Abstract: A system for providing information to a magnetic card reader. The system comprises an antenna (in one embodiment comprising a multi-purpose antenna or an antenna module) and a microprocessor for applying a differential signal to the antenna. The differential signal represents data stored in a memory segment of the microprocessor or in a memory connected to the microprocessor. The antenna transmits an alternating magnetic field representing the information the alternating magnetic field is responsive to the differential signal and received by the magnetic card reader.

Abstract: An antenna for generating an electromagnetic field. The antenna has a substrate and a contiguous core disposed on the substrate. A continuous winding encircles the core and the substrate extending in a longitudinal direction; a first gap is defined between adjacent turns of the winding. The turns segregated into a plurality of winding segments, each winding segment comprising a plurality of turns. A second gap is defined between adjacent winding segments, wherein the second gap is larger than the first gap. Numerical values for the various parameters of the antenna (e.g., number of turns, number of winding segments, length of the first gap, length of the second gap) are selected to create and propagate a signal having desired parameters.

Abstract: A system and device to add electronics to materials to form a smart wallet. An electronic wallet (also referred to as a smart wallet) stows and retrieves financial as well as personal information such as credit cards, debit cards, identification, coupons, and the like. Electrical features include techniques and elements for a user to interact with the smart wallet via an interface that governs interaction, for securing information in the smart wallet, and for charging a power source on a powered transaction card. Mechanical features of the electronic wallet include techniques for integrating electronics within wallets to add electronic wallet functionality. Several accessory styles are also disclosed.