ISO/IEC 7816-2:2007

Overview

ISO/IEC 7816-2:2007 is part of the ISO/IEC 7816 series for integrated circuit (IC) cards. It specifies the dimensions and locations of the electrical contacts on ID-1 type cards (contact smart cards) and explains how to identify which parts of ISO/IEC 7816 assign functions to those contacts. This document is intended to be used together with ISO/IEC 7816-1 (physical characteristics) and related parts that define electrical interface and protocols.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Contact set: Defines eight contacts, designated C1–C8, for cards with contacts (contact smart cards).
• Minimum contact area: Each contact must meet a specified minimum rectangular surface area (see standard figures); maximum size and precise shape are not constrained by this part, but contacts must be electrically isolated from each other.
• Contact placement: Locations are referenced to the card edges per ISO/IEC 7810; contacts are required on the front side of the card.
• Relative layout rules: Specifies the position of contacts relative to other card technologies - embossing (if present) on the same side as contacts and magnetic stripe on the opposite side.
• Annex A (informative): Maps which ISO/IEC 7816 parts (e.g., -3, -10, -12) assign usage to each contact.
• Annex B (informative): Identifies possible conductive zones from legacy designs (transitional positions pre-1990) and recommends electrical isolation of zones Z1…Z8 to prevent shorts in interface devices.
• Testing reference: Conformance tests are covered by ISO/IEC 10373-3 (test methods for IC cards with contacts).
• Intellectual property note: The introduction highlights claimed patents related to assigning contacts to a differential pair (e.g., USB D+/D−). The patent holder has stated willingness to license under reasonable terms.

Practical applications

• Ensures cross-vendor compatibility between contact smart cards and card readers by standardizing where and how contacts appear on an ID-1 card.
• Used by card manufacturers to place and isolate conductive zones during card production.
• Used by card reader / interface device designers for reliable contact alignment and to avoid short circuits.
• Relevant to system integrators, payment schemes, identity systems, access control and any organization implementing contact-based smart card solutions.

Who uses this standard

• Smart card and ID card manufacturers
• Card reader hardware designers and test laboratories
• Payment networks, government ID programs, security integrators
• Standards practitioners ensuring compliance across ISO/IEC 7816 parts

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 7816-1 (Physical characteristics)
• ISO/IEC 7816-3, -10, -12 (electrical interface, signals, USB)
• ISO/IEC 7810 (ID-1 card physical dimensions)
• ISO/IEC 10373-3 (test methods)

Keywords: ISO/IEC 7816-2:2007, smart card dimensions, contact smart cards, ID-1 card, contact locations, integrated circuit cards, contact surface area, card reader compatibility.