ACR128 Dual Interface Smart Card Reader
2.0 Terms
Used
APDU
: This term stands for Application Protocol Data Unit. An APDU is a communication unit, or a packet of
data exchanged between two applications, in this case, a reader and a card.
ATR
: The term ATR stands for Answer-to-Reset. This refers to the transmission sent by an ICC to the reader
(IFD) in response to a RESET condition.
ATS
: This term stands for Answer-to-Select. This refers to the transmission sent by a PICC Type A to the
reader (PCD) in response to a SELECT condition.
ATQB
: This term stands for Answer-to-Request. This refers to the transmission sent by a PICC Type B to the
reader (PCD) in response to a REQUEST condition.
Card Insertion Event
: This refers to the event when an ICC or a PICC is presented to the reader.
Card Removal Event
: This refers to the event when an ICC or a PICC is removed from the reader.
CCID
: This term stands for Chip/Smart Card Interface Devices. The CCID Standard is a specification for USB
devices that interface with ICC or act as an interface with ICC/PICC.
Combi-Card
: This is a smart card that supports both ICC and PICC interface but contains only one smart
chip embedded in the card. Only one interface can operate at any given time.
Hybrid-Card
: This is a smart card that consists of two or more embedded chip technologies inside, like the
ICC and PICC smart chip. Both the ICC and PICC chips can operate at the same time.
ICC
: This term stands for Integrated Circuit Card and refers to a plastic card containing an integrated circuit
that is compliant with ISO 7816.
IFD
: This term stands for Interface Device. This refers to a terminal, communication device, or machine
wherein the integrated circuit card is electrically connected during the operation.
ISO 7816
: This is the ISO standard for contact smart cards (ICC).
ISO 14443
: This is the ISO standard for contactless smart cards (PICC).
PCD
: This term stands for Proximity Coupling Device. This term refers to a Contactless Smart Card Reader.
PICC
: This term stands for Proximity Integrated Circuit(s) Card. This refers to contactless cards which
operate without mechanical contact to the IFD, i.e., uses magnetic coupling.
PC/SC
: The term PC/SC stands for Personal Computer Smart Card which is a specification that facilitates
the interoperability necessary to allow ICC/PICC technology to be effectively utilized in the PC
environment.
SAM
: This term stands for Security Access Module, a special MCU card used for security applications.
T=0
: This refers to the character-oriented asynchronous half duplex transmission protocol for ICCs as
described in ISO 7816.
T=1
: This refers to the block-oriented asynchronous half duplex transmission protocol for ICCs as described
in ISO 7816.
T=CL
: This refers to the block-oriented asynchronous half duplex transmission protocol for PICCs as
described in ISO 14443.
USB
: This term stands for Universal Serial Bus which is a common device interface used in a PC
environment.
Page
4 of 36
ACR128 API
Version 1.7 May 2008