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The Amazing Journey of Smart Cards: Who Invented This Technology That Changed the World?
Smart card, also known as chip card or integrated circuit card, was first proposed by German engineer Helmut Gröttrup in the 1960s. The emergence of this card has profoundly affected many fields such as financial transactions, security authentication and public transportation. Smart cards originated from silicon chip (IC) technology in the 1960s. Their convenient application and strong security capabilities have made them an indispensable part of modern society.
The origin and development of smart cards
The origins of smart cards can be traced back to 1959, when Robert Noyce invented the silicon integrated circuit at Fairchild Semiconductor. By the late 1960s, Grottrup had come up with the concept of integrating this technology onto a plastic card.
This idea laid the foundation for the subsequent development of smart cards.“A smart card is not only a payment tool, but also a security guarantee.”
In 1967, Grottrup applied for several patents in Germany covering the concepts of tamper-proof identification switches based on semiconductor devices and contactless communication via electromagnetic coupling. The technologies were initially intended to be used in payment systems at unmanned gas stations.
Smart cards go mainstream
With the advancement of various applications, smart cards began to enter public life in the 1980s. Smart cards were first widely used in France in 1983 with phone cards, and have since expanded to financial transactions and public transportation. The main functions of smart cards include personal identification, authentication and data storage, making them widely used in various industries.
Introduction of EMV standards
Since then, with the introduction of the Europay MasterCard Visa (EMV) standard, smart card technology has been further upgraded, especially in terms of payment security. This standard makes smart cards more secure in financial transactions and reduces identity theft and fraud.
The United States only began to use this technology in 2014, but it has quickly become popular since then."With the introduction of EMV technology, consumers no longer have to worry about credit card theft."
Contact and contactless smart cards
Smart cards can be divided into contact type and contactless type according to their working principles. Contact smart cards require direct contact with the card reader, while contactless smart cards use wireless technology for data transmission. These technologies are particularly popular in public transportation systems, such as Ford's bus system and subway tickets.
The emergence of complex smart cards
With the advancement of technology, complex smart cards began to enter the market. In addition to traditional smart functions, these cards also have multiple functions such as display, buttons, voice input, etc., which can provide additional convenience and security in various situations.
For example, complex smart cards can be set with dynamic security codes to enhance transaction security."These advanced functions show the infinite possibilities of smart cards."
Future Outlook
Today, the application scope of smart cards continues to expand, covering multiple fields such as finance, transportation, and medical care. With the rise of the Internet of Things and mobile payments, smart cards will usher in greater development opportunities.
Such trends will change the way we live our daily lives."The smart card of the future may not only be a card, but also the key to the entire digital life."
The technological evolution and expansion of the application scope of smart cards are undoubtedly part of human technological progress. So, how will future smart cards affect our lifestyle?
