What Are the Different Types of Integrated Circuit Cards?

Integrated Circuit Cards, or smart cards, come in two main varieties: contact and contactless. Radio frequency is used by contact and contactless cards to safely transfer and store data. There must be a physical connection for contact cards. Both revolutionize how we perform transactions and obtain services. Do you want to know how these tiny technological wonders can improve your quality of life on a daily basis? Come with me as we explore their potential.

Smart cards are found in mobile phones and other electronic devices. There are two primary types of integrated circuit cards: memory cards and microprocessor cards. Smart cards find widespread usage across various industries and applications across the globe. They facilitate data storage and aid in identity provision.

A memory card does nothing more than store data, though it may also have some unique security logic on it. The most common memory types for integrated circuit cards are read-only memory, random access memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable memory, and electronically erasable programmable memory. There are three main categories of memory cards. The earliest type of memory cards are straight cards, which can only store data but cannot process it. The stored value memory card makes the cards rechargeable by allowing for the reading and writing of dates, and the protected memory card is created by adding built-in security logic.

Microprocessor cards have the ability to communicate, store, and carry out transactions. An integrated circuit (ICC) allows for improved cryptographic security and increased usability. This opens up the possibility of multiple features and functionalities, like the capacity to update the data stored on the card.

The two main categories of memory cards and microprocessor cards are then distinguished: contact and contactless. Numerous other kinds of integrated circuit cards are produced by combining different memory, microprocessor, contact, and contactless configurations. Some examples are hybrid cards, dual-interface cards and multi-component cards.

Globally, mobile phones use memory-only smart cards, also referred to as subscriber identification modules (SIMs) or universal integrated circuit cards (UICCs). Additionally, smart cards are utilized in security configurations to enable single sign-on (SSO). Microprocessor cards find numerous uses, including identity cards, phone cards, credit cards, and access badges.

The ISO 7810 and ISO 7816 standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) govern contact smart cards, which are integrated circuit cards. The contact card is the most commonly used example of an integrated circuit card because it is utilized in prepaid phone cards. Though some are both contact and contactless, contact cards make up the majority of payment cards.

Another kind of smart card is proximity cards, also known as contactless integrated circuit cards that fall under ISO 14443. When the proximity card is within radio frequency range of the antenna and reader, it transmits and receives radio waves. Cards used at automated tollbooths and automatic security gates are two instances of this.