such as RFI are available to provide full testing facilities." Vic Clements, principle engineer from RFI added "We are very excited about this new venture which fits perfectly into our strategy to satisfy growing demands for testing and consultancy services in the converging worlds of wireless communications and m-commerce.

Smart Cards have a major role to play in these developments and we are pleased to be able to offer our services and expertise to a global market from our new facility at Thatcham in the UK." In future RFI intends to further enhance its service by providing testing for card products and is currently working with Visa to become a recognised testing facility for EMV level 1 and Visa debit and credit chip card products.

This complements the facilities already available to Visa's EU Members and provides valuable support to match increasing growth in EMV card products, setting a foundation for future card development support.