Smart cards and their uses

Smart cards are pocket sized cards with integrated circuits on them. They may generally contain volatile memory or microprocessor components. In large scale industries and organisations, smart cards can provide high security authentication. The card is generally made of plastic and has external metallic strips for contact interface.

A typical Smart card may have the size of a credit card. It can have different types of functionality according to its use. For instance, if the card is used for a security purpose, it may have a secure cryptographic microprocessor for authentication. Additionally, a smart card may also have the functionality to interact with atm machines or other vending machines.

Smart cards can provide identification, authentication, data storage and application processing capabilities. There are other types of smart cards that do not require contact. These smart cards function through radio signals.