Contact Smart Card Readers and Embedded Antennas
Smart cards offer a tamper-proof storage solution for users’ passwords. However, the security model can be broken by malware such as man-in-the-browser.
Contact smart cards are the most common type of smart card and contain a microprocessor chip. They communicate with a reader through specific contact areas on the card’s surface.
Embedded microprocessors
Embedded microprocessors are small computers with a built-in memory and peripherals that can run on battery power. They are used in a variety of applications, including security, mobile banking, and online shopping. They also provide tamper-proof storage of user and account information, making them more reliable than mifare desfire machine-readable cards like magnetic strips and bar codes. Smart card systems can also help reduce password reset costs and eliminate the need for IT staff to manage passwords.
Smart cards have been gaining popularity because they are safe, secure and convenient. They are also more convenient than carrying cash or using credit cards, and they are a good alternative to other payment methods, such as PayPal. They can also be used to authenticate users, which is helpful in preventing identity fraud and protecting personal privacy.
There are several types of smart cards, each with different capabilities. The first type is a contact-type smart card, which requires physical contact with a reader to transfer data. This type of smart card is commonly used in debit and credit cards, SIMs, and access control cards.
The second type is a contactless-type smart card, which uses radio frequencies to communicate with the reader. It has a much larger memory space than the contact-type smart card and can support multiple functions. These cards are often used for public transportation and mobile payments, but they can also be used to authenticate users and authorize transactions.
Embedded memory
All the card data is stored in a microprocessor embedded into the chip. This microprocessor provides dynamic data processing capabilities and can add, delete, or edit the existing card information. This data is then managed by a smart card operating system that controls memory allocation. It also protects the card’s in-memory data by encrypting the information. This way, the card can be used without worrying about unauthorized access or modification of the data.
The microprocessor is connected to an external processor and communicates with the card reader via a communication interface. This allows the card to perform multiple functions, including acting as a security token. This type of smart card is used for multi-factor authentication (MFA), and it can help organizations save money by eliminating the need to buy additional security devices.
Embedded smart cards have many benefits for consumers, businesses, and governments. They reduce costs and enhance security, as well as improve convenience. For example, they can be used to store medical records, which can help reduce healthcare fraud, and provide secure access to a patient’s medical history. They can also be used to replace passwords, which helps to prevent phishing attacks.
While smart cards look similar to other credit and debit cards, they can only work with a card reader that supports their technology. This is because they are equipped with microprocessors, which communicate with the card reader over a serial interface. In addition, they are protected against malware that can intercept the data transmitted between the card and the reader.
Embedded antennas
Embedded antennas are an essential component of many wireless systems, including contact smart card readers. They provide the radiofrequency (RF) transmissions needed for smart cards to communicate with readers, enabling a “tap and pay” system. However, they can also affect product performance. Choosing contact smart card the right embedded antenna for your application requires more than just knowledge of RF specifications. The type of antenna used, its location, and the surrounding environment all influence performance.
The global market for embedded antennas is growing rapidly as demand for wireless connectivity in consumer and industrial electronic devices continues to rise. This is due to new mobile technologies like long-term evolution (LTE) and 5G, which require more spectrum and higher data rates. Additionally, emerging Internet of Things (IoT) applications such as telematics and telemetry, security monitoring, and other machine-to-machine communications have increased the demand for embedded antennas.
Embedded antennas can be made of various materials, such as ceramic and flexible PCB traces. In addition, they can be designed to operate at different frequencies, such as 2.4 GHz (ISM) for Bluetooth connectivity or millimeter waves (5G). To optimize the design of an embedded antenna, designers must consider the size and placement of the antenna, the size and shape of the ground plane, and the other components on the pc board. The performance of an embedded antenna is also affected by the enclosure material and adjacent metal components.
Embedded readers
Embedded readers are card-interfacing devices that provide a secure, encrypted connection to the chip inside the smart card. They are often incorporated in point of sale (POS) terminals, ATMs, and mobile phones. They are usually circular and have a contact pad that connects to the microprocessor below. This contact pad brings 3V or 1.8 voltage to the microprocessor to activate it. The card reader then reads data from the chip and processes it. It also sends commands to the card to change settings or perform other functions.
Typical examples of contact smart cards include credit and debit cards, SIMs, and employee ID cards. They offer tamper-proof storage and secure access to information, making them more reliable than traditional machine-readable cards, such as magnetic strips or barcodes. Smart cards also allow for passwordless authentication and a range of other security functions.
The most common type of smart card is the contact smart card, which requires physical contact between the card and a reader to process data. It is the most widely used, and it can be inserted into any smart card reader that supports this type of technology. This makes it easy for organizations to upgrade to contact smart cards in existing environments without changing any hardware or software.
Another type of smart card is the dual interface smart card, which has both a contact and a contactless interface. It can communicate with a reader using either technology and can store more data because it has a microprocessor embedded into the chip. The microprocessor provides dynamic data processing capabilities, and the memory allocation is managed by a smart card operating system.