Encoding module, associated encoding element, connector, printer-encoder and access control system

A system configured to provide selective communication between a reader and a targeted transponder disposed among multiple adjacent transponders moving along a feed path, the system comprising:

• a reader configured to transmit communication signals;
• and
• an encoding module having a plurality of encoding elements arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, the plurality of columns extending parallel with the feed path and the plurality of rows extending perpendicular to the feed path;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• determine a first encoding element of the plurality of encoding elements as a likely optimal encoding element for communication with a transponder of a media unit;
• in response to determining the first encoding element as the likely optimal encoding element, control the reader to attempt to communicate with the transponder of the media unit through the first encoding element at a plurality of power levels;
• determine whether the attempt to communicate with the transponder of the media unit through the first encoding element was successful;
• and
• in response to determining that the attempt to communicate with the transponder of the media unit through the first encoding element was successful, control the reader to attempt to communicate with the transponder of the media unit through a second encoding element adjacent to the first encoding element.