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SmartCache 3.1 released July 19, 2026

Download here.

SmartCache is a practical application that lets you securely store information on an ACOS1, ACOS2, ACOS3, or ACOS3X ISO 7816 smart card. SmartCache interfaces with the smart card using either an ISO 7816 Phoenix-style Reader/Writer or a Development Terminal connected to an RS-232 serial port or any PC/SC reader.

SmartCache enables you to store information records on the smart card. The maximum number of records is determined by the smart card's EEPROM size, as shown in the following table.

Card	EEPROM Size (KB)	Maximum Records
ACOS1	8	60
ACOS2	8	60
ACOS3	16	120
ACOS3	24	180
ACOS3	32	240
ACOS3	64	480
ACOS3	72	540
ACOS3X	256	1920

Smart cards initialized with versions of SmartCache previous to 3.0 are formatted only to use 8 KB of EEPROM, regardless of smart card capacity. This cannot be changed. To take advantage of smart card capacity greater than 8 KB, the smart card must be initialized with SmartCache 3.0 or later.

Each record consists of four fields: description, username, password, and URL. Examples of the types of information you can store include login credentials for computers and websites, credit card numbers, ATM PINs, and lock combinations. SmartCache imposes no limitations on the actual type of information you store in each record; what you decide to store is limited only by your imagination.

The following are required to use SmartCache with a smart card.

Windows 10 or later.
A Phoenix-style ISO 7816 smart card Reader/Writer, a Development Terminal programmed with the appropriate HEX files provided with SmartCache, or a PC/SC reader.
An ACOS1, ACOS2, ACOS3, or ACOS3X smart card manufactured by Advanced Card Systems.

SmartCache can also be used to store information records in a file. The user interface functionality is the same for smart cards and files.

SmartCache is provided free of charge.

SmartCache has been successfully tested with the following interface devices.

PC/SC Readers (USB)

ACS ACR30U
ACS ACR38U
ACS ACR39U
ACS ACR40U
ActivCard V2.0
Athena ASEDrive IIIe
CASTLES EZ100P
Gemplus GemPC
HID Omnikey 3021 (Author's Choice)
Idaxis SecurePIV Pro
Recbot CAC Reader
SAICOO Smart Card Reader DOD Military
SCDTech ICC Reader
SCM SCR331
Target Visa GCR432

PC/SC Readers (RS-232)

ACS ACR30S
American Express Blue GCR415
Didya Dual Crystal Smart Card Reader/Programmer**
Litronic Netsignia 210 Programmer**
SCDTech ICC Reader
SDLOGIC SD7816U SE ULTRA USCT Smart Card Development Terminal**
SDLOGIC SDR-30RS Reader/Writer**
Spawn Devices ISO-3.57 MHz Reader/Writer**
Spawn Devices SSP 210 Reader/Writer**
Vector Technologies NextGen2 Programmer**
White Viper Reader/Writer**

**Using Generic DumbMouse/SmartMouse/Phoenix PC/SC driver from https://www.ttfn.net/

PC/SC Readers (PCMCIA)

Gemplus GPR400

PC/SC Readers (Keyboard)

Dell SK-3106

Phoenix Reader/Writers (RS-232)

Didya Dual Crystal Smart Card Reader/Programmer
Litronic Netsignia 210 Programmer
SCDTech X3
SDLOGIC SD7816U SE ULTRA USCT Smart Card Development Terminal
SDLOGIC SDR-30RS Reader/Writer
Spawn Devices ISO-3.57 MHz Reader/Writer
Spawn Devices SSP 210 Reader/Writer
Vector Technologies NextGen2 Programmer
WB Electronics Infinity USB Phoenix
WB Electronics Smartmouse USB
WB Electronics Infinity USB Unlimited
White Viper Reader/Writer

Development Terminals (RS-232)

Absolute 1
Atomic P.U.T.
Cansat2000 MK II Unlooper
Dominator Stealth
Mikobu III
SCDTech GFX
SDLOGIC SD7816U SE ULTRA USCT Smart Card Development Terminal
T-5 Typhoon Unlooper
Vector Technologies Unlooper
White Viper Unlooper

ACOS smart cards can be purchased online from various vendors for a few U.S. dollars per card. The following are a few such vendors.