Types of Smart Cards
Contact Cards
Contact Smart cards are just like credit or debit card sized embedded within a small chip circuit. This card comes with memory-only chip and memory-only chip along with the microprocessor. A small floppy drive is an example of comprising both memory chip and memory chip with microprocessor. The difference is that the memory chip only stores the data. The security feature is very less in it. These cards can be easily duplicated and is not capable of storing valuable information. Memory chip with microprocessor is used to store data as well as the stored data can be added, deleted, modified and write protected. These cards contain security features for data protection. Duplication of this card is quite impossible.
When it is inserted into the card reader, the pins in the reader attached with the small chip make contact with the pads and makes communication to read and store data. These cards are ideal for e-commerce, government IDs, network security, meal plans, electronic IDs, loyalty, vending, health care and campus IDs.
Contactless Cards
Instead of small chips, contactless smart cards are made up of small antenna. This antenna takes responsible for data transaction. There is no need for inserting this card into the reader. This card can be used without inserting into the card reader. The antenna embedded in the chip makes wireless transaction at a distance of 10 mm. The distance may vary depending upon the card reader. It can be used for both physical and logical access control. It offers a fast and secure transaction.
This card works under radio frequency identification (RFID). Using induction technology, the small antenna in the chip receives the radio frequency identification that could help in data transaction. This card is ideal for tolls, vending, electronic passport, student identification, etc.
Read more on Smart card solutions & Printers in an exclusive useful article at http://www.adapt-me.com that also brings you some useful articles, information, reviews, technical details and specifications of some of the latest Smart card and ID card printers available in Dubai, Middle East, UAE, Abu Dhabi and Africa manufactured by leading brands including Zebra, Fargo and Datacard.
