Abstract:
A method for manufacture of a contactless smart card device including mounting at least one antenna and at least one smart card module onto a substrate layer, placing aramagnetic material over at least part of the at least one antenna, and laminating the substrate layer and the paramagnetic material to provide a laminate.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/564,222, filed on Sep. 22, 2009 and entitled “CONTACTLESS SMART STICKER”, and incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to contactless smart card devices in various form factors. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following patent publications are believed to be relevant to the present invention: PCT/IL2007/01378 and PCT/IL2009/00075. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to provide improved contactless smart card devices in various form factors as well as methods for the manufacture thereof. 
     There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for manufacture of a contactless smart card device including mounting at least one antenna and at least one smart card module onto a substrate layer, placing paramagnetic material over at least part of the at least one antenna, and laminating the substrate layer and the paramagnetic material to provide a laminate. 
     The term “smart card device” is used to denote any of the following: a smart card, typically of a size compliant with ISO Standard ID-1, a reduced size smart card—a smart card of size less than that specified in ISO Standard ID-1, such as a size suitable for a key fob or a sticker suitable for mounting on a mobile communicator, an inlay, a sheet of inlays suitable for use in manufacturing any of the aforesaid devices and a sheet of smart cards. 
     Preferably, the smart card device is a sheet of ISO ID-1 Standard sized smart cards. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the method also includes cutting individual ISO ID-1 Standard sized cards out of the laminate. 
     Preferably, the smart card device has a thickness which does not exceed 840 microns. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the method also includes cutting the laminate to create a reduced size smart card device which includes the at least one antenna, the at least one chip module and the paramagnetic material placed over at least part of the at least said antenna. Additionally or alternatively, the entire periphery of the reduced size smart card device extends outwardly of the paramagnetic material. 
     Preferably, the paramagnetic layer is formed with at least one cut-out to accommodate the at least part of the at least the chip module. Alternatively, the paramagnetic material is formed with at least one recess to accommodate the at least part of the at least one chip module. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the paramagnetic material surrounds but does not overlie the at least one chip module. 
     Preferably, the method also includes perforating the laminate to define a manually separable reduced size smart card device including the at least one antenna, the at least one chip module and the paramagnetic material placed over at least part of the at least one antenna. 
     There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a contactless smart card device including a substrate having associated therewith at least one antenna, at least one chip module, and at least one paramagnetic layer covering at least part of the at least one antenna, the substrate and the at least one paramagnetic layer being laminated together to define a laminate. 
     Preferably, the smart card device is a sheet of ISO ID-1 Standard sized smart cards. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the smart card device having dimensions which are ISO ID-1 Standard compliant. 
     Preferably, the smart card device has a thickness which does not exceed 840 microns. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the smart card device is a reduced size smart card device. Additionally or alternatively, the entire periphery of the reduced size smart card device extends outwardly the paramagnetic material. 
     Preferably, the laminate is perforated to define a manually separable reduced size smart card device. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the paramagnetic layer is formed with a cut-out to accommodate as least part of the chip module. Alternatively, the paramagnetic layer is formed with a recess to accommodate at least part of the chip module. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C,  1 D,  1 E,  1 F,  1 G,  1 H,  1 I,  1 J,  1 K,  1 L,  1 M,  1 N,  1 O,  1 P,  1 Q,  1 R,  1 S,  1 T,  1 U,  1 V,  1 W,  1 X, and  1 Y are simplified illustrations of a method of manufacture of a contactless smart card device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D,  2 E,  2 F,  2 G,  2 H,  2 I,  2 J,  2 K,  2 L,  2 M,  2 N,  2 O,  2 P  2 Q,  2 R,  2 S,  2 T and  2 U are simplified illustrations of a method of manufacture of a contactless smart card device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E,  3 F,  3 G,  3 H,  3 I,  3 J,  3 K,  3 L,  3 M,  3 N,  3 O,  3 P,  3 Q,  3 R,  3 S,  3 T and  3 U are simplified illustrations of a method of manufacture of a reduced size contactless smart card device in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C,  4 D,  4 E,  4 F,  4 G,  4 H,  4 I,  4 J,  4 K,  4 L,  4 M,  4 N,  4 O,  4 P,  4 Q,  4 R, and  4 S are simplified illustrations of a method of manufacture of a reduced size contactless smart card device in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C,  1 D,  1 E,  1 F,  1 G,  1 H,  1 I,  1 J,  1 K,  1 L,  1 M,  1 N,  1 O,  1 P,  1 Q,  1 R,  1 S,  1 T,  1 U,  1 V,  1 W,  1 X and  1 Y, which are simplified illustrations of a method of manufacture of a contactless smart card device, and more particularly a reduced size contactless smart card device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate initial punching of a throughgoing aperture  100  in a substrate  102 . The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity as a Standard smart card substrate, such as a substrate whose length and width is compliant with the ISO ID-1 standard. It is appreciated that the punching typically takes place when a plurality of substrates  102  are integrally formed as part of a sheet  103 , typically formed of PVC or PET, having a thickness approximately 100 microns. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates the substrate  102  following mounting thereon of an antenna  104  and a smart card module  106 . Mounting of the antenna  104  and the smart card module  106  on substrate  102  may be carried out in any suitable manner, for example by the techniques described and claimed in any of applicant&#39;s/assignee&#39;s patent applications: PCT/IL2007/01378 and PCT/IL2009/00075, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The antenna  104  may be formed by any suitable technique and may be formed of wire as shown or alternatively in any other suitable manner, such as by screen printing or etching. Typically, the smart card module is a conventional smart card module including a base portion  108 , also termed a lead frame, having a thickness of approximately 60-80 microns and an upstanding portion  110 , also termed an epoxy layer, having a thickness of approximately 280 microns. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1D and 1E , following mounting of the antenna  104  and the smart card module  106  onto substrate  102 , a plastic sheet  112 , typically PVC of thickness 40-60 microns, is attached to the bottom of substrate  102  so as to underlie both the substrate  102  and the smart card module  106 . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1F and 1G , which show initial punching of a throughgoing aperture  114  in a compensation layer  116 . The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity cut to a card width and length which is commonly identified as ISO ID-1 standard. It is appreciated that the punching shown in  FIG. 1F  typically takes place when a plurality of compensation layers  116  are integrally formed as part of a sheet (not shown) typically formed of PVC, PET, PC or TESLIN®, having a thickness approximately 275 microns. 
       FIG. 1H  illustrates punching out of a reduced size compensation layer  118  from compensation layer  116 . The thus apertured remaining outer portion is retained and employed as described hereinbelow. 
       FIG. 1I  illustrates punching out of an inner portion  122 , including aperture  114 , from compensation layer  118 . The remaining outer portion is discarded or recycled as scrap. 
       FIGS. 1J and 1K  illustrate attachment of remaining outer portion  120  over substrate  102  such that an aperture  126  thereof overlies antenna  104  and smart chip module  106  as seen clearly in  FIG. 1K . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
       FIGS. 1L and 1M  illustrate attachment of inner portion  122  over substrate  102  interiorly of antenna  104  such that the aperture  114  thereof overlies upstanding portion  110  of smart chip module  106  as seen clearly in  FIG. 1M . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
       FIGS. 1N and 1O  illustrate initial punching of a throughgoing aperture  130  in a layer of paramagnetic material  132 , such as ferrite. The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity as having a length and width compliant with ISO Standard ID-1. It is appreciated that the punching typically takes place when a plurality of layers  132  are integrally formed as part of a larger sheet (not shown), having a thickness of approximately 260 microns. 
       FIGS. 1P and 1Q  illustrate punching out of a reduced size layer of paramagnetic material  134  from layer  132 . The thus apertured remaining outer portion is discarded or recycled as scrap. 
       FIGS. 1R and 1S  illustrate attachment of reduced size layer  134  over substrate  102  and over antenna  104  such that the aperture  130  thereof overlies inner portion  122  and upstanding portion  110  of smart chip module  106  as seen clearly in  FIG. 1S . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1T and 1U , following the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 1R and 1S , a plastic sheet  138 , typically PVC of thickness 40-60 microns, is attached over the structure shown in  FIG. 1S  so as to overlie substrate  102 , antenna  104 , the smart card module  106 , outer portion  120 , inner portion  122  and reduced size paramagnetic layer  134 . The entire structure shown in  FIG. 1U  is preferably laminated together by any suitable laminating technique to define a laminate in the form of a sheet  143 , corresponding to sheet  103 . 
     At this stage, the sheet  143  may be transferred to another facility at which an artwork sheet  144 , typically PVC of thickness 200 microns bearing desired graphics and/or text, is attached over plastic sheet  138  and laminated to the sheet  143 , as shown in  FIG. 1V . Preferably a clear plastic overlay  145 , typically PVC of thickness 70 microns, is formed over the artwork sheet  144 . 
     Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 1W , individual ISO ID-1 Standard sized cards  146 , having a thickness of 0.76 mm+−0.08 mm, are cut out by conventional machinery. The individual ISO ID-1 Standard sized cards  146  are then preferably individually programmed by conventional ID-1 contactless smart card programming apparatus  148  as seen in  FIG. 1X . 
     Optionally before or following individual programming thereof, the ISO ID-1 Standard sized cards  146  are partially punched along a periphery  149  to define user-separable reduced size contactless smart card devices  150 , as seen in  FIG. 1Y . Typical dimensions of the reduced size contactless smart card devices  150  are 30 mm by 50 mm and are selected such that a peripheral portion  151  of compensation layer  120  surrounds the paramagnetic layer  134  in the reduced size contactless smartcard device  150 . Contactless smart stickers may be realized preferably by providing a double-sided adhesive layer onto an outer facing surface of sheet  112 . The adhesive layer is preferably covered by release paper. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D,  2 E,  2 F,  2 G,  2 H,  2 I,  2 J,  2 K,  2 L,  2 M,  2 N,  2 O,  2 P,  2 Q,  2 R,  2 S,  2 T and  2 U, which are simplified illustrations of a method of manufacture of a contactless smart card device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate initial punching of a throughgoing aperture  200  in a substrate  202 . The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity as a Standard smart card substrate, such as a substrate whose length and width are compliant with the ISO ID-1 standard. It is appreciated that the punching typically takes place when a plurality of substrates  202  are integrally formed as part of a sheet  203  typically formed of PVC or PET, having a thickness of approximately 100 microns. 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates the substrate  202  following mounting thereon of an antenna  204  and a smart card module  206 . Mounting of the antenna  204  and the smart card module  206  on substrate  202  may be carried out in any suitable manner, for example by the techniques described and claimed in any of applicant/assignee&#39;s patent applications: PCT/IL2007/01378 and PCT/IL2009/00075, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The antenna  204  may be formed by any suitable technique and may be formed of wire as shown or alternatively in any other suitable manner, such as by screen printing or etching. Typically, the smart card module is a conventional smart card module including a base portion  208 , also termed a lead frame, having a thickness of approximately 60-80 microns and an upstanding portion  210 , also termed an epoxy layer, having a thickness of approximately 280 microns. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 2D and 2E , following mounting of the antenna  204  and the smart card module  206  onto substrate  202 , a plastic sheet  212 , typically PVC of thickness 40-60 microns, is attached to the bottom of substrate  202  so as to underlie both the substrate  202  and the smart card module  206 . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2F and 2G , which show punching of a throughgoing aperture  226  in a compensation layer  216 . The thus apertured remaining outer portion, designated by reference numeral  220 , is retained and employed as described hereinbelow. The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity cut to a length and width which are compliant with the ISO ID-1 Standard. It is appreciated that the punching shown in  FIG. 2F  typically takes place when a plurality of compensation layers  216  are integrally formed as part of a sheet (not shown) typically formed of PVC, PET, PC or TESLIN®, having a thickness approximately 275 microns. 
       FIGS. 2H and 2I  illustrate attachment of remaining outer portion  220  over substrate  202  such that the aperture  226  thereof overlies antenna  204  and smart chip module  206  as seen clearly in  FIG. 2I . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
       FIGS. 2J and 2K  illustrate initial punching of a throughgoing aperture  230  in a layer of paramagnetic material  232 , such as ferrite. The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity as having a length and width which are compliant with as ISO ID-1 Standard. It is appreciated that the punching typically takes place when a plurality of layers  232  are integrally formed as part of a larger sheet (not shown), having a thickness of approximately 260 microns. 
       FIGS. 2L and 2M  illustrate punching out of a reduced size apertured layer of paramagnetic material  234  from layer  232 . The remaining outer portion is discarded or recycled as scrap. 
       FIGS. 2N and 2O  illustrate attachment of reduced size layer  234  over substrate  202  and over antenna  204  such that the aperture  230  thereof overlies upstanding portion  210  of smart chip module  206  as seen clearly in  FIG. 2O . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 2P and 2Q , following the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 2N and 2O , a plastic sheet  238 , typically PVC of thickness 40-60 microns, is attached over the structure shown in  FIG. 2O  so as to overlie substrate  202 , outer portion  220 , antenna  204 , smart card module  206 , and reduced size paramagnetic layer  234 . The entire structure shown in  FIG. 2Q , in the form of a sheet  243 , corresponding to sheet  203 , is preferably laminated together by any suitable laminating technique. 
     At this stage, the sheet  243  may be transferred to another facility at which an artwork sheet  244 , typically PVC of thickness 200 microns bearing desired graphics and/or text, is attached over plastic sheet  238  and laminated to the sheet  243 , as shown in  FIG. 2R . Preferably, a clear plastic overlay  245 , typically PVC of thickness 70 microns, is formed over the artwork sheet  244 . 
     Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 2S , individual ISO ID-1 Standard sized cards  246 , having a thickness of 0.76 mm+−0.08 mm are cut out of sheet  243  by conventional machinery. The individual ID-1 sized cards  246  are then individually programmed by conventional contactless smart card programming apparatus  248 , as seen in  FIG. 2T . 
     Optionally before or following individual programming thereof, the ID-1 sized cards  246  are partially punched or otherwise perforated along a periphery  249  to define user-separable reduced size contactless smart card devices  250 , as seen in  FIG. 2U . Typical dimensions of the reduced size contactless smart card devices  250  are 30 mm by 50 mm and its dimensions are selected such that a peripheral portion  251  of compensation layer  220  surrounds the paramagnetic layer  234  in the reduced size contactless smartcard device  250 . 
     Contactless smart stickers may be realized by providing a double sided adhesive layer onto an outer facing surface of sheet  212 . The adhesive layer is preferably covered by release paper. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E,  3 F,  3 G,  3 H,  3 I,  3 J,  3 K,  3 L,  3 M,  3 N,  3 O,  3 P,  3 Q,  3 R,  3 S,  3 T and  3 U, which are simplified illustrations of a method of manufacture of a contactless smart card device in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate initial punching of a throughgoing aperture  300  in a substrate  302 . The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity as a Standard smart card substrate, such as a substrate whose size is commonly identified as ISO ID-1 Standard. It is appreciated that the punching typically takes place when a plurality of substrates  302  are integrally formed as part of a sheet  303  typically formed of PVC or PET, having a thickness approximately 100 microns. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates the substrate  302  following mounting thereon of an antenna  304  and a smart card module  306 . Mounting of the antenna  304  and the smart card module  306  on substrate  302  may be carried out in any suitable manner, for example by the techniques described and claimed in any of applicant/assignees patent applications PCT/IL2007/01378 and PCT/IL2009/00075, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The antenna  304  may be formed by any suitable technique and may be formed of wire as shown or alternatively in any other suitable manner, such as by screen printing or etching Typically, the smart card module is a conventional smart card module including a base portion  308 , also termed a lead frame, having a thickness of approximately 60-80 microns and an upstanding portion  310 , also termed an epoxy layer, having a thickness of approximately 280 microns. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 3D and 3E , following mounting of the antenna  304  and the smart card module  306  onto substrate  302 , a plastic sheet  312 , typically PVC of thickness 40-60 microns, is attached to the bottom of substrate  302  so as to underlie both the substrate  302  and the smart card module  306 . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3F and 3G , which show punching of a throughgoing aperture  326  in a compensation layer  316 . The thus apertured remaining outer portion, designated by reference numeral  320 , is retained and employed as described hereinbelow. The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity cut to a length and width which are commonly identified as ISO ID-1 Standard. It is appreciated that the punching shown in  FIG. 3F  typically takes place when a plurality of compensation layers  316  are integrally formed as part of a sheet (not shown) typically formed of PVC, PET, PC or TESLIN®, having a thickness approximately 275 microns. 
       FIGS. 3H and 3I  illustrate attachment of remaining outer portion  320  over substrate  302  such that the aperture  326  thereof overlies antenna  304  and smart chip module  306  as seen clearly in  FIG. 3I . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
       FIGS. 3J and 3K  illustrate initial machining of a recess  330  in a layer of paramagnetic material  332 , such as ferrite. The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity as having a length and width commonly identified as ISO ID-1 Standard. It is appreciated that the punching typically takes place when a plurality of layers  332  are integrally formed as part of a larger sheet (not shown), having a thickness of approximately 260 microns. 
       FIGS. 3L and 3M  illustrate punching out of a reduced size apertured layer of paramagnetic material  334  from layer  332 . The remaining outer portion is discarded or recycled as scrap. 
       FIGS. 3N and 3O  illustrate attachment of reduced size layer  334  over substrate  302  and over antenna  304  such that the recess  330  overlies upstanding portion  310  of smart chip module  306  as seen clearly in  FIG. 3O . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 3P and 3Q , following the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 3N and 3O , a plastic sheet  338 , typically PVC of thickness 40-60 microns, is attached over the structure shown in  FIG. 3O  so as to overlie substrate  302 , outer portion  320 , antenna  304 , smart card module  306 , and reduced size paramagnetic layer  334 . The entire structure shown in  FIG. 3Q , in the form of a sheet  343 , corresponding to sheet  303 , is preferably laminated together by any suitable laminating technique. 
     At this stage, the sheet  343  may be transferred to another facility at which an artwork sheet  344 , typically PVC of thickness 200 microns bearing desired graphics and/or text, is attached over plastic sheet  338  and laminated to the sheet  343 , as shown in  FIG. 3R . Preferably, a clear plastic overlay  345  typically PVC of thickness 70 microns, is formed over the artwork sheet  344 . 
     Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 3S , individual ID-1 sized cards  346 , having a thickness of 0.76 mm+−0.08 mm, are cut out of sheet  343  by conventional machinery. The individual ID-1 sized cards  346  are then individually programmed by conventional contactless smart card programming apparatus  348 , as seen in  FIG. 3T . 
     Optionally before or following individual programming thereof, the ID-1 sized cards  346  are partially punched or otherwise perforated along a periphery  349  to define user-separable reduced size contactless smart card devices  350 , as seen in  FIG. 3U . Typical dimensions of the reduced size contactless smart card devices  350  are 30 mm by 50 mm and are selected such that a peripheral portion  351  of compensation layer  320  surrounds the paramagnetic layer  334  in the reduced size contactless smartcard device  350 . 
     Contactless smart stickers may be realized by providing a double sided adhesive layer onto an outer facing surface of sheet  312 . The adhesive layer is preferably covered by release paper. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C,  4 D,  4 E,  4 F,  4 G,  4 H,  4 I,  4 J,  4 K,  4 L,  4 M,  4 N,  4 O,  4 P,  4 Q,  4 R and  4 S, which are simplified illustrations of a method of manufacture of a contactless smart card device in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate initial punching of a throughgoing aperture  400  in a substrate  402 . The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity as a Standard smart card substrate, such as a substrate whose size is commonly identified as ISO ID-1 Standard. It is appreciated that the punching typically takes place when a plurality of substrates  402  are integrally formed as part of a sheet  403  typically formed of PVC or PET, having a thickness approximately 100 microns. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates the substrate  402  following mounting thereon of an antenna  404  and a smart card module  406 . Mounting of the antenna  404  and the smart card module  406  on substrate  402  may be carried out in any suitable manner, for example by the techniques described and claimed in any of applicant/assignee&#39;s patent applications PCT/IL2007/01378 and PCT/IL2009/00075, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The antenna  404  may be formed by any suitable technique and may be formed of wire as shown or alternatively in any other suitable manner, such as by screen printing or etching Typically, the smart card module is a conventional smart card module including a base portion  408 , also termed a lead frame, having a thickness of approximately 60-80 microns and an upstanding portion  410 , also termed an epoxy layer, having a thickness of approximately 280 microns. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4D and 4E , following mounting of the antenna  404  and the smart card module  406  onto substrate  402 , a plastic sheet  412 , typically PVC of thickness 40-60 microns, is attached to the bottom of substrate  402  so as to underlie both the substrate  402  and the smart card module  406 . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4F and 4G , which show punching of a throughgoing aperture  426  in a compensation layer  416 . The thus apertured remaining outer portion, designated by reference numeral  420 , is retained and employed as described hereinbelow. The illustrated substrate is shown for the sake of clarity cut to a length and width which are commonly identified as ISO ID-1 Standard. It is appreciated that the punching shown in  FIG. 4F  typically takes place when a plurality of compensation layers  416  are integrally formed as part of a sheet (not shown) typically formed of PVC, PET, PC or TESLIN®, having a thickness of approximately 275 microns. 
       FIGS. 4H and 4I  illustrate attachment of remaining outer portion  420  over substrate  402  such that the aperture  426  thereof overlies antenna  404  and smart chip module  406  as seen clearly in  FIG. 4I . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
       FIGS. 4J and 4K  illustrate punching out of a reduced size layer of paramagnetic material  424  from a sheet of paramagnetic material  426 , such as ferrite. The remaining outer portion, designated by reference numeral  428 , is discarded or recycled as scrap. The illustrated layer  426  is shown for the sake of clarity as having a length and width compliant with the ISO ID-1 Standard. It is appreciated that the punching typically takes place when a plurality of layers  426  are integrally formed as part of a larger sheet (not shown), having a thickness approximately 260 microns. 
       FIGS. 4L and 4M  illustrate attachment of reduced size layer  424  over substrate  402 , antenna  404  and smart chip module  406  as seen clearly in  FIG. 4M . Preferably the attachment is achieved by known techniques such as lamination. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4N and 4O , following the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 4L and 4M , a plastic sheet  438 , typically PVC of thickness 40-60 microns, is attached over the structure shown in  FIG. 4M  so as to overlie substrate  402 , outer portion  420 , antenna  404 , smart card module  406 , and reduced size paramagnetic layer  424 . The entire structure shown in  FIG. 4O , in the form of a sheet  443 , corresponding to sheet  403 , is preferably laminated together by any suitable laminating technique. 
     At this stage, the sheet  443  may be transferred to another facility at which an artwork sheet  444 , typically PVC of thickness 200 microns, bearing desired graphics and/or text, is attached over plastic sheet  438  and laminated to the sheet  444 , as shown in  FIG. 4P . Preferably, a clear plastic overlay  445  typically PVC of thickness 70 microns, is formed over the artwork sheet  444 . 
     Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 4Q , individual ISO ID-1 Standard sized cards  446 , having a thickness of 0.76 mm+−0.08 mm, are cut out of sheet  443  by conventional machinery. The individual ID-1 sized cards  446  are then individually programmed by conventional contactless smart card programming apparatus  448  as seen in  FIG. 4R . 
     Optionally before or following individual programming thereof, the ID-1 sized cards  446  are partially punched or otherwise perforated along a periphery  449  to define user-separable reduced size contactless smart card devices  450 , as seen in  FIG. 4S . Typical dimensions of the reduced size contactless smart card devices  450  are 30 mm by 50 mm and are selected such that a peripheral portion  451  of compensation layer  420  surrounds the paramagnetic layer  434  in the reduced size contactless smartcard device  450 . 
     Contactless smart stickers may be realized by providing a double sided adhesive layer onto an outer facing surface of sheet  412 . The adhesive layer is preferably covered by release paper. 
     It is appreciated that the order in which the various stages of manufacture are presented hereinabove is not necessarily the only possible order in which these stages may be carried out. The various stages may be carried out in any suitable order. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.