PIV Card (US Federal)
Dual-InterfacePersonal Identity Verification card for US federal employees, combining physical access, logical access, and digital signing.
Quick Specs
Dual-InterfaceFull Specifications
Hardware
| Interface | Dual-Interface |
| Chip Type | Microprocessor |
| Operating System | JavaCard |
Communication
| Protocol | T=0/T=1 + ISO 14443 |
| Extended APDU | नहीं |
| Logical Channels | 1 |
Security
| EAL Level | EAL5+ |
| Secure Element | हाँ |
| Tamper Resistant | हाँ |
| Crypto Coprocessor | हाँ |
| Biometric Support | नहीं |
Cryptographic Algorithms
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right smart card type for my project?
Consider four key factors: interface type (contact, contactless, or dual-interface), security requirements (EAL certification level), application domain (payment, identity, transport), and chip platform (JavaCard, MULTOS, native). For EMV payments, dual-interface cards are now standard. For government eID, EAL5+ certified cards are typically required.
What is the difference between a contact and contactless smart card?
Contact smart cards require physical insertion into a reader and communicate via the ISO 7816 interface (gold contact pads). Contactless cards use radio frequency (ISO 14443) and work within a few centimeters of a reader. Dual-interface cards combine both interfaces on a single chip, offering maximum flexibility.
What does EAL certification mean for smart cards?
EAL (Evaluation Assurance Level) is part of the Common Criteria framework for evaluating IT security. For smart cards, EAL4+ is common for payment cards, while EAL5+ or EAL6+ is required for government identity documents and ePassports. Higher EAL levels indicate more rigorous security testing and formal verification methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right smart card type for my project?
Consider four key factors: interface type (contact, contactless, or dual-interface), security requirements (EAL certification level), application domain (payment, identity, transport), and chip platform (JavaCard, MULTOS, native). For EMV payments, dual-interface cards are now standard. For government eID, EAL5+ certified cards are typically required.
What is the difference between a contact and contactless smart card?
Contact smart cards require physical insertion into a reader and communicate via the ISO 7816 interface (gold contact pads). Contactless cards use radio frequency (ISO 14443) and work within a few centimeters of a reader. Dual-interface cards combine both interfaces on a single chip, offering maximum flexibility.
What does EAL certification mean for smart cards?
EAL (Evaluation Assurance Level) is part of the Common Criteria framework for evaluating IT security. For smart cards, EAL4+ is common for payment cards, while EAL5+ or EAL6+ is required for government identity documents and ePassports. Higher EAL levels indicate more rigorous security testing and formal verification methods.