Samsung Electronics Completes Smart Card Chip for Credit Card market

Mar 21, 2002 — Samsung Electronics officials have announced that the company achieved full line-up of Smart card ICs as it introduces solutions targeted for EMV standard. The new device consists of an 8-bit CPU with 2KB/4KB EEPROM, 32KB ROM and 784B RAM. Variable densities of EEPROM meet market demands for lower capacity requirements in EMV applications. 2KB and 4KB densities are available today, respective part numbers are S3C8982 and S3C8984.

Samsung has introduced 8KB and higher density EEPROM built-in Smart card ICs for subscriber identity module (SIM) cards. The new 8-bit CPU, 2KB/4KB EEPROM, 32KB ROM and 784Byte RAM combination device expands the company’s Smart Card IC lineup, while at the same time securing a competitive advantage in the finance card market. Small-capacity devices used in credit cards have been added to the existing lineup of high-performance, multi-functional credit cards. Therefore, Samsung Electronics can offer diverse applications that require Smart card ICs .

Europpay, Master Card and Visa agreed on a single standard (EMV) for financial transactions and smart card-based credit cards. In the future, companies will have to adhere strictly with this standard so that global compliance is achieved among smart cards used in the financial industry. Samsung already has Smart card ICs certified compliant with the technology standard for Europay/Master /Visa (EMV). The new devices have been submitted for approval. Samsung Electronics got involved in the smart card chip business in 1993. This segment achieved 70% year-on-year growth in 2001, despite the general slump in the semiconductor industry.

Growth in the sales of smart card chips is forecast to continue, and Samsung will keep on developing new credit cards with diverse functions as well as open platform cards to accommodate changing markets.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a South Korean multinational electronics corporation headquartered in the Yeongtong District of Suwon. Samsung is a major manufacturer of electronic components such as lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, image sensors, camera modules and displays for clients such as Apple, Sony, HTC and Nokia. It is the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile phones and smartphones, started with the original Samsung Solstice and later, the popularity of its Samsung Galaxy line of devices. The company is also a major vendor of tablet computers, particularly its Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Tab collection, and regarded for developing the phablet market with the Samsung Galaxy Note family of devices.