What is a smart card reader?
Intelligent card reader interprets coded data on a specialized PassCard called Smart Card. There are two basic types of smart cards and two different types of readers. Contact Intelligent Cards Transfer data to the reader through interaction with the metal conductive area found on the card. Readers of contactless intelligent cards have a very specialized type of radio frequency identifier signal (RFID) that transmits and receives data from the chip without contact.
The original idea for an intelligent card was developed in 1968, although the patent was not released until 1982. This technology tried to gain extended acceptance in the 80's and early 90 years. This helped the technology to get brave widespread use. Today, intelligent card readers are found throughout Europe, Japan and China, with some representation in other areas. They are used for activities such as paying goods and services, access to public transport and movement around Tollbooths.
Contact reader with intelligent cards requires the card to be inserted into the machine. Cards of this type have a gold square that serves as a contact point. The card side of the square is inserted into the reader. And the gold foil allows electrical contact with the terminal inside. The real information chip is under the foil. This chip sends and receives all the necessary data when the contact is maintained. In general, if there is no direct contact, the chip and the reader are inactive.
On a contactless intelligent card reader, this process is less involved. Both the card and the reader have a specialized RFID system that allows direct communication without contact. This RFID interaction works in a completely different way than a standard RFID to ensure the privacy and security of people carrying this type of card. The signal sent by the reader is very strong, but has a short range. This design allows the terminal to read cards that are still inside protectivechites or wallets.
A person who uses a contactless intelligent card must only wave an object that holds a card to about 4 inches (10 centimeters) of the reader, and connects. In most cases, the contactless intelligent card reader is in continuous operation. Contactless cards are inactive when they are not near the terminal.