What is a Contact Smart Card?
A contact smart card resembles your credit or ATM card but contains a microprocessor chip. This chip requires a physical connection with a reader in order to exchange data between the card and the host system.
This is done through a circular metal contact plate on the surface of the card (usually gold plated) that transmits signals to and from the chip below. This makes the card readable and functional.
Electrical Contacts
The electrical contacts found in smart cards make contact with the card reader that transmits data. This is done through a serial interface that can be through direct physical contact or via short-range wireless connectivity standards like RFID and NFC.
Smart cards are divided into two main categories based on their chip type and functionality. The microprocessor-based smart cards have a microprocessor on board and can host 100 times more information than the average magnetic stripe. They can also be reconfigured to add, edit or remove hosted data. They are used for a variety of applications including identity, payment, access control and security.
The memory-based smart cards only have a small amount of memory but can be used for a mifare desfire variety of non-secured applications. These include vending, transport, electronic coupons, membership cards, utility prepayment and a variety of protected portable data files.
Complex cards can be further classified based on their interfaces and microprocessor functionality. Contact and contactless smart cards are categorized as separate types based on their ability to communicate with the card reader. The contact-type smart card needs to come in physical contact with a digital interface to operate whereas the contactless smart card communicates through an antenna and requires close proximity to be read by the reader. Smart cards with both contact and contactless interfaces are referred to as hybrid.
Microprocessor
As the name suggests, contact smart cards require physical interaction with a reader to function. This is done by inserting the card into a contact pad. These pads contain an embedded memory chip where data is stored and used to carry out a transaction.
The chip can be configured to store data that is only valid for a limited time period or that is only available to certain people. It can also be programmed to change its Dynamic Card Security Code (DCSC) after each transaction, preventing the use of stolen data.
This is a crucial part of the smart card’s security system. The microprocessor can be programmed to perform the tasks required for a specific application. This can include generating one-time passwords for secure communication, authenticating and authorizing access to sensitive information or services. It can also provide a secure way to verify the identity of a person or machine.
The chip used in a contact smart card can be either memory only or a microprocessor plus memory. The latter provides additional functionality such as cryptographic functions, which allow a smart card to generate secure communications. It can also act as a firewall for an individual, blocking out unauthorized access and releasing information only to those authorized to do so. This, along with strong device and information security, make smart cards excellent guardians of personal privacy.
Memory
As the name suggests, this card type is based on memory circuits. It stores read and write data in a specific location and a microprocessor can manipulate this data to perform the desired function. It can be a straight memory card that only holds information, a protected memory card with restricted access to the chip and can be programmed only for certain tasks or a stored value memory card that safeguards mobile phones against theft.
These cards are based on an integrated circuit chip that has the necessary functions and is sealed into the plastic substrate of a credit or ID card. These chips can be either just memory or a microprocessor with a built-in operating system. Memory-only chips can only transmit data, and are less expensive than microprocessor cards. They are a good choice for payment systems such as contactless bank cards or for identification applications.
There are two general categories of smart cards: contact and contactless. A contact smart card has a conductive contact plate on its surface, usually gold-plated, that physically connects to the reader’s touch point and transmits commands and data to the chip inside the card. Most credit and ATM cards are this type of smart card.
A contactless smart card has an embedded antenna that establishes communication between the card and the reader through radio frequencies or electromagnetic ways without direct physical contact. This is the type of card you can use in a contactless public transportation system like Seoul’s Upass, Singapore’s EZ-Link or Hong Kong’s Octopus card.
Security
A microprocessor embedded in a smart card can perform complex functions like verifying a person’s identity or providing an online password. It can also store complex data like business credit scores. It can even allow for a more efficient way to manage company expenses. A smart card can even provide a more secure authentication system than traditional security tokens by using a Dynamic Card Security Code that can be updated in time intervals or after each contact or contactless EMV transaction.
Some of the most important security features contact smart card in a smart card include tamper-resistant storage, strong support for privacy and device/data security. The ability to communicate in a private manner between the smart card and reader can protect information by ensuring that the data sent is not intercepted or tapped. This feature is especially important for cards used to identify emergency response personnel and their skills.
There are two types of smart cards – contact and contactless – that differ by how they transmit data. Contact smart cards have an electrical connector that makes physical contact with the chip and are read by a card reader that sends an electrical signal. Contactless smart cards require only a close proximity to a reader to transmit the data. They use radio frequencies or Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to establish a wireless connection.
