Weak cryptography cards can be shipped without export controls. The disadvantage of weak cryptography cards is that testing of the card will need to account for the card inserting fixed keys and not the keys that might be passed by the test. The price for test cards is high but reflects the fact that these cards are typically supplied in low quantities. If the cards are for a small pilot, test cards can be used, however live cards are preferred as they will enable the full personalisation process to be excercised. If the cards are for a large pilot , then live cards should be used.
Live cards require that a card issuer be registered.
This is expensive, however it is necessary if, for example, you wish to run the Mondex purse. Other applications might also require live cards. Alternatively, Keycorp can register on your behalf for pilot programs. The silicon of an IC is fabricated into the product by exposing the silicon to diffusion of impurities or metal to produce semiconductor material or metallic connections. A photosensitive coating is used so that only parts of the IC surface are exposed to diffusion.