Abstract: Versions of the present invention have many advantages, including providing communication devices that can transact on a universal peripheral device with a host device that may have different serial interface connectors, proprietary communication protocols or mechanical shapes. Among the many other advantages include that the peripheral device does not need a power source aside from the power supplied to it by the host device. One embodiment is a communication device comprising a host device comprised of software and an audio connector input; a peripheral device comprised of an analog and digital processor, a card reader and an audio connector output; and an audio connector line connecting said audio connector output and said audio connector input.

Abstract: A compact long-life smart card reader consisting of a housing with a tapered card opening, a card receiving area, a plurality of contacts located above the card receiving area connected to an integral printed circuit board which is mounted in a carrier on a pivot characterized by an actuating tab on each arm of said pivot that, when contacted by a smart card's leading edge, causes the pivot element to move the contacts through apertures in the bottom housing into the card receiving area, making connection with the smart card's respective contact pads, after which the front edge of the card activates a card seated switch via a switch lever. The compact long-life smart card reader's housing contains either through holes, or threaded inserts that are used for mounting the reader to an enclosure, or terminal housing without the requirement of other compact smart card readers that require an external printed circuit board for electrical connection and mounting of the smart card readers' housing.