embeddedsmartcardiso-7816-4

Is there any timing specs between APDU/Response pair in smart card?


Command response pair

I couldn't find a clear specification about the period between two consecutive Command/Response Pair (T in the diagram).

for example, If I had sent a command to the card and received a response, What is the maximum period I can wait before the communication is not valid anymore? I need this because I'm willing to make use of this period to give me some flexibility in my design.


Solution

  • This is the block waiting time (which can be computed from the BWI part of TB3 in the ATR). If the card needs more time, it has to send a Waiting Time Extension (abbreviated WTX), before this elapses, which has to be acknowledged by the other side (typically the reader). If the acknowledge is not given both sides assume a communication error.

    Note, that FWI and BWI from TA1 as well as the clock supplied to the card influence the time.