Contact IC Card – Secure, High-Capacity Smart Card Solution

The Contact IC Card is a smart card with an embedded integrated circuit (IC) chip that requires direct contact with a reader to communicate and receive power. Compliant with international ISO/IEC 7816 standards, it offers secure data storage and processing capabilities. Widely used in identity authentication, financial transactions, access control, and membership management systems, contact IC cards combine reliability, security, and customizability.

Key Features

• Standardized Design: ISO/IEC 7816 card size and interface ensure global compatibility.

• High Security: Embedded IC chip supports encryption and secure authentication.

• Large Storage: Supports memory-only cards to CPU-based smart cards.

• Stable Communication: Direct contact ensures reliable data transfer without wireless interference.

• Customizable Printing: Supports CMYK, silk screen, laser engraving, QR codes, signature panels, and more.

Structure and Working Principle

A contact IC card consists of a plastic card body, metal contact pads, and an embedded IC chip. When inserted into a reader, the reader powers the chip via contact pads and communicates through electrical signals.

Specifications (Example)

• Standard Size: ISO CR80 (85.6 × 54 mm)

• Material: PVC / PET / ABS

• Chip Type: Memory card, logic encryption card, CPU smart card

• Interface: ISO/IEC 7816

• Operating Temperature: -25℃ ~ +50℃

• Data Storage: 256B ~ several KB

• Application Interface: Direct contact read/write

Custom specifications available upon request.

Supported Chip Types

• Memory Card: Basic data storage.

• Logic Encryption Card: Offers basic data protection.

• CPU Smart Card: Embedded processor supports secure authentication and advanced applications.

Common chip brands and models: Siemens SLE4442 / SLE5542, ATMEL AT24Cxx series, Shanghai Fudan FM series, ISSI series.

Notes:

• SLE series are mainly memory + basic security IC chips, commonly used in banking and access control.

• FM & BL series are popular in China market for secure smart cards.

• ISSI series are compatible replacements for SLE/Fudan chips.

• AT24Cxx are EEPROM chips, AT88SC102 is a security CPU card.

Advantages

• High Security: Hardware-level encryption for sensitive data.

• Large Storage Capacity: More data space than traditional magnetic stripe cards.

• Strong Compatibility: Works with most global readers and verification devices.

Applications

• Finance & Payment: Bank cards, prepaid cards

• Telecommunications: SIM / USIM cards

• Access & Security Systems: Employee cards, visitor cards

• Healthcare & Social Security: Medical insurance cards, health cards

• Membership & Ticketing: Shopping malls, public services

• Electronic Wallets & Authentication: Multi-service applications

Contact IC Card vs Contactless IC Card

Customization & Post-Processing Options

• CMYK full-color printing

• Silk screen / UV / Laser engraving

• Serial numbers / Barcodes / QR codes

• Magnetic stripes, signature panels, embossing

• Special materials and thicknesses

Packaging & Delivery

Standard ISO CR80 cards are packaged 200 pcs per box, 10 boxes per carton (~7kg per carton). Custom packaging is available upon request.

Why Choose Us?

• OEM/ODM customization supported

• Strict quality inspection & stable supply chain

• Experienced in multi-industry applications

• Fast prototyping & low MOQ

FAQ

Q1: What is a contact IC card?
A contact IC card is a smart card with an embedded chip that communicates through direct contact with a reader.

Q2: How secure are contact IC cards?
They provide hardware-level encryption, secure authentication, and safe storage of sensitive information.

Q3: Can contact IC cards be customized?
Yes, they support printing, laser engraving, QR codes, magnetic stripes, and signature panels according to customer requirements.

Q4: What are typical applications?
Finance, access control, membership, healthcare, ticketing, electronic wallets, and more.

Q5: How do contact IC cards differ from contactless IC cards?
Contact cards require insertion into a reader, while contactless cards communicate wirelessly, offering faster access but similar security features.