Due to the bright future of smart cards, banks, governments and corporates are getting more and more attracted towards smart card technology and the Government of India is also trying to promote smart cards. You can also convert Voter ID Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Ration Card, Passport or other necessary cards and documents into smart cards as per your convenience.
What is smart card? What is Smart Card?
A smart card is a physical card that contains an embedded integrated chip that acts as a security token. This chip can be either a microcontroller or an embedded memory chip. Smart cards can be made of metal or plastic.
A smart card is similar in size and shape to a credit or debit card, usually containing an embedded microprocessor. Smart cards can have up to 8kb (kilobytes) of RAM, 346kb ROM, 256kb programmable ROM, and a 16-bit microprocessor.
Smart cards connect to the reader either by direct physical contact – also known as chip and dip – or via a short-range wireless connectivity standard such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication.
With an embedded microcontroller, smart cards have the unique ability to store large amounts of data, perform their own on-card functions (eg, encryption and mutual authentication), and connect to a smart card reader.
Smart cards are used in many places but are commonly used in the form of credit cards and other payment cards. Smart cards capable of short-range wireless connectivity can also be used for contactless payment systems.
International Standards and Specifications cover smart card technology. The first mass use of a smart card was the Télécarte, launched in 1983 as a telephone card for paying in French pay phones.
How do smart cards work? (How to use Smart Card)
A smart card reader connected to the host computer or controlling terminal collects the information stored on the smart card’s microprocessor chip.
Then, it transmits such information received from the smart card back to the controlling terminal for immediate processing.
The smart card connects to a smart card reader using a unique Radio Frequency ID (RFID) or through the Carrier Sensing Collision Detection (CSCD) system protocol.
Smart card microprocessors or memory chips exchange data with card readers and other systems over serial interfaces.
The chip or processor on the card contains the data that the card reader accesses.
The card’s processor contains a basic operating system (OS) that allows the card to hold, transmit, and protect data.
The card reader sends the data from the smart card to its intended destination, usually a payment or authentication system, over a network connection.
The smart card chip directly or indirectly contacts the card reader and establishes an electronic interface. This then enables transactions like payments through the Point of Sale.
However, some smart cards connect to the reader using a wireless medium. Such cards are called contactless cards, while those that require connectivity are called contact smart cards.
Smart cards offer a high level of security and once the information is stored, it cannot be easily removed, erased or changed. However, the applications and data on the card can be updated through secure channels.
Uses of Smart Card
Smart cards are used in many places to provide fast and secure transactions like:-
- Payment Cards – Credit and Debit cards
- Corporate and Government ID cards
- computer security system
- Electronic Passport and Visa
- Personal Identification Number (PIN)
- Passwordless Secure Authentication
Due to which the exchange of secure information and payment with high security is easily done immediately, which is poised to play an important role in promoting green banking technology.
Today smart card technology is becoming popular in India as well and now voter id card, aadhaar card, pan card, debit-credit card and all other types of cards will be linked with smart card technology and will be posted at your home instantly.
Types of Smart Card
Smart cards are classified on the basis of their criteria such as how the card reads the data, what type of chip is used, what is the basis of the card, what are the features of the smart card, the main features of the smart card. Have worked etc.
- Contact Smart Card
- Contactless Smart Card
- Dual-interface Smart Cards
- Hybrid Smart Card
- Memory Smart Card
- Microprocessor Smart Card
Smart cards can also be classified on the basis of their usage, such as credit card, debit card, entitlement or other payment card, authentication token, etc. Smart cards are now becoming an important part of our lives. These provide secure and encrypted data storage points for users.
Best Examples of Smart Cards
- payment card Debit and credit cards and other payment cards issued by credit card companies and banks.
- electronic benefit transfer card Useful in taking government schemes and benefits to the people.
- transit card – Enable hassle-free payments for convenient travel and shopping.
- access control card Enables schools, companies and government entities to control access to physical locations.
- smart health card – Helpful in medical facilities in securely storing patient’s medical records.
- SIM card – Used inside digital cameras and smartphones to store media and other data.
How to make smart card? (How to make Smart Card)
You can apply for Smart Ration Card, Smart Voter ID Card, Smart Aadhaar Card, Smart Passport, Smart ATM Card, Smart Credit Card, Smart Driving License etc. through online and offline process as per your convenience.
- Visit the website of the concerned government department to get the smart card online application form.
- Download the required form and fill it online / offline correctly.
- Fill your required documents including identity and residence proof, bank details etc.
- Make online and offline payment of fees and charges by the department.
- Where necessary, visit the department and get your documents physically verified.
After completion of the online and offline process of smart card application, the smart-card will be delivered to your home through speed and standard post at the current address mentioned by you.
If any kind of problem comes or there is any complaint, then you can get help from the support team through toll free number or email given on the website of the concerned department.
What is a smart card used for? (what is smart card used for)
Smart cards can be used for banking, retail, corporate, payment and secure transactions, health care, ID verification and control, mobile communication, computer network security and government policy and schemes to reach people.
In general, smart cards are used to conduct fast and secure transactions and protect personal information, including credit cards and other types of cards, company and government identification cards, and transit fare cards.
Features such as quick and secure transactions, high performance, security transactions without third parties, proper control over data and data transparency are making the future of smart cards bright.
Organizations use it for security purposes and to authenticate individual sign-on users, as well as use it as a multifactor automation token.
Smart card technology is gaining a lot of popularity across the world and seeing its bright future, various industries and corporates are taking full advantage of this technology and trying to take advantage of it.
Major banks and finance companies in India have already adopted smart payment card technology and now the Government of India also wants to provide smart cards to everyone by linking Voter ID card, Aadhaar card and all other types of cards with this technology so that people You can use it easily and keep your data safe.