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A smart card or integrated circuit(s) card (ICC) is a card made of embedded circuits consisting of microprocessor and a memory chip, or only a memory chip with non-programmable logic. The microprocessor card is a non-volatile memory storage components, which means it can add, delete, or change information on the card, while a memory-chip card can only perform some fixed operation. For instance, pre-paid phone cards.
Advantages of smart card
- Access to remote databases at the time of the transaction is not required for smart card
There are different types of smart cards used for different applications
Integrated Circuit (IC) Microprocessor Cards. Microprocessor cards have an eight-bit processor, 16KB read-only memory, and 512 bytes of random-access memory.
Advantages
Microprocessor cards (also known as "chip cards") are capable of storing more information with better security of data compared to traditional magnetic stripe card. Also, chip cards have ability to process data on the card.
Applications
These cards are used for various applications for security purposes, which are as follows:
- Microprocessor Cards are used as stored value cards that hold money
- Microprocessor Cards are used as hold money equivalent cards
- Microprocessor Cards are used in cellular phone for security reasons
Integrated Circuit (IC) Memory Cards: IC memory cards are capable of holding up to 1-4 KB of data.
Design
Unlike Microprocessor cards, Integrated circuit (IC) memory cards do not have processor on card, thus, are suitable for uses where the card performs a fixed operation. Since integrated circuit (IC) memory cards do not have processor on the card, data cannot be manipulated with memory cards, making them dependent on the card reader (also known as the card-accepting device) for their processing.
Applications
-The applications of memory cards include pre-paid phone cards and cards, which are disposable.
Optical Memory Cards: Optical memory are capable of storing up to 4 MB of data.
Design
Optical memory cards do not have processor and are made in such a way that data once written on the cards cannot be changed or removed.
Applications
Optical memory cards are ideal for record keeping of important data like medical files, driving records, or travel histories.
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