Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does SmartCache cost?

Nothing. SmartCache is provided free of charge.

2. What smart cards does SmartCache work with?

Currently, SmartCache supports ACOS1, ACOS2, ACOS3, and ACOS3X ISO 7816 smart cards manufactured by Advanced Card Systems.

3. Where can I purchase an ACOS ISO 7816 smart card?

ACOS smart cards can be purchased online from a variety of vendors, including the following, for a few U.S. dollars per card.

• Advanced Card Systems
• SecureTech
• Smartcard Focus
• Smartcard Zone

4. Where can I purchase an ISO 7816 smart card reader?

PC/SC readers can be purchased from a variety of vendors, including the following.

• Amazon
• Advanced Card Systems
• SCB Solutions
• SecureTech
• Smartcard Focus
• Smartcard Zone

5. What if I try using an ISO 7816 smart card other than ACOS1, ACOS2, ACOS3, or ACOS3X with SmartCache?

If the smart card complies with ISO 7816-3, you can view the ATR from the card by pressing the Reset button in SmartCache. You can try performing other functions, such as initializing the card, but SmartCache will use the ATR from the smart card to detect that it is not an ACOS1, ACOS2, ACOS3, or ACOS3X smart card and abort further processing.

6. Is it possible to implement support for other types of ISO 7816 smart cards?

Yes. To do this, the smart card must conform to parts 1-3 of the ISO 7816 standard, be readily available for retail purchase, be reasonably priced, and it must provide a publicly available reference manual that describes in detail the features and functions of the smart card. Any suggestions for smart cards meeting these requirements will be considered.

7. What is SmartCache developed with?

SmartCache 3.1 64-bit is developed in C++ with Microsoft Visual Studio 2026 Professional. All versions of SmartCache are tested with SoftCard and analyzed with PC-lint Plus, Memory Validator, and Bullseye Coverage.