Generic Pass-Through

Group 0x30nn – Generic Pass-Through

Pass-Through Mode is independent and separate from EMVCo Payment functions. This mode provides no access to any EMV payment kernels, and is out of scope from EMVCo certifications.

This mode is typically used by developers that require the need for non-payment low-level APDU communications with NFC cards, tokens, and devices.

The commands in this section provide the basic capability to communicate directly with the non-payment Contactless Card. They provide control of the polling process, and exchange of application protocol data units (APDU).

Typical Use Case examples of overall sequence:

• ENTER Pass-Through Mode.

• Turn ON Polling

• Set/Use LEDs / Buzzer

• “Tap” card/device on reader.

• Engage APDU transmit/ receive activities

• Set/Use LEDs/ Buzzer

• When transaction is completed:

• Turn OFF Polling

• EXIT Pass-Through Mode.

Command 0x3001 – Pass-Through Mode Start/Stop

The host uses this command to enter or exit Pass-Through Mode.

The Host must “Enter Pass-Through Mode” prior to using any other commands in this section. Otherwise, subsequent commands will be “ignored” / “rejected”. When finished, the Host should “Exit Pass-Through Mode”. Once exited, the reader returns to its “normal state” and will accept traditional commands.