This blog from Bahaa Abdul Hadi intends to explain to his audience the types of smart cards and their uses. Smart cards are an innovation that are being used in many sectors. These cards with microchips in them allow easy saving and retrieval of data. There are different types of smart cards that are being used by different sector. We look at the types available.

Different smart card types

1. Contact smart cards

This smart card has electrical contacts embedded in it. These electrical contacts would be used to connect to the smart card reader. When the smart card is inserted into the card reader, the electrical contacts come in contact with the card reader.

2. Contactless smart cards

These smart cards do not require contact with the smart card reader. The contact is established using radio frequency technology. The smart card need not touch the card reader. It can just be flashed before the card reader. The card’s chip has an antenna and electromagnetic signals are used for communication.

3. Dual interface cards

As the name itself suggests, this card has a dual interface. Both contact and contactless features are available. Depending on the requirements of the application, either the contact or contactless option can be used.

4. Smart card with memory

These smart cards have a memory unit in the chip. This allows data to be read and written. Other smart cards only allow reading of data. This is convenient when information needs to be stored on the card.

5. Microprocessor smart card

The chip in this smart card contains a microprocessor along with a memory unit. The use of the microprocessor helps in easy data processing. These cards can be used for multi-functioning in different applications.

6. Hybrid smart card

These cards incorporate the features of smart card with memory and the microprocessor smart card. There may be two different chips used in the card that can be used for different applications.

Benefits and applications of smart cards

The various types of smart cards are used in different applications. They can be used in retail stores, health care, banking, telecommunication, and even in government.

Bahaa Abdul Hadi lists out the benefits of Smart cards that include:

  • They make transactions easier and offer security at the same time.
  • User data like user identity can be stored in the card chip. This is a secure form of storage that can’t be tampered.
  • The use of authentication ensures smart data card is highly secure. They can even be used for access control.
  • They are a more efficient method as compared to barcodes and machine read cards.

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