Abstract: A block-shaped IC module (1) seals an IC chip (30) by an insulator and comprises contact terminals (101 to 106; 111 to 116) and retaining means (14, 15), wherein the contact terminals (101 to 106; 111 to 116) extend from an upper surface to side surfaces of the IC module (1) and they are electrically connected to the IC chip (30) so as to send data to or receive data from the IC chip (30). A data carrier (100, 120, 140, 160) on which the IC module (1) is fitted includes a hole portion (41, 91) having holding members (42, 43; 71, 72; 92, 93) corresponding to the retaining means (14, 15) so as to be engaged with the IC module (1). Accordingly, one IC module (1) can be freely used for various data carriers. Further, the IC module (1) can be thickened as much as possible, thereby improving strength of the IC module (1).

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention comprises a card substrate having a front surface and a reverse surface, a magnetic stripe provided on the reverse surface for storing information therein, a module provided on a given region of the front surface with a built-in semiconductor integrated circuit device provided with ready access terminals for connecting to an external device, wherein an end portion of the module is positioned perpendicular to the magnetic stripe. With such an arrangement of the IC card, deformation in thickness of the card substrate is reduced at the portion adjacent to the upper portion of the module, and hence stress to be applied to this portion is relaxed. Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, the thickness of an end portion is gradually thinned so that deformation in thickness of the card substrate is further reduced at the portion adjacent to the upper portion of the module, and hence the stress to be applied to this portion is further relaxed.

Abstract: An IC card system uses a prototype IC card and one or more production IC cards. The prototype card is programmed to execute standard read/write commands, and an initialize command that returns the card to an initial state. The prototype IC card, which can be issued, initialized, and reissued repeatedly, is used for testing purposes during the development of system software. Production IC cards are programmed to execute the standard read/write commands, and a version read command that reads out a version number distinguishing a production IC card from the prototype IC card. Production IC cards are not programmed to execute the initialize command.

Abstract: An IC card having a self-identification function in the card itself includes an input key for inputting a personal identification number (PIN), a comparator for comparing the PIN input via the input key with a prerecorded PIN. A transaction condition signal is produced when a match is found. An external terminal is provided for outputting to the outside of the card, e.g. a bank terminal, to enable a transaction using of the the card. An information storage circuit suitable for use in the IC card is also disclosed.