A controller module (102) is releasably received in a cradle portion (108) of a transceiver assembly (104) to form a portable smart card communication device (100). The transceiver assembly (104) includes a transceiver and a connector (110) to electrically connect the controller (102) module to the transceiver. The controller module (102) establishes a communication link between itself and a smart card (106) by sending and receiving signals and data through the connector (110). Information is read from the smart card (106) and forwarded to the controller module (102). Information is transmitted through the transceiver assembly (104) and stored on the smart card (106). The controller module (102) can easily be removed and used with other transceiver assemblies (104).
