Implementation of Java card Virtual Machine

Abstract

Java card is a new system for programming smart cards, which is based on the Java language and Virtual Machine. Java card programs (applets) run in Java Card Runtime Environment (JCRE) including the Java Card Virtual Machine (JCVM), the framework, the associated native methods and the API (Application Programming Interface). JCVM is implemented as two separate pieces: off-card VM (Virtual Machine) and on-card VM. The stack model and heap memory structure used by on-card VM and exception handling are introduced. Because there are limited resources within smart card environment, and garbage collection is not supported in JCVM, the preferred way to exception handling does not directly involve the use ofthrow, although thethrow keyword is supported. Security is the most important feature of smart card. The Java card applet security feature is also discussed.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]