What are smart cards?
At first glance, this is an idle plastic card, similar in size to a credit card or business card. But why was she assigned the smart prefix? Namely, because the smart card contains an integrated circuit, which allows it to store data for further processing.
Smart cards have a number of differences:
· Type of integrated circuit
· Data transmission method (reading)
· Application
· Compliance with standards
Integrated circuit type
A microcircuit is built in smart smart cards, it is it that determines what functional of operations the card can perform. Depending on the microcircuit used, there are several main types of cards:
· Memory cards;
· Microprocessor cards;
· Cards with cryptographic logic.
Memory cards are the most common smart cards. They contain a certain amount of data and a fixed way of accessing it. Basically, these cards are used for payments of a small amount, for example, in transport, or in the parking lot, as this type of card is used for customer loyalty cards.
Microprocessor cards - just like memory cards, are designed to store information, but have a higher level of protection, since they are equipped with their own mini operating system and program. Thanks to this specification, information is protected not only when it is stored on the card, but also when it is transferred or read from the card.
Cards with cryptographic logic are used in information security systems to directly participate in the process of data encryption or the generation of cryptographic keys, electronic digital signatures and other necessary information for the operation of the system.
Method of data transmission (reading)
Smart cards are divided into 3 types according to the data transfer method:
The contact card consists of three parts:
1. Contact area:
3. Plastic base.
Contactless RFID cards have both a built-in microcircuit and an inductor. In the electromagnetic field of the reader, the coil supplies power to the microcircuit, which in turn transmits data to the reader
Combination cards have both a contact pad and a built-in inductor. Such cards allow working with different types of readers, which makes them more versatile.
Compliance
For smart cards, there are several international standards that define almost all properties of cards, from sizes, properties and types of plastic to the content of information on the card, protocols and data formats.
Standard ISO-7816 "smart card with a chip and contacts." Consists of six parts, governing physical characteristics, size and arrangement of contacts, signals and protocols, file structure, addressing and exchange commands.
EMV standard (Europay, MasterCard & Visa). Parts 1 and 2 are based on ISO-7816, later added transaction processing definitions, terminal specifications, etc.
Scope of identification cards
Smart cards can be used in almost any field of activity. Some of the main uses today are:
At first glance, this is an idle plastic card, similar in size to a credit card or business card. But why was she assigned the smart prefix? Namely, because the smart card contains an integrated circuit, which allows it to store data for further processing.
Smart cards have a number of differences:
· Type of integrated circuit
· Data transmission method (reading)
· Application
· Compliance with standards
Integrated circuit type
A microcircuit is built in smart smart cards, it is it that determines what functional of operations the card can perform. Depending on the microcircuit used, there are several main types of cards:
· Memory cards;
· Microprocessor cards;
· Cards with cryptographic logic.
Memory cards are the most common smart cards. They contain a certain amount of data and a fixed way of accessing it. Basically, these cards are used for payments of a small amount, for example, in transport, or in the parking lot, as this type of card is used for customer loyalty cards.
Microprocessor cards - just like memory cards, are designed to store information, but have a higher level of protection, since they are equipped with their own mini operating system and program. Thanks to this specification, information is protected not only when it is stored on the card, but also when it is transferred or read from the card.
Cards with cryptographic logic are used in information security systems to directly participate in the process of data encryption or the generation of cryptographic keys, electronic digital signatures and other necessary information for the operation of the system.
Method of data transmission (reading)
Smart cards are divided into 3 types according to the data transfer method:
- Contact;
- Contactless RFID;
- Combined (contact + contactless).
The contact card consists of three parts:
1. Contact area:
2. Chip (card microprocessor);
3. Plastic base.
Contactless RFID cards have both a built-in microcircuit and an inductor. In the electromagnetic field of the reader, the coil supplies power to the microcircuit, which in turn transmits data to the reader
Combination cards have both a contact pad and a built-in inductor. Such cards allow working with different types of readers, which makes them more versatile.
Compliance
For smart cards, there are several international standards that define almost all properties of cards, from sizes, properties and types of plastic to the content of information on the card, protocols and data formats.
Standard ISO-7816 "smart card with a chip and contacts." Consists of six parts, governing physical characteristics, size and arrangement of contacts, signals and protocols, file structure, addressing and exchange commands.
EMV standard (Europay, MasterCard & Visa). Parts 1 and 2 are based on ISO-7816, later added transaction processing definitions, terminal specifications, etc.
Scope of identification cards
Smart cards can be used in almost any field of activity. Some of the main uses today are:
- Security: Differentiation of access to premises, computer systems, user identification, etc.;
- Finance: Various banking transactions, payment for goods and services, credit and debit cards, cards for accruing scholarships, salaries and pensions, etc .;
- Customer cards: Loyalty programs (accrual of discounts, bonuses, etc.)
- Telephony: Call cards for payphones, GSM cards for mobile phones;
- Transport: Maps for public transport and metro;
- Health care: Medical records of patients, insurance policies.
