Apparatus comprising a subscriber identity module interface and related methods

Abstract

A device (100) is described comprising a user identity module (103, 105) interface (106); a first user identity module (103) connected to the interface; a connector (104) adapted to connect a second user identity module (105) to the interface when the connector is present with a second module; a presence detector (110) configured to generate a signal (104-PRESENCE) indicating the presence of a second module in the connector; a disabling circuit (111, 114) disabling the first module according to the presence signal, the device being configured to operate using the second module when the first module is disabled, the disabling means being configured to disable a module by applying to an initialization signal input (103-RST, 105-RST) of the module to be disabled a signal corresponding to an enabled state, by putting data input / output (103-DATA, 105-DATA) of the module in a high impedance state. A method, a computer program product and a program storage carrier are also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention describes a device including a user identification module interface, configured to manage multiple user identification modules, and a corresponding method. The technical field includes, but is not limited to, devices accessing communication networks, such as counters. Background Technology

[0002] Many devices include a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) which is essential for accessing communication networks. In some applications, this module is attached to the device's printed circuit board using methods that are difficult to remove, such as soldering. When a device has only a single interface for this module, using a second module is not easy—for example, the original module must be desoldered and replaced with the second module. A solution is needed that allows for easier use of a second module. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One or more embodiments relate to a device comprising:

[0004] ○ User identification module interface;

[0005] ○ The first user identification module is connected to the interface;

[0006] ○ A connector, adapted to connect a second user identification module to the interface when a second module is present in the connector;

[0007] ○ A presence detector is configured to generate a second module presence signal in the connector;

[0008] ○ Disable device: The first module is disabled based on the presence of a signal. When the first module is disabled, the device is configured to operate using the second module.

[0009] The disabling device is configured to disable the module by applying an initialization signal input to the module to be disabled, corresponding to the enabled state, and by placing the module's data input / output in a high-impedance state.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the device includes

[0011] - A data bus interconnects the data input / output of the interface, the input / output of the first module, and the input / output of the connector. When a second module is present in the connector, the connector cooperates with the data input / output function of the second module.

[0012] - A clock signal bus interconnects the clock signal output of the interface, the clock signal input of the first module, and the input of the connector. When a second module is present in the connector, the connector cooperates with the clock signal input function of the second module.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the disabling device includes circuitry controlled by a presence signal to automatically disable the first module when a second module is present in the connector, and the device then operates using the second module through the interface.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the circuit is controlled by a presence signal to automatically de-disable the first module when the second module is removed from the connector, and the device then uses the first module to operate through the interface.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the interface's initialization signal output is connected to a first input of the connector. When a second module is present in the connector, the connector is adapted to connect the first input to the initialization signal input of the second module. A resistor is connected between the initialization signal input of the second module and the interface's initialization signal output, the resistor being adapted to allow the interface to:

[0016] - When a second module is present in the connector and the first module is disabled, control the initialization of the second module; and

[0017] - Control the initialization of the first module when the second module is not present in the connector and the first module is not disabled.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the disabling device includes a processor for receiving a presence signal, the processor being selectively configured to disable, respectively de-disable one of the first and second modules, and respectively de-disable, and respectively disable the other of the first and second modules when a second module is present in the connector, the device being configured to operate using the de-disabled module.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0020] In the first mode, if a second module is present in the connector, the first module is automatically disabled; if the second module is removed from the connector, the first module is automatically undisabled.

[0021] In the second mode, when a second module exists in the connector, the first module is disabled upon receiving confirmation from the user. Conversely, when the second module is removed from the connector, the user's command is received, and the disabling is automatically lifted.

[0022] One or more embodiments relate to a method implemented by a device, the device including a user identification module interface; a first user identification module connected to the interface; a connector adapted to connect a second user identification module to the interface when a second module is present in the connector; a processor and a memory containing software code, wherein when the processor executes the software code, it directs the device to implement the method, the method comprising:

[0023] - Detect the presence of the second module in the connector;

[0024] -Disable the first module based on the presence of a signal; and

[0025] When the first module is disabled, the device uses the second module to operate.

[0026] The disabling includes applying a signal corresponding to the enabled state to the initialization signal input, placing the data input / output of the module to be disabled in a high-impedance state.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the method includes disabling and selectively unblocking one of the first and second modules, respectively;

[0028] Unlock, disable, and separately disable another solution in the first and second modules; and

[0029] Run using the undisabled module.

[0030] One or more embodiments relate to a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a device's processor, direct the device to perform the method.

[0031] One or more embodiments relate to a readable storage medium that can be read by a device equipped with a processor, the medium containing instructions that, when the program is executed by the processor of the device, instruct the device to perform the method.

[0032] Brief description of the attached figures

[0033] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be explained by reading the following detailed description, with reference to the following figures for ease of understanding, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 This is an operational block diagram of the device according to a first non-limiting embodiment;

[0035] Figure 2 According to a non-limiting embodiment Figure 1 Algorithm diagram of the implementation method of the equipment;

[0036] Figure 3 This is an operational block diagram of the device according to a second non-limiting embodiment;

[0037] Figure 4 According to a non-limiting embodiment Figure 3 Algorithm diagram of the implementation method of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following description, identical, similar, or related components will be represented by the same reference numerals. Unless otherwise stated, the block diagrams are not necessarily scaled.

[0039] The block diagrams and algorithm diagrams in the figures illustrate the structure, function, and operation of computer systems, devices, methods, and program products according to one or more embodiments. Each block in the block diagram or each step of the algorithm can represent a module or part of software code, including instructions for implementing one or more functions. Depending on some implementations, the order of blocks or steps can be changed, or corresponding functions can be implemented simultaneously. For all or part of the blocks or steps, circuits, software, or a combination of circuits and software can be used to implement the blocks or method steps in a centralized or distributed manner. The systems, devices, methods, and means described can be modified, added to, and / or deleted within the scope of this specification. For example, components of a device or system can be integrated or independent. Moreover, the described functions can be implemented using more or fewer components or steps, or using other components or through other steps. Any suitable data processing system can be used for implementation. Suitable data processing systems or devices include, for example, combinations of software code and circuits, such as processors, controllers, or other circuits suitable for executing software code. When the software code is executed, the processor or controller directs the system or device to implement the functions of all or part of the blocks and / or methods or means according to the embodiments. The software code may be stored in a readable storage medium or carrier and may be accessed directly by a processor or controller or through another module.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments, the device includes a User Identification Module (UIM) interface. Multiple UIMs are connected to this interface. During operation, the device is designed to disable all but one of the UIM modules. The interface then allows communication with the enabled modules (i.e., the modules that are not disabled).

[0041] For illustrative purposes only, this device is, for example, one that needs to connect to a communication network (such as a cellular network). Such a network may require a user identification module to access services. For example, the device is a connected counter for electricity, water, gas, etc.

[0042] According to one or more embodiments, the interface's data signal input / output and clock signal output are connected to the modules, and related signals are sent to all modules. The device is configured such that, for modules to be disabled, the interface's initialization signal output can be forced to a given level, meaning that the data signal input / output of those modules is placed in a high-impedance state, corresponding to disabling. Only modules that need to be enabled will not be disabled.

[0043] According to some embodiments, a disablement can be achieved through pure hardware circuitry or through a combination of hardware circuitry and appropriate software.

[0044] In the following text, two scenarios involving user identification modules will be considered. According to one or more embodiments implementing management using hardware components, a first module is already connected to the interface, and a second module is added subsequently. The function of detecting the presence of the second module (e.g., the module is removably inserted into a connector connected to the interface) is to generate a signal with the given level at the initialization signal input of the first module via suitable hardware circuitry. According to one or more embodiments implementing a combined hardware and software management approach, a component (e.g., a microcontroller) will be software-controlled to generate an appropriate signal at the initialization signal input of a selected module to disable the module.

[0045] In some implementations, a module may have different or additional functionalities compared to another module.

[0046] For example, it may be necessary to use the second module in the following applications:

[0047] - Test using a network simulator or testing tool; the second module is a SIM card specifically designed for this test.

[0048] - Connect to a network that the first module cannot access, such as during device verification or certification testing, where the second module can access that network.

[0049] - Aimed at identifying the cause of malfunction (determining whether it is a network problem; a failure of the user identification module or its control components, etc.) without desoldering and resoldering the first module if necessary.

[0050] - Comparison test of the first and second modules.

[0051] - When a device is equipped with two SIM card interfaces, the second interface may have functional limitations compared to the first interface. However, its advantage is that it allows both the first and second modules to be connected to the same interface and can be tested under identical conditions. Under normal use, the device's embedded software may only consider one module.

[0052] The device according to one or more embodiments allows for the avoidance of having to remove a first module to replace it with a second module, which might require desoldering the first module and soldering the second module, or soldering a connector into which the second module or a circuit board carrying the second module can be inserted. If necessary, the first module should be returned at the end of testing. Repeated operations could damage the first module, other components of the device, or the printed circuit board.

[0053] According to one or more embodiments, switching between modules can be completed automatically, for example by detecting the presence and / or absence of a second module, or alternatively, it may require the user to perform one or more actions, such as one or more enable or disable actions. These two embodiments will be described separately.

[0054] For example, the first module is typically a SIM module that needs to be fixed in the device. "Fixed" means that the first module does not need to be removed from the device under normal operating conditions. For example, during device manufacturing, the first module is soldered onto the device's printed circuit board or onto a suitable carrier within the device. This avoids unintentional removal of the first module. In other situations, the first module may be removed from the device, but for some reason, this is not desirable. For example, in the event of a device malfunction, removing the first module might prevent or interfere with testing to determine the cause of the problem.

[0055] The first module is, for example, an “eSIM” type, which is a discrete component that can be directly soldered onto a printed circuit board or a suitable carrier of the device. However, the first module can also be placed on a carrier to form a microprocessor card, such as a “MiniSIM”, “MicroSIM”, or “NanoSim” type card or a traditional microprocessor card the size of a credit card, and inserted into a suitable connector of the device.

[0056] The second module, for example, is placed on a carrier to form an easy-to-operate microprocessor card, such as a "MiniSIM," "MicroSIM," or "NanoSim" type card or a conventional microprocessor card the size of a credit card. However, it is not excluded that the second module is of the eSIM type.

[0057] First Embodiment

[0058] According to the first embodiment, disabling the first user identification module is achieved through appropriate hardware circuitry.

[0059] Hardware management disabled by the first user identification module allows for the exclusion or at least restriction of necessary adaptations to the embedded software.

[0060] Figure 1This is an example operational block diagram of a device 100 according to a first embodiment. The device includes a printed circuit board 101, which includes a component 102, a first user identification module 103, and a connector 104 adapted to connect a second user identification module 105.

[0061] Component 102 includes an interface 106 for a user identification module (UIM) equipped with several inputs and / or outputs to communicate with a first module 103, or, when connected via connector 104, with a second module 105. According to this embodiment, component 102 is a modem, but other types of components may be used to control the UIM via a suitable interface, depending on the application under consideration. For example, component 102 may be a microcontroller. When component 102 is a modem, the modem communicates with the UIM to access communication network services for which subscriptions have been made.

[0062] The device is configured such that inserting the second module 105 into the connector disables the first module 103, thereby allowing component 102 to interact with the second module 105 via a single interface 106 for the user identification module of component 102. The second module 105 can be placed on the carrier 113 for easier operation, while also forming a user identification module card or SIM card.

[0063] The component's interface 106 includes a bidirectional data input / output 102-DATA, an initialization signal output 102-RST, and a clock signal output 102-CLK. The first module 103 includes a bidirectional data input / output 103-DATA, an initialization signal input 103-RST, and a clock signal input 103-CLK. The connector 104 has input / outputs 104-DATA, input 104-RST, and input 104-CLK, which connect to the corresponding contacts of the second module 105 when the second module 105 is inserted into the connector, namely 105-DATA, 105-RST, and 105-CLK. The RST, DATA, and CLK lines of the printed circuit 101, indicated by 107, 108, and 109, connect the corresponding inputs and / or outputs of the component 102, the first module 103, and the connector 104. A resistor 116 is inserted between the initialization signal output 102-RST of the component 102 and the initialization signal input 103-RST of the first module.

[0064] Optionally, a second module presence indication signal generated by connector 104 reaches component 102 via line 112, which is connected to input 102-PRESENCE of interface 106 of component 102.

[0065] Connector 104 includes other contacts (power supply voltage, ground wire) required for the operation of the inserted module in a known manner, which will not be described further here.

[0066] When the second module 105 is detected in connector 104 using appropriate circuitry, the device disables the first module 103. According to... Figure 1 In this embodiment, if a second module is detected, disabling it involves placing the data bus of the first module in a high-impedance state. In this example, when a low-level signal is applied to the initialization signal input, the module behaves by placing its data input / output in a high-impedance state. The module's initialization process is triggered by the rising edge of the initialization signal input—however, as long as the initialization signal input remains low, the module's data input / output will remain in a high-impedance state. Therefore, the first module is disabled without being removed—the first module can, in particular, remain connected to the clock and data lines.

[0067] Connector 104 has a module presence detector 110, which generates an indication signal (output 104-PRESENCE) indicating the presence of a second module in the connector when the second module 105 is inserted into the connector. According to this embodiment, this signal is low when the module is present and high otherwise. The presence detector can take different forms; for example, it can itself include a simple end-of-stroke switch that closes when the second module is fully inserted into the connector.

[0068] In the enabled state (low), the presence indication signal of the second module in the connector causes switch 111 to close. In the closed state, switch 111 connects a voltage representing a low level (0V, ground) to the initialization signal input 103-RST of the first module 103. In the open state, the switch output connected to the initialization input 103-RST of the first module is high impedance.

[0069] When the second module is not inserted into the connector, switch 111 is in the state where the initialization signal generated by the component reaches the first module via resistor 116. When the second module is inserted, switch 111 forces the initialization signal input of the first module 103-RST to zero. However, the presence of resistor 116 prevents the signal generated by component 102 at the initialization signal output 102 from being forced to zero. The resistor 116 is specified accordingly – in a particular implementation, for example, 2.2kΩ.

[0070] When the first module must be disabled, other hardware implementations that force the initialization signal of the first module to zero can certainly be adopted by those skilled in the art, without the need for resistor 116. For example, a single input-output dual changeover switch can be used, which has a voltage source that reaches the active voltage of the initialization signal input 103-RST of the first module as the first input, the interface signal 102-RST of component 102 as the second input, and the initialization signal input 103-RST as the output, wherein the changeover switch is controlled by the presence signal 104-PRESENCE of connector 104.

[0071] according to Figure 1 The device in the embodiment also includes a processor 114 and a memory 115, the memory including software code configured to allow the device to operate as described. The memory 115 includes, for example, code for application software executed by the processor 114.

[0072] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detailed algorithm diagram of the operating example of the device shown. In this example, in E201, device 100 operates using the first module in an enabled state. The circuitry controlled by the second module presence signal generated by connector 104 when necessary does not force the initialization signal input 103-RST to the enabled state. The first module is not disabled in the absence of the second module. Component 102 controls the first module through its interface 106. This situation is not interrupted as long as no module is inserted into connector 104 (E202 test is no). When the presence of the second module is detected (E202 test is yes), the first module is disabled. In E203, the initialization signal input 103-RST is forced to the enabled state (low level signal in this example) by the circuitry controlled by the second module presence signal, thus placing the data input / input of the first module at high impedance and thus disabling the first module. The second module is fully connected to component 102 through interface 106, and component 102 can communicate with the second module and enable the second module, especially by performing initialization (E204). The device then operates using the second module (E205). This process will not be interrupted as long as the second module is not removed from connector 104 (test no in E206). If the second module is removed (test yes in E206), a signal change state occurs, and the first module becomes enabled again (E201).

[0073] According to this embodiment, component 102 does not use the presence signal generated by connector 104 in the management of the user identification module. Component 102 may optionally use the signal to manage the removal / reinsertion of the first module when the device is powered on, provided that the first module is movable.

[0074] This component executes a protocol that allows it to switch from one module to another.

[0075] Taking component 102 as a modem as an example, two scenarios need to be considered:

[0076] (a) The second user identification module is inserted when the device is powered off.

[0077] a.1. When powered on, the first module is disabled by controlling the switch 111 through the presence signal of the second module.

[0078] a.2. The application software initializes the modem (according to component 102 in this example).

[0079] a.3. Once the modem is initialized, the application software queries the modem to obtain the status of the user identification module connected to the modem interface, which in this case is the second module. The modem sequentially indicates whether the module is operable, whether it is blocked, whether a PIN or PUK code is required, or whether a user identification module is missing.

[0080] If the second user identification module is operational, the modem can use the information contained in the second module (carrier identifier, network identifier, roaming, etc.) to connect to the identified communication network and operate normally.

[0081] If no module is detected (e.g., if the second module fails, or if the printed circuit board of the remote connector connected to the remote module is inserted into connector 104 without the module being inserted into the remote connector), the application software restarts component 102 initialization until the module is detected (sections a.2 and a.3 above).

[0082] a.4. When using the second module is no longer useful, the device will be powered off, the second module will be removed, and the device will be powered back on if necessary.

[0083] (b) Insert the second user identification module when the device is powered on (referred to as “hot” insertion).

[0084] Then, the application software will execute the modem's initialization sequence in advance, which is in normal operating mode, i.e., whether it connects to the network based on the information contained in the first module.

[0085] b.1. After inserting the second module, the first module is disabled by controlling the switch 111 through the presence signal of the second module.

[0086] b.2. The modem (component 102) detects a loss of communication with the first module. The modem then disconnects from any previously connected network. This information is sent back to the application software, which triggers a re-initialization of the modem (or at least its interface with the user identification module).

[0087] b.3. Once the modem is initialized, the application software queries the modem to obtain the status of the user identification module connected to the modem interface, which in this case is the second module. The modem sequentially indicates whether the module is operable, whether it is blocked, whether a PIN or PUK code is required, or whether a user identification module is missing.

[0088] If the second user identification module is operational, the modem can use the information contained in the second module (carrier identifier, network identifier, roaming, etc.) to connect to the identified communication network and operate normally.

[0089] If no module is detected (e.g., if the second module fails), the application software restarts component 102 initialization until a module is detected (as described in sections a.2 and a.3 above).

[0090] b.4. If the second module is removed while the device is powered on, the modem will detect a loss of communication with the second module. The modem will then disconnect from any previously connected networks. This information is sent back to the application software, which triggers a re-initialization of the modem (or at least its interface with the user identification module), and the modem restarts using the information contained in the first module.

[0091] The example described above allows for the management of disabling using a first module with only a few components. Furthermore, it is proposed that disabling the first module and replacing it at the interface of the first module by the second module will trigger initialization behavior at component 102 and / or other components involved in module management, causing the module to become enabled. This initialization will be triggered when the device is plugged in or removed while powered on, for example, when component 102 detects a loss of communication with the first module after the second module is plugged in, or when component 102 detects a loss of communication with the second module after the second module is moved.

[0092] Second Embodiment

[0093] According to the second embodiment, disabling the first user identification module is accomplished through hardware components and software implementation.

[0094] Figure 3 This is an operational block diagram of a device example according to the second embodiment. Figure 3 The equipment basically includes Figure 1The components of the illustrated device, except for the element that generates a disable signal for the first module 103 based on an indication signal indicating the presence of the second module in the connector, are as follows: Switch 111, whose line controlled by the presence indication signal of the second module and the line connecting the switch output to the initialization signal input 103-RST of the first module have been removed. Alternatively, the initialization signal input 103-RST of the first module is connected to output 114-GPIO1 of processor 114, while the input 104-RST of the second module is connected to output 114-GPIO2 of the first module. Resistor 117, similar to resistor 116 and having a similar function, is positioned between the initialization signal output 102-RST of component 102 and the input 104-RST of component 104. The signal input 114-ITR of the processor collects the presence indication signal of the second module and thus allows the processor to know whether the second module 105 is inserted into connector 104.

[0095] According to one implementation variant, the GPIO type signal used for control module initialization is directly available at component 102, and its function is controlled by processor 114.

[0096] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A detailed algorithm diagram of the operating example of the device is shown. In this example, in E401, device 100 enables the first module. Processor 114 does not force the initialization signal input of the second module to zero—therefore, the first module is enabled and component 102 controls all signals from the first module, including signals used for the first module initialization phase. After this phase is completed, in E402, the device uses the second module to operate normally. In E403, processor 114 performs a test to determine if the first module 105 is present. If the test is negative, the device continues to operate using the first module (returning to E402). If the test in E403 is positive, and the device is in automatic switchover mode after detecting the presence of the second module, the first module disabling process is triggered in E406. If the test in E403 is positive, and the device is not in automatic switchover mode, the user is prompted for confirmation of the switch in E405. This confirmation can be obtained in various ways, such as by displaying a yes / no option in a window on a screen connected to device 100 or a component of the device. If the switch is not confirmed, the device will continue to operate using the first module (return to E402). If the switch is confirmed, the first module's disable procedure will be triggered in E406. Specifically, the processor forces the first module's initialization signal input to zero by generating an appropriate signal on output 114-GPIO1. The second module is then enabled in E407 – output 114-GPIO2 is set to high impedance. Component 102 controls all signals from the second module, including signals used for the second module's initialization phase. In E408, the second module is enabled and the device uses the second module for normal operation. If the processor 114 detects that the second module has been removed (tested as yes in E409), the processor re-enables the first module (return to E401). The option to disable the second module without removing it can also be provided to the user. If the response is yes (selected as yes in E410), the second module is disabled (E411). Specifically, the processor forces the initialization signal input 104-RST to zero by generating an appropriate voltage on 114-GPIO2, and then returns to enable the first module (return to E401). If the second module is not removed and the user does not choose to disable this module, the device will continue to operate using the second module (return to E408).

[0097] Figure 3 The device allows users to control the switching between the first module and the second module.

[0098] For example, depending on the device's operating mode, the user can choose when to switch from the first module to the second module, which is not automatic when the second module is inserted into the connector. Depending on the device's operating mode, the user can also choose to re-enable the first module, even if the first module is still in the connector. If needed, the device can also be programmed to operate in an automatic switching mode. According to other embodiments not shown, automatic switching upon insertion and / or removal of the second module can be proposed.

[0099] In one implementation variant, the device comprises multiple fixed modules instead of one. Inserting a module into the device's connector disables all fixed modules.

[0100] The advantages have been described above. A specific embodiment may have only one of these advantages, and not necessarily all of them.

[0101] Key Points

[0102] Key Point 1: A device (100) comprising:

[0103] ○ User identification module (103, 105) interface (106);

[0104] ○ The first user identification module (103) is connected to the interface;

[0105] ○ Connector (104), when a second module is present in the connector, is adapted to connect a second user identification module (105) to the interface;

[0106] ○ Presence detector (110) is configured to generate a signal (104-PRESENCE) indicating the presence of a second module in the connector;

[0107] ○ Disable circuit (111, 114) disables the first module based on the presence of a signal. When the first module is disabled, the device is configured to operate using the second module.

[0108] A disable circuit may include one or more electronic components and / or one or more processors or controllers that execute appropriate software code.

[0109] Part Number

[0110] 100-equipment

[0111] 101-Printed Circuit Board

[0112] 102 - Components with user identification module interface

[0113] 102-RST-Initialization signal output

[0114] 102-DATA-Data Input / Output

[0115] 102-CLK- Clock signal output

[0116] 102-PRESENCE-Second Module has a signal input

[0117] 102-GPIO1-Disable signal output

[0118] 103-Module 1

[0119] 103-RST-Initialization signal input

[0120] 103-DATA-Data Input / Output

[0121] 103-CLK-Clock Signal Input

[0122] 104 - Connector for the second module

[0123] 104-RST-Initialization Signal Input

[0124] 104-DATA-Data Input / Output

[0125] 104-CLK-Clock Signal Input

[0126] 105-Module Two

[0127] 105-RST-Initialization Signal Input

[0128] 105-DATA-Data Input / Output

[0129] 105-CLK-Clock Signal Input

[0130] 106-User Identification Module Interface

[0131] 107-Initialization signal lines / bus

[0132] 108-Data Line / Bus

[0133] 109-Clock Signal Line / Bus

[0134] 110-Module Existence Detector

[0135] 111-Changeover Switch

[0136] 112 - Signal lines exist in the second module

[0137] 113-Carrier

[0138] 114-Processor

[0139] 114-ITR-Presence Indicator Signal Input

[0140] 114-GPIO1-First Module Disable Signal Output

[0141] 114-GPIO2-Second Module Disable Signal Output

[0142] 115-Memory

[0143] 116-Resistor

[0144] 117 - Resistor.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100), comprising: Interface (106) of the user identification module (103, 105); The first user identification module (103) is connected to the interface; The connector (104), when a second user identification module is present in the connector, is adapted to connect the second user identification module (105) to the interface; The presence detector (110) is configured to generate a signal (104-PRESENCE) indicating the presence of the second user identification module in the connector. The disabling device (111, 114) disables the first user identification module based on the presence of a signal. When the first user identification module is disabled, the device is configured to operate using the second user identification module. The disabling device is configured to disable the module by applying a signal corresponding to the enabled state to the initialization signal input (103-RST, 105-RST) of the module to be disabled, and by placing the data input / output (103-DATA, 105-DATA) of the module in a high-impedance state.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, include: A data bus (108) interconnects the data input / output (102-DATA) of the interface, the input / output (103-DATA) of the first user identification module, and the input / output (104-DATA) of the connector. When the second user identification module is present in the connector, the connector functions in conjunction with the data input / output (105-DATA) of the second user identification module. A clock signal bus (109) interconnects the clock signal output (102-CLK) of the interface, the clock signal input (103-CLK) of the first user identification module, and the input (104-CLK) of the connector. When the second user identification module is present in the connector, the connector functions in conjunction with the clock signal input (105-CLK) of the second user identification module.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the disabling device comprises circuitry (114) controlled by a presence signal (104-PRESENCE) to automatically disable (E203) the first user identification module when the second user identification module is present in the connector, and the device operates using the second user identification module through the interface.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the circuit is controlled by an presence signal (104) to automatically de-disable the first user identification module when the second user identification module is removed from the connector, and the device operates using the first user identification module through the interface.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The initialization signal output (102-RST) of the interface is connected to the first input (104-RST) of the connector (104). When the second user identification module is present in the connector, the connector is adapted to connect the first input to the initialization signal input (105-RST) of the second user identification module. A resistor (116) is connected between the initialization signal input (103-RST) of the second user identification module and the initialization signal output (102-RST) of the interface. The resistor is adapted to allow the interface to: When the second user identification module is present in the connector and the first user identification module is disabled, the initialization of the second user identification module is controlled; and When the second user identification module is not present in the connector and the first user identification module is not disabled, the initialization of the first user identification module is controlled.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The disabling device includes a processor (114) for receiving the presence signal (104-PRESENCE), the processor being selectively configured to disable, de-disable one of the first user identification module and the second user identification module respectively, and de-disable, de-disable the other of the first user identification module and the second user identification module respectively, when the second user identification module is present in the connector, the device being configured to operate using the de-disabled module.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The processor is configured to perform at least one of the following: In the first mode, if the second user identification module is present in the connector, the first user identification module is automatically disabled (E404), and if the second user identification module is removed from the connector, the first user identification module is automatically de-disabled. In the second mode, when the second user identification module is present in the connector, the first user identification module is disabled after receiving confirmation from the user (E405). When the second user identification module is removed from the connector, the user receives a command (E410) and the disabling is automatically lifted (E409).

8. A method implemented by a device (100), said device comprising an interface (106) of a user identity module (103, 105); a first user identity module (103) connected to said interface; a connector (104) adapted to connect a second user identity module (105) to said interface when said second user identity module is present in said connector; A processor (114) and a memory containing software code, wherein when the processor executes the software code, the device is directed to implement the method, the method comprising: Detect (E202) the presence of the second user identification module in the connector; Based on the presence of signal disable (E203), the first user identification module; and When the first user identification module is disabled, the device uses the second user identification module to operate. The disabling includes applying a signal corresponding to the enabled state to the initialization signal input (103-RST, 105-RST) of the module to be disabled, thereby placing the data input / output (103-DATA, 105-DATA) of the module to be disabled in a high-impedance state.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, include: Disable or selectively unblock one of the first user identification module and the second user identification module, respectively; Unlock, disable the other of the first user identification module and the second user identification module respectively; and Run using the undisabled module.

10. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, direct the device to perform the method according to claim 8 or 9.

11. A readable storage medium that can be read by a device equipped with a processor, the medium containing instructions that, when executed by the processor of the device, instruct the device to perform the method according to claim 8 or 9.

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