Smart cards (contact)

Description

Contact smart cards connect to a reader with direct physical contact. The contact plate on the card surface (typically gold-plated) must connect with the reader for any transactions to be carried out.

Smart card technology conforms to international standards (ISO/IEC 7816). Cards have an embedded integrated circuit chip (ICC) that can be a microprocessor or just a memory chip. Memory cards merely hold data, while microprocessor cards hold data and carry out intelligent functions such as encryption or authentication.

PIN-protected memory cards

Applications include fuel cards, vending cards, loyalty/membership applications, electronic coupons, electronic purse, utility prepayment, identity and a variety of protected portable data files. Examples include SLE4442 (256 byte, pin-protected write) and SLE4428 (1Kbyte, pin-protected write).

Free memory cards

Uses include non-confidential storage/low security applications, vending, transport, subscriber's card, portable data and identity.

» Click here to browse our range of contact memory cards.

Microprocessor cards

Multi-application microprocessor cards offer increased security for e-purse functions and a higher level of data management features, along with EMV functionality if required.

» Click here to browse our range of contact microprocessor cards.

Java cards

Java Card is a technology which allows small, Java-based applications (called applets) to be run securely on a card or other small memory devices. Multiple applications can be deployed on a single card and new ones can be added to it even after it has been issued to the end user.

Dual-interface and hybrid cards

Hybrid cards have two chips, one with a contact interface and one with a contactless interface. The two are not connected. Dual-interface cards have a single chip with both contact and contactless interfaces. This allows the same chip to be accessed using either a contact or contactless interface.

» Click here to browse our range of dual-interface & hybrid cards.
» Click here to browse our range of contact readers.