A chip card is a standard-sized plastic card that contains an integrated circuit or 'chip' which gives the card the ability to store and/or process data.

Chip cards are of three different kinds:

- memory cards, which contain storage but no processing or significant security capabilities;

- smart cards, which contain a processor, systems software and applications software and permanent data engraved into non-volatile memory, and some (less expensive) volatile memory for use as a working storage area; and

- super smart cards, which are smart cards with a (very small) keypad and display.

The mainstream area of development of chip-cards is in smart-cards.

Check out the related links provided here for more information about chip cards.

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