Microchip. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a microchip from a 'chip and pin' credit card. The circuitry is composed of tracks made by various deposition and etching techniques. The integrated circuit is embedded in the surface of a credit card where it stores information, such as the card number, the cardholder's name, and security data, for example a unique pin number. The purpose of 'chip and pin' technology is to help reduce counterfeiting and credit card theft by making it difficult for anyone to use a card that is either not genuine or is not their own. Magnification: x29 when printed 10cm high.