32-Bit Smart Card Has Reprogrammble Memory On-Board

Supporting secure, fast processing of e-ticketing, medical, retail and banking, access control, and a host of other information, the company’s next-generation, 32-bit Smart Cards integrate 1MB of flash memory, allowing the cards to be programmed at the latest stage of the issuance process . The card employs a 32-bit CPU core from MIPS Technologies with the MIPS32 4KSd secure controller. The core is said to provide high security for personal information protection. Further data protection is achieved by using memory management units as the firewall. The cards also feature a contact/contactless dual interface and are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2004. For more information, call Robert Stuart at SHARP MICROELECTRONICS OF THE AMERICAS, Camas, WA. (800) 642-0261.