Abstract: A telecard including active devices to provide communications between the active devices and a card reader without the need for electromechanical interconnection. The active devices include logic processing and data storage modules that are accessed by the application of power thereto via electromagnetic coupling. Data transferred into and out of the active devices are provided by baseband current loop modulation and demodulation. A separate card reader and telecard are provided, the telecard comprising a plastic card within which is sandwiched an integrated circuit powered by an electromagnetic loop formed upon the integrated circuit substrate. The card reader is configured to exchange data by inductive coupling with the telecard and provides direct connection to a telephone line.