Is the Personal Access Reader a smart or transparent reader?
The Personal Access Reader is a smart reader which includes a controller that contains both the handlers and the electrical and timing controls. Transparent readers are readers that have no control over the communication with the card. They only contains chip contacts and all the functions in the reader are controlled by the PC application. The Personal Access Reader may be used as a simple desktop smart card reader where the application running on the PC controls all the functions in the reader. Alternatively, Personal Access Reader may have been customized to support one of the following e-cash payment schemes: VISA Cash, Proton, Mondex. In those cases, the reader supports standalone functions such as balance checking and transaction history and therefore, operates in standalone mode.
