Kontaktchipp

Kontaktchipp, or kontaktchip, is a microelectronic device that provides an electrical interface to a reader through physical contact. It consists of a silicon integrated circuit mounted on a substrate and sealed in a protective package with a defined set of external metal contact pads. When placed in a compatible reader, the pads form a direct electrical connection that powers the chip and enables data exchange.

Construction and interface: Most kontaktchipp are designed for contact-based operation, drawing power from the reader via the contact pads and using a standardized electrical protocol. Typical voltages include 3V and 5V. The package may be embedded in smart cards, secure tokens, or modules such as embedded secure elements. Dual-interface variants combine contact and contactless capabilities.

Operation and security: The chip executes instructions stored in non-volatile memory, performs cryptographic operations, and stores keys and data in secure memory regions. Security features include authentication protocols, encryption, and resistance to tampering. Access to sensitive data is guarded by controlled interfaces and cryptographic keys.

Standards and applications: The primary standard for contact-based chips in cards is ISO/IEC 7816, which defines physical interfaces and command sets. kontaktchipp are widely used in payment cards, identification cards, transit passes, and access-control badges. In mobile and embedded contexts, secure elements or SIM-like chips may serve similar roles in a dual-interface form.

History and notes: Contact chips emerged with smart card technology in the late 20th century and became foundational for secure transactions. The term kontaktchipp is not common in English, and in German-language sources it is typically written as Kontaktchip or Kontakt-Chip.