Combining a smart card reader and mass storage into one, the ACR100 SIMFlash is sought after in different applications worldwide. With its superior plug and play feature (delivered by either CCID or HID compliance) and various flash memory partitioning options, this USB token enhances security and flexibility in storing or running different kinds of software/applications.
The ACR100 SIMFlash (HID) is a SIM card reader and a 1-GB flash memory combined into one. Designed both to access SIM cards and to store data or applications, it is ideal for GSM solutions such as GSM management software and VoIP applications, electronic payment systems, e-commerce, home banking, transportation, and computer/network access.
i) Serves as a Plug-In (SIM-Sized) Smart Card Reader:
The ACR100 SIMFlash (HID) Smart Card Reader is a reliable and cost-effective smart card reader for security-related applications. It is a high-speed plug-in USB card reader which, paired with mass storage, enables one to do more than simply backing up and managing SIM card information through the PC. It supports most memory and MCU cards conforming to the T=0 and T=1 protocols, and GSM cards conforming to the GSM 11.11 specification.
ii) Serves as a Mass Storage Device:
Furthermore, the ACR100 SIMFlash (HID) is a mass storage device. Being highly portable – with a dimension of 77 mm x 23 mm x 10 mm – makes it a perfect companion for users on the go. There is no need for additional cable and power supply, since the device is bus-powered. Various options for partitioning the flash drive are also available; CD-ROM, boot disk and public, and locked and hidden areas can all be accessed within the same device.
iii) Plug and Play Feature
Aside from its capabilities for mass storage, the ACR100 SIMFlash (HID) also has a plug-and-play feature made possible by its being compliant with USB HID (Human Interface Device). This eliminates the need for driver installation, allowing for the device’s easy integration into the PC environment.
The differences between the ACR100 SIMFlash (CCID) and the ACR100 SIMFlash (HID)
**What is CCID?
The USB CCID (Chip/Smart Card Interface Devices) specification defines a standard communication protocol for PC/SC smart card readers that connect to a computer via USB, allowing the same host-side driver to communicate with any CCID-compliant smart card reader. This approach to smart card reader communication brings simplified plug and play experience to users.
For Windows Vista, the Microsoft CCID driver is already pre-installed in the Windows package, so there is no need to install any drivers. For Windows XP and 2000, there may be a need for driver installation, depending on your Windows package. However, no explicit user action is needed. You just need to sit and wait for a few moments for Microsoft Windows Update to install the driver automatically upon plugging in your ACR100 SIMFlash to the PC for the first time.
In case Windows Update is not available or when you don’t have Internet connection, please download (or have someone to download) the driver from the ACS website: http://www.acs.com.hk/download.php. Please note that this driver should be used only when the MS CCID driver cannot be installed for some reason.
***What is HID?
From the name itself, a human interface device or HID is a type of computer peripheral that directly communicates with humans, either by taking input from or delivering output to them.
The term “HID” usually refers to the USB HID class, a USB device class that describes HIDs such as computer mice and keyboards. HID support for the ACR100 SIMFlash brings the same plug and play convenience as when you use a mouse or a keyboard that do not require any special driver for most operating systems.
The HID driver is already pre-installed in Windows XP, 2K and Vista that is why there is no need for any driver installation.
