ISO/IEC 18328-2:2021

Overview

ISO/IEC 18328-2:2021 - "Identification cards - ICC‑managed devices - Part 2" defines the physical characteristics and test methods for identification cards that integrate devices (ICCs with displays, sensors, microphones, speakers, buttons/keypads, power-supplying elements, etc.). The standard addresses how devices coexist with existing machine‑readable card technologies and specifies two thicker card formats (ID‑T and ID‑B) for housing embedded electronics. It complements Part 1 (general framework) and references related ISO/IEC standards for contacts, contactless interfaces and test methods.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of devices covered: power-supplying devices, displays (matrix and segmented), sensors, microphones, loudspeakers, buttons/keypads, biometric capture devices (additional requirements referenced).
• Card form-factors:
  • ID‑T: same length/width as ID‑1 but thicker (2.25–3.25 mm). Intended primarily for contactless use; dimensions and tolerances are normative (Annex A).
  • ID‑B: intermediate thickness (0.84–2.25 mm) between ID‑1 and ID‑T; also intended for contactless use (Annex B).
• Physical tests and tolerances:
  • Conformance to ID‑1 rules in ISO/IEC 7810 except as modified for ID‑T/ID‑B.
  • Bending stiffness and overall warpage limits to protect integrated devices and ensure printability/readability.
  • Requirements for contact and contactless ICCs referencing ISO/IEC 7816‑1 and ISO/IEC 14443‑1.
• Display-specific requirements:
  • Readability/contrast guidance and separate criteria for matrix displays (percentage of functional pixels post-test as defined by application) and segmented displays (no permitted segment failures within the active area except as allowed by application).
• Coexistence and test guidance:
  • Informative annexes provide test applicability, further test methods, coexistence guidance, and display/input technology descriptions (Annexes C–F).
• Biometric devices: additional biometric capture device requirements are in ISO/IEC 17839‑2 (type S2 card defined there; physical S2 dimensions referenced).

Applications and users

Who uses ISO/IEC 18328‑2:

• Card and secure ID manufacturers integrating electronics into cards
• Personalization bureaus and issuers (government IDs, e‑passports, e‑IDs)
• Test laboratories and quality assurance teams validating durability and functional integrity
• System integrators, designers of contactless access, payment and biometric ID solutions
• Certification and procurement officers specifying physical and test requirements for device‑integrated cards

Practical benefits:

• Ensures reliable operation of embedded devices under mechanical stress
• Provides testable acceptance criteria for production and QA
• Guides safe coexistence of new devices with existing machine‑readable features

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 18328‑1 (general framework)
• ISO/IEC 7810 (identification card physical characteristics)
• ISO/IEC 7816‑1 (ICC with contacts)
• ISO/IEC 14443‑1 (contactless proximity cards)
• ISO/IEC 10373‑1 (test methods)
• ISO/IEC 17839‑2 (biometric capture device requirements)