Introduction:

The smart card is one of the latest additions to the world of information technology. Similar in
size to today's plastic payment card, the smart card has a microprocessor or memory chip embedded in
it that, when coupled with a reader, has the processing power to serve many different applications. As
an access-control device, smart cards make personal and business data available only to the appropriate
users. Another application provides users with the ability to make a purchase or exchange value. Smart
cards provide data portability, security and convenience.
Smart cards today achieve much more than their original application of replacing cash and
coins. Smart cards grant access to secure areas, confirm a person’s identity via biometrics, and retain
large quantities of personal data (such as medical records.) More important than these specific
applications are the recent trends in how the smart cards are used – to facilitate the exchange of
information between customer and proprietor, which is much broader than the concluding financial
transaction. Smart cards are plastic cards that contain a computer chip. Smart cards store larger
amounts of information than magnetic stripe cards. They can also update this information and secure it
at a higher level than a magnetic stripe.

Elements of a typical Smart Card

Smart cards have the same three fundamental elements as all other computers: processing
power, data storage and a means to input and output data. Processing power is supplied by a
microprocessor chip (e.g. Intel 8051 and Motorola 6805), and data storage is supplied by a memory
chip (EEPROM, FLASH, ROM, RAM). In some instances these elements can be combined in one
chip. The means in which data is transferred varies from card to card. In order to operate, each card
must have a power source, whether in a card reader or on the card itself. Below figure shows the main
elements of microprocessor used in smart cards – CPU, ROM RAM and EEPROM

Microprsessor Chip Diagram Smart Card Configuration

Microprocessor

The microprocessor is the intelligent element of the smart card which manipulates and
interprets data. The software utilized for manipulation and interpretation of the data is either embedded
in memory during the manufacture of the card or input under the control of the microprocessor.
Microprocessors in smart cards can be up to 16 bits with a 10MHz processor

Memory

The memory in a smart card can either be non-volatile, retaining data when power is switched
off, or volatile, losing data when power is switched off. If the memory is volatile, the smart card would
then require a battery to power itself. Memory can also allow data to be written to it and read from it, or
only allow data to be read from it (read-only memory). In most cases smart card applications will
require non-volatile memory to retain information such as the identity of the cardholder and the
application software, and read/write memory to update stored information, such as a balance after a
transaction is made.

Memory in smart cards can be categorized into three types: ROM, RAM and programmable
read-only memory (PROM). ROM is non-volatile, and the contents are embedded in the chip during
the manufacturing stage; once embedded, the contents cannot be altered. Currently, chips with up to
32Kb of ROM are available. RAM is volatile, and is used as a temporary storage space. Data can be
written to it, altered, read and deleted from it. Currently, chips are available with more than 64Kb of
RAM. There are two types of PROM: electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). EPROM cannot be reprogrammed.
EEPROM can be reprogrammed, however its structure is more complex and susceptible to damage
which makes it more expensive. Currently, chips with up to 8Kb of EEPROM are available.

Memory can be structured to provide different levels of security zones. The open zone holds
non-confidential data, such as identity of the cardholder, but cannot be altered by an unauthorized
person. The working zone holds confidential data that requires certain information to be given before
access is allowed. For instance, a personal identification number (PIN) would be required before
accessing the data for a purchase transaction and available credit. The secret zone holds completely
confidential data, such as the PIN. The microprocessor can access this data to compare the PIN to the
number input by the cardholder, which ensures the data never leaves the card.

Input / Output

There are several different ways to input and output data to and from the smart card. Contact
cards usually contain a metallic contact on the surface which, when inserted in a slot in the read/write
unit, links with a connector in the unit. Contactless cards use a contact less method of transmission and
reception of data, which only require the card to be placed near or on the surface of the read/write unit.
Super Smart Cards have an integrated keyboard and display unit, therefore not requiring a read/write
unit. They may have contacts embedded in the surface of the card in order to transfer data to other

electronic devices.

Power Source

Generally, there are three methods used to power smart cards:

From an external power source that feeds a current through contacts on the card

In this method, power is sent through two of the contacts when the card is inserted in the
read/write unit. The card will then reset itself, and execute its program.

By transmitting power

In the second method, a type of contactless operation such as inductive coupling will transmit
both power and data through the air or a non-metallic surface to the smart card, from the read/write
unit.

By a battery embedded in the card

In the third method, a battery is incorporated in the card. This method is not popular due to the
difficulty of meeting the ISO standards for dimensions, additional costs incurred from incorporating the
battery in the card and problems associated with flexing a card containing a battery.

Types of Smart Cards

Depending on how the smart card is accessed, smart card can be classified into 4 main type:

Contact Smart Cards

These cards have a microelectronics embedded in the cards, with connections to metallic
contact pads on the surface of the card (usually a small gold chip about 1/2" in diameter). The contacts
link with the read/write unit (Smart Card Reader) to enable the microcomputer to communicate and
provide power to the microelectronics. There are a total of eight contacts: two are reserved for future
allocation, two for supply voltage and ground, one for reset, one for the clock signal to provide timing
for the microprocessor, and the remaining for input and output of data and power. The standard
position for the contact is on the left of the card, on either the front or the back (ISO 7816-2). Many of
the cards also incorporate a magnetic stripe to be compatible with existing equipment.
 Contact micro module embedded into a plastic
substrate.

The integrated circuit chip on a Smart Card requires some facilities fed to it from the outside world.
Generally these are an electrical voltage to power the chip, a clock frequency to drive the chip and an
input/output path for the transmission of data. The contact card achieves this through direct
connections.

Contactless Smart Cards (RF/ID and RF/DC):

The contactless smart card dispenses with the contact plate on the surface of a smart card and
instead uses some form of electrical coupling. Generally, contactless smart cards will be placed in close
proximity to a reader, less than 3 centimeters. An inductive (transformer) or capacitive coupling is used
to transfer energy and power the card. The clock may be internally derived and input/output is achieved
by modulating the power signal. There are several different processes that can accomplish this,
including inductive coupling and capacitive coupling.
RF/ID: A method of identification without physical contact. Accomplished through the use of radio
waves . RF/DC: A method of communication without physical contact. Accomplished through the use
of radio.

Contactless Smart Card

Inductive Coupling

Inductive coupling involves the use of two coils of wire - one acts as a primary coil and one
acts as a secondary coil. An alternating current passes through a primary coil that creates an alternating
magnetic field, which induces a flow of current in the secondary coil when they are in close proximity.
Modulating the current at two different frequencies as it passes through the primary coil allows data to
be transmitted to the secondary coil. When the card receives the current, it demodulates the signal and
retrieves the data at the same time as it uses the transmitted power to activate its circuitry. Therefore,
the advantage to this process is that it is able to transfer both information and power to a smart card.

Capacitive Coupling

Capacitive coupling involves placing a pair of conductors below the surface of the smart card.
When a voltage signal is placed across them, a charge separation occurs that generates an electric field.
The electric field can extend beyond the surface and induce another charge separation on a second pair
of conductors in the read/write unit, which transmits data between the card and the read/write unit. The
advantages to this technique are that digital information can be transferred directly and no modulation
is required.
Some forms of contactless smart card operate at a longer distance and use radio wave energy.
However, the power required of the radio waves to achieve this is often very high and most such radio
systems use tokens with on board batteries, which means they are cannot conform to the correct
physical dimensions (ISO 7816-1) and are therefore not proper smart cards.

Today's Contactless Smart Cards are defined by ISO 10536 which is a fairly loose standard
since different manufacturers use different methods of coupling which are incompatible with one
another. No two manufacturer's contactless smart cards are compatible at the coupling level. As
technology improves, very low power chip and ultra thin batteries are becoming available, it is possible
for the card to meet the smart card physical standards.

Antenna Module Technology

Contactless smart cards require an antenna as a means to receive power and exchange data
transmitted from a reader. Traditional contactless smart cards contain an antenna coil that is embedded
around the edges of the card. The technology for

embedding the antenna’s coil into the card is complex,

creating a barrier for contact smart card manufacturers totransition to building contactless smart
cards.This antenna module eliminates this requirement by mounting the antenna around the edges of
the microprocessor module itself. This technology significantly reduces manufacturing costs for
contactless cards, enabling them to be produced using the contact card manufacturing process. The
result can be a contactless product (card, watch, etc.) or a Multi Module card that functions in both
contact and contactless environments.

Advantages of contactless cards over contact cards

• Reliability: Surface contacts are usually where failures occur in electrical systems. Surface
contacts on contact cards are susceptible to damage, contamination and wear, making failures
more likely to occur.
• Longer Life: For the same reasons mentioned above.
• Facility: The contactless card can be placed in any orientation toward the read/write unit,
whereas the contact card must be placed in a slot in a specific direction.
• Convenience: The read/write unit for contactless cards can be mounted under or behind any
non-metallic working surface.
• Minimal maintenance: The read/write units have no moving mechanical parts which requires
minimal maintenance.
 • Robustness: The read/write units and contactless cards can withstand harsh environments and
weather. Therefore, they are suitable for use in industrial or other harsh environments where
they may come in contact with oil, grease or dirt.

Beside having a loose standard, current generation of contactless smart cards do have some other
disadvantages. They tend to be rather slow and expensive to build and tend to fail as a result of flexing
since they consist of a number of linked components rather than a single chip. Furthermore, there are
also problems in embossing some types of contactless card since embossing damages the components.
Potentially they are less secure as a result of the potential to couple a listening device at the card -
reader air interface.

CombiCard

The CombiCard is a single card which has the features of both contact and contactless smart
card with addition of magnetic strip, 2-dimensional and/or one-dimensional bar code technology

incorporated into the card. This allows the card to be multi-applicational if necessary.

Super Smart Cards

The types of smart cards that have presented so far are considered as a passive card which
required an external source of power supply and read/write terminal. This restriction inevitably affects
their suitability for certain types of application. For instance, any passive smart card system must
ensure adequate terminal availability throughout the planned area of the service. This lead to the
development of the third generation active smart card, know as Super Smart Card, which is currently
under development.

Super Smart Card incorporates a keyboard and display directly on the surface of the card. It
can function as a standalone unit, or connect to a computer. For this purpose, they also generally have
surface contacts. Disadvantages to the super smart card include the high cost of production in
comparison with the other cards, the difficulty in meeting ISO standards and the small size of the
keypad.

The primary benefit of a Super Smart Card (active card) is its off-line, self-validating
functionality. Unlike terminal-power passive cards, it is usable at any time in any location, yet, with its
build in PIN-validating programmes and other secure features, access is as highly protected as any
existing smart card system.

As this card is still under development, no standard have yet been formulated for this new
generation of card.
CONCLUSION

The constructional details of microprocessor based contact and contact less smart cards are
summarized in this report. The capacity of contact less smart cards over contact smart cards with
respect to their ease of use is discussed. The details of antennas embedded and various coupling
systems are explained in detail. These contact less cards have the capability to receive both power and
data through the air or a non-metallic surface from the read/write unit using operation such as inductive
coupling. The future generation cards- Combi cards and Super smart cards are presented.

REFERENCES

1.Smart Cards Primer By Charles Cagliostro

“http://www.smartcardalliance.org/industry_info/smart_cards_primer.cf.”

2. Smart Card Overview http://www.javacard.org/others/smart_card.htm”.

3. http://www.ewh.ieee.org/r10/bombay/news5/SmartCards.htm.

4. Contactless Cards by Joseph A. Naujokas, Naujokas & Associates

“http://www.icma.com/info/contactlesscards1204.htm” .

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