Types, Uses, and Structure of IC Cards

What is an IC card?
An IC card (Integrated Circuit Card) is a plastic card embedded with integrated circuits (IC) and is a type of smart card that can record and process data.

2. Types of IC cards
a. Memory cards
Memory cards have a memory to store data and are mainly used for data storage and transfer. Typical examples are SD cards and MicroSD cards.

b. Microprocessor cards
Microprocessor cards have a built-in processor and are capable of complex processing. Credit cards and electronic passports fall into this category.

c. Logic cards
Logic cards have programmable logic specific to a particular application and are mainly used for industrial applications and system integration.

3. Applications of IC cards
a. Payment systems
IC cards are widely used as contactless payment technology, including transportation IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo, and some credit cards.

b. Access control
IC cards are used for access control in offices and facilities. Doors open and close when the card is held over the reader to control access.

c. ID Authentication
To improve security, IC cards are also used for ID authentication. Examples include employee and student ID cards for companies and public institutions.

Structure of IC cards
a. Chip
The heart of the IC card is the chip. The chip contains circuits and memory for processing data.

b. Antenna
Contactless IC cards communicate with a card reader via an antenna. The antenna is usually embedded around the card.

c. Plastic card body
To protect the IC chip and antenna, there is a plastic card body. It usually has a standard card size.

Differences between FeliCa-liteS, Mifare-Ultralight and Mifare 1K
1. FeliCa-liteS
FeliCa-liteS is a type of contactless IC card, mainly used for lightweight and small IoT devices and low-cost applications. Compared to FeliCa, which is a transportation IC card, FeliCa-liteS has simplified functions and is mainly used for simple authentication and data reading/writing. 2.

2. Mifare-Ultralight
Mifare-Ultralight is another contactless IC card with low cost and limited functions. It is mainly used for access control, public transportation tickets, and tourist attractions. Security features are simple and it is mainly suited for one-time use.

3. Mifare 1K
Mifare 1K is an IC card with relatively advanced features within the Mifare family; it has 1K bytes of memory and is used for data read/write and secure applications. It is mainly used for a wide variety of applications such as access control, cashless payment, and physical access management.

Each of these IC cards supports different applications and security requirements, and the choice must be appropriate for the purpose and requirements.

For inquiries about IC cards, card readers, security keys, etc., please contact
acsjapan@kofukutrading.com

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