SCRW (Smart Card Reader Writer) can be translated as Smart Card Reader/Writer. Smart chip card readers are sophisticated devices with built-in intelligence. Smart card readers can be used in PCs, laptops, servers, smartphones, and set-top boxes. Some readers include integrated secure PIN pads, displays, or fingerprint sensors. This allows multi-factor authentication for secure logical access control.
Latest-generation smart card readers in use
| Smart Card Readers | Smart Card Reader Examples |
| Smart card readers are becoming increasingly widespread. Smart card readers are also known as smart card programmers, card terminals, card acceptance devices (CAD), or interface devices (IFD). The most common smart card readers read ISO 7816-compliant contact smart cards. Smart card readers are used to read data from smart cards and write data to smart cards. Card readers can be easily integrated into a computer running Windows. |  Desktop Smart Card Reader |
| Some computer systems already come with a built-in smart card reader. As contactless smart cards are deployed in more places, smart card readers that support ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 contactless cards are becoming more common. |   Contactless Smart Card Reader for Mifare, iCLASS, and CPU cards |
| Smart card readers will soon be an integral part of any standard computer. |  USB CCID Smart Card Reader used for mobile applications |
| Smart card readers are used as smart card programmers to configure and personalize integrated circuit cards. This means that not only CPU-based smart cards but also simple memory cards can be programmed using a smart card reader. | Dual-interface Smart Card Reader for contact and contactless cards |
| Smart card readers can also come in the form of a USB dongle. USB dongles are also frequently used with GSM phones containing a SIM card. Phone numbers can be edited on a computer using a USB smart card lock. |  Smart Card USB dongle –a Smart Card reader/writer for SIM cards |
| Smart card readers can also write to smart cards. Some card readers come with advanced security features, such as secure PIN entry, a secure display, or even an integrated fingerprint scanner, for next-generation multi-layered security and three-factor authentication. | PC-connected Smart Card Reader for secure PIN entry |
| Smart card readers are also available as chipsets for card-level reader integration into embedded systems, such as smart printers, USB dongles, and smart card encoders for card printers. |  |
