Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Although plastic cards are the usual form in which smart cards come, they can also be fobs, subscriber identity modules (SIMs) used in GSM mobile phones, and USB-based tokens. There are two general categories of smart cards: contact and contactless. A contact smart card must be inserted into a smart card reader with a direct connection to a conductive contact plate on the surface of the card (typically gold plated). Transmission of commands, data, and card status takes place over these physical contact points. A contactless card requires only close proximity to a reader. Both the reader and the card have antennae, and the two communicate using radio frequencies (RF) over this contactless link. Most contactless cards also derive power for the internal chip from this electromagnetic signal. The range is typically one-half to three inches for non-battery-powered cards, ideal for applications such as building entry and payment that require a very fast card interface.