Smart card with radio frequency antennas

Abstract

Smart card with radiofrequency antennas The invention relates to a smart card (CD1) comprising a card body (6) comprising a metal layer (8), an RF chip (4), a first RF antenna (ANT1) arranged in a recess area (14) and connected to the chip. The metal layer comprises two regions (R1, R2), the first region (R1) entirely containing the recess area (14). A first slot (F1) connects the recess area (14) to an edge of the first region (R1), a second slot (F2) opens onto an edge of the layer (8) or into the recess area (14) and ends in the second region (R2). A second RF antenna (ANT2) allows coupling with the first antenna (ANT1). It comprises at least one turn opposite the first slot and at least turns opposite the second slot (F2). Figure for abstract: Fig. 9.

Description

Title of the invention: Smart card with radiofrequency antennas Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of smart cards and relates more particularly to metal smart cards capable of operating in contactless mode. Prior art

[0002] The use of smart cards (or microcircuit cards) is now widespread in everyday life. Such cards are used, for example, as bank cards, loyalty cards, access cards, etc., and can take various formats depending on their respective uses. Smart cards can be designed to perform various types of functions, in particular to carry out transactions, such as banking transactions (payment transactions, transfer transactions, etc.), authentication transactions, etc.

[0003] As is known, a smart card generally comprises a card body which is equipped with an electronic chip configured to exchange signals with the outside and perform various functions depending on the desired use of the card. To do this, smart cards are provided with communication means allowing interaction with the outside, typically with an NFC reader or external reader.

[0004] Traditionally, a smart card is designed to cooperate with an external NFC reader by means of external contacts accessible on the surface of the card. An external NFC reader can thus position appropriate contact pins on the external contacts of the card in order to establish contact communication.

[0005] More recently, contactless smart cards have experienced increasing popularity due to the increased speed and simplicity of contactless transactions. To achieve this, contactless cards incorporate a radio frequency (RF) antenna that allows the exchange of RF signals with an external NFC reader (e.g., near field communication (NFC)). This RF antenna is generally composed of a plurality of conductive coils that extend into the body of the card.

[0006] The structure and appearance of smart cards can vary depending on the case. Metal smart cards are particularly enjoying growing interest due in particular to the attractive aesthetic appearance of these cards (metallic reflections, brushed surface effect, etc.), the impression of quality that they can provide (appreciable weight of the metal, high-end aesthetics), or even the connotation of prestige associated with them for their users. Due in particular to their significant weight and the high-quality impression that they give off, these cards are favored by certain users to serve as a social marker and differentiating element.

[0007] However, it has been observed that the presence of metal in the body of a smart card poses major difficulties when the card incorporates an RF antenna to operate in contactless mode. The metal acts as electromagnetic shielding and blocks or interferes with the RF signals exchanged by the RF antenna with the outside. The metal present in the card body can thus disrupt the contactless communications of a smart card with an external NFC reader and, for example, hinder the completion of a contactless transaction (payment or other).

[0008] The problem arises in particular when the card is moved in the plane out of the center of the NFC reader. This is very common in the HF NFC RFID environment, for example during a payment when the user approaches his card off-center relative to the reader at the point of sale.

[0009] [Fig. 14] illustrates for example an operational volume in the entirety of which the card must be operational to comply with a standard defined by an international organization EMVCO. Those skilled in the art may refer to the document “EMV Contactless Specifications for Payment Systems, Book D: EMV Contactless Communication Protocol Specification. Version 2.6, March 2016.”. One of the objectives of EMVCo is to guarantee the interoperability and compatibility of smart cards and readers of these cards under determined operational conditions.

[0010] This operational volume is defined by dimensions Si, S2, Db D2 recalled in [Fig.14],

[0011] This figure also represents the projection of 9 volume points onto a plane. For example, point 6 illustrates a situation in which the center of the card is offset by 25 mm from the center of the NFC reader.

[0012] In the current state of the art, metal chip cards do not operate satisfactorily across the entire EMVCo operational volume, particularly for the card positions corresponding to point 6.

[0013] There is therefore a need for high-performance metal chip cards (such as RFID) that are easy to manufacture and capable of cooperating effectively in a contactless manner with an external NFC reader, regardless of the position of the card relative to an external NFC reader, under specific operational conditions. Description of the invention

[0014] To this end, the present invention relates to a smart card comprising a smart card comprising a card body of generally rectangular shape formed at least in part by a metal layer comprising a recessed area; - an RF chip; - a first RF antenna arranged in or facing the recess area, said first RF antenna being electrically connected to the RF chip; said metal layer being constituted by a first region and a second region entirely delimited by a straight line parallel to a short side of the card, the first region entirely containing the recess zone and its surface being smaller than that of the second region, - a first slot connecting the recess area to a peripheral edge of the first region; - a second slot opening either on a peripheral edge of the metal layer or in the recess area, the second slot ending in a closed part in the second region; and - a second RF antenna electrically insulated from the metal layer and from the first RF antenna and configured to allow coupling with the first antenna, the second antenna comprising at least one turn facing the first slot and at least one turn facing the second slot.

[0015] The invention thus offers a high-performance metal chip card (RFID type for example) and simple to manufacture, capable of cooperating effectively in a contactless manner with an external NFC reader, regardless of the position and orientation of the card with respect to the external NFC reader.

[0016] Very advantageously, the metal layer therefore comprises at least two slots, a first slot being located in the first region, the second slot being located in the second region.

[0017] Preferably, the first slot opens onto a small side of the smart card, as close as possible to the recess area.

[0018] Preferably, the second metal slot opens into the cavity and ends in an area of the card located between the cavity and the center of the smart card.

[0019] Each of these slots allows the magnetic field generated by a card reader to pass through the metal layer, which generates an induced current in the turns of the second antenna located opposite these slots.

[0020] This configuration also allows each of the turns of the second antenna mentioned above to collect an image current induced by a current flowing on the metal layer locally at the level of the slots due to the magnetic flux generated by the smart card reader.

[0021] As detailed below, due to the continuity of the eddy currents, the two currents collected by these antenna turns, namely that induced directly by the electromagnetic field passing through a slot and that image of a local eddy current circulating on the metal layer, accumulate.

[0022] This configuration allows efficient coupling between the two antennas, regardless of the operational conditions of the card.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second RF antenna comprises: - a first antenna part extending opposite a peripheral zone of the metal layer, at least one turn of said first antenna part extending opposite the first slot, - a second antenna part connected to the first antenna part and arranged at least partly opposite the second region of the metal layer, at least one turn of said second antenna part extending opposite the second slot (F2), - a third antenna part, electrically connected to the second antenna part, and extending opposite the recess area to allow coupling with the first antenna;

[0024] (i) the first antenna portion being configured to collect an image current induced by first eddy currents flowing over an edge in the metal layer when the smart card is subjected to an electromagnetic field under operational conditions of the smart card;

[0025] (ii) the second antenna portion being configured to collect an image current induced by eddy currents flowing in the second region of the metal layer when the smart card is subjected to an electromagnetic field under so-called unfavorable operational conditions corresponding to only part of said operational conditions.

[0026] In particular, when the recess area (or cavity) is relatively far from the maximum intensity field, the operational conditions may be unfavorable.

[0027] The first antenna part is arranged opposite a peripheral zone of the metal layer, preferably according to a substantially rectangular routing which follows the contour along the four sides of the smart card, in particular in the first region of the card in the vicinity of the recess zone.

[0028] Normally, whatever the operational conditions of the card, the magnetic field of the card reader generates a loop of an eddy current which circulates along the edge of the card and which induces an image current capable of being collected by this first part of the second antenna.

[0029] The first part of the second antenna advantageously makes it possible to recover the energy of a main loop of the eddy currents circulating along the peripheral edge of the metal layer when the entire surface of the card is exposed to a uniform magnetic field generated by the antenna of a reader of said card, in particular when it is centered relative to the antenna of the smart card reader.

[0030] The second part of the second antenna makes it possible to efficiently recover the energy of the eddy currents circulating on the smart card when the smart card is used in less favorable conditions, the card being off-center. relative to the card reader antenna.

[0031] Indeed, when the card is off-center relative to the reader antenna so that the recess zone and the first antenna move away from the center of the reader antenna, the main loop of the eddy current is mainly confined in the second region of the metal layer, then facing the magnetic field of maximum intensity.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second region comprises a privileged zone for exploiting eddy currents, the part of the turn of the second antenna being located opposite the second slot at the level of this privileged zone.

[0033] In one embodiment, the preferred area for exploiting eddy currents is a disk centered on said card and whose radius corresponds to the radius of an operational volume of said card.

[0034] This embodiment makes it possible to ensure that whatever the operating conditions of the smart card, the second metal layer slot is itself located in this operational zone and that a main loop of the eddy current circulates on the edge of this slot.

[0035] In one embodiment, the smart card complies with the EMVCo standard, the eddy current exploitation zone is a 25mm radius disc centered on said card.

[0036] When the smart card is subjected to a magnetic field, the combined action of the image current conveyed from the first part and / or the second part of the second antenna on the one hand, and of a current induced in the second part and / or the third part of the second antenna by the magnetic field received through the metal layer on the other hand, makes it possible to maximize the quantity of energy collected in the second RF antenna from the magnetic field, and therefore to guarantee efficient magnetic coupling between the two RF antennas, which makes it possible to deliver a maximum of energy to the RF chip connected to the first RF antenna.

[0037] In operation, under the effect of the magnetic field to which the smart card is subjected, the RF chip is thus capable of using the second RF antenna coupled with the first RF antenna to communicate with an external NFC reader (in particular to exchange RF signals in transmission and / or reception with the NFC reader). When a user presents the smart card of the NFC reader, under determined operational conditions, contactless communication can thus be established between the NFC reader and the smart card, regardless of the orientation of the latter with respect to the NFC reader. Indeed, eddy currents are generated in the metal layer regardless of the orientation of the smart card relative to the NFC reader. Similarly, regardless of the face of the smart card that is presented in front of the NFC reader, the third antenna part of the second antenna is capable of collecting a current component induced by the magnetic field at the recess area.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, the second RF antenna is configured so that the third antenna portion extends exclusively opposite the recess area.

[0039] According to a particular embodiment, the first RF antenna is arranged opposite the recess area so that the recess area is interposed between the first and second RF antennas to allow magnetic coupling between said first and second antennas.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, the second RF antenna is electrically insulated from the metal layer and from the first RF antenna by an insulating layer interposed between the second RF antenna on the one hand, and the metal layer and the recess zone on the other hand.

[0041] According to a particular embodiment, the smart card further comprises an electronic module comprising the RF chip, said electronic module being arranged in or opposite the recessed area.

[0042] According to a particular embodiment, the first and third antenna parts of the second RF antenna are connected in parallel with a capacitive component.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, the magnetic coupling allows the RF chip to establish contactless communication with the exterior of the smart card using the second RF antenna coupled to the first RF antenna.

[0044] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a smart card of generally rectangular shape from a card body formed at least in part by a metal layer, said metal layer comprising a recess area, the metal layer being constituted by a first region and a second region entirely delimited by a straight line parallel to a short side of the card, the first region entirely containing the recess area and its surface being smaller than that of the second region, a first slot in the metal layer connecting the recess area to a peripheral edge of the metal layer of the first region and a second slot in the metal layer opening either onto a peripheral edge of the metal layer or into the recess area, the second slot ending in a closed part in the second region, the method comprising: - formation on or in the card body of a first RF antenna in or opposite the recess area of the metal layer; - assembling an RF chip with the card body such that the RF chip is electrically connected to the first RF antenna; and - forming on or in the card body a second RF antenna such that the second RF antenna is electrically isolated from the metal layer and the first RF antenna, the second antenna being configured to allow coupling with the first antenna, the second antenna comprising at least one turn located opposite the first slot and at least one turn located opposite the second slot. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate exemplary embodiments thereof which are not in any limiting nature. In the figures:

[0046] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] schematically represents a smart card cooperating with an NFC reader, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention;

[0047] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a top (or bottom) view of a metal layer of a smart card according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention;

[0048] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded sectional view schematically representing the structure of a smart card according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention;

[0049] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a detailed sectional view of a portion of a smart card, according to at least one particular embodiment of the invention;

[0050] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates an area of exploitability of eddy currents on a metallic layer;

[0051] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a smart card centered relative to the source of an incident magnetic field;

[0052] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a smart card off-centered relative to the source of an incident magnetic field;

[0053] [Fig.8A] [Fig.8A] represents a first example of a metal layer that can be used in particular embodiments of the invention;

[0054] [Fig.8B] [Fig.8B] represents a second example of a metal layer that can be used in particular embodiments of the invention;

[0055] [Fig.8C] [Fig.8C] represents a third example of a metal layer that can be used in particular embodiments of the invention;

[0056] [Fig.8D] [Fig.8D] represents a fourth example of a metal layer that can be used in particular embodiments of the invention;

[0057] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents an example of an arrangement of an antenna and a metal layer that can be implemented in a smart card according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0058] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents a smart card in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0059] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] illustrates an operation of the smart card of [Fig. 10];

[0060] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] represents another smart card in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0061] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] represents in the form of a diagram the steps of a method of manufacturing a smart card of the invention, according to at least one particular embodiment; and

[0062] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] already described represents operational conditions of a smart card defined by the international organization EMVCo. Description of the embodiments

[0063] As previously indicated, the invention relates to metal smart cards configured to operate in contactless mode, and also relates to the manufacture of such smart cards. A "metal smart card" refers herein to a smart card comprising a metal or a combination (alloy) of metals, for example in the form of a metal layer or a plurality of metal layers.

[0064] As indicated previously, a contactless smart card is configured by nature to communicate in contactless mode with the outside, more particularly with an external NFC reader. For this purpose, a contactless smart card incorporates a radiofrequency (RF) antenna to exchange (receive and / or transmit) RF signals with an external NFC reader. Such a smart card may also have the capacity to operate in contact mode, using external contacts provided for this purpose on the surface of the card: these are then referred to as “dual” cards (or cards with a dual communication interface), these cards thus being capable of operating in contactless mode and in contact mode.

[0065] There is currently a strong demand among users for metal smart cards, particularly for the reasons mentioned above (aesthetic aspects, quality printing, prestige, etc.). It is particularly desirable to produce smart cards in which the majority (or a significant part) of the card body is made of metal, or at least in which the card body includes a metal plate (or metal layer), in order to obtain a certain uniformity and quality in the visual and aesthetic appearance of the card.

[0066] However, when a contactless smart card comprises a metal layer as well as an RF antenna arranged on or in the vicinity of one of the faces of the metal layer, it has been observed that this metal layer disrupts contactless communications between the RF antenna and the outside, in particular when the metal layer is arranged between the RF antenna and the external NFC reader with which the smart card attempts to communicate, due to the electromagnetic shielding induced by the metal layer. Thus, depending on the position and orientation of the card relative to the reader, it It may or may not be possible to perform a contactless transaction between a metal smart card and an external NFC reader. In some cases, a transaction is possible if the smart card is presented so that the antenna is positioned on the NFC reader side (without the metal layer interposing the two), but RF communications are disrupted or even impossible if the metal layer forms an electromagnetic barrier between the card's RF antenna and the NFC reader (the metal plate acts as an electromagnetic barrier between the RF chip and the NFC reader). However, for RF communications to be possible between a metal smart card and an external NFC reader, it is generally necessary for the card to include ferrite to limit electromagnetic interference resulting from the metal part.Without a ferrite, even if a metal smart card is correctly oriented relative to an external NFC reader, it is generally not possible to properly exchange RF communications between the card and the NFC reader, making any transaction impossible (or at least difficult).

[0067] The invention proposes to overcome in particular the drawbacks and problems mentioned above. To do this, the invention relates to a smart card comprising a metal layer and a particular antenna structure comprising two RF antennas, namely a first RF antenna electrically connected to an RF chip of the card, and a second RF antenna extending partly opposite the metal layer to collect an image current induced by eddy currents circulating in the metal layer when the card is subjected to an electromagnetic field. A portion of the second RF antenna is further configured to allow magnetic coupling between the first RF antenna and the second RF antenna.To do this, the metal layer comprises a recess area, the first RF antenna being positioned in or opposite this recess area, and a portion of the second RF antenna is positioned opposite the recess area to allow the establishment of magnetic coupling between the two RF antennas. By establishing such coupling through the recess area, the RF chip of the card can thus use the second RF antenna to communicate without contact with the outside. At least two slots are further provided in the metal layer to facilitate magnetic coupling between the two RF antennas regardless of the operating conditions of the card.

[0068] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a smart card comprising a smart card comprising a card body of generally rectangular shape formed at least in part by a metal layer comprising a recess area, an RF chip, a first RF antenna arranged in or facing the recess area, said first RF antenna being electrically connected to the RF chip, the metal layer metal sheet being constituted by a first region and a second region entirely delimited by a straight line parallel to a short side of the card, the first region entirely containing the recess area and its surface being smaller than that of the second region, a first slot connecting the recess area to a peripheral edge of the first region, a second slot opening either on a peripheral edge of the metal layer or in the recess area, the second slot terminating in a closed part in the second region; and a second RF antenna electrically insulated from the metal layer and from the first RF antenna and configured to allow coupling with the first antenna, the second antenna comprising at least one turn facing the first slot and at least one turn facing the second slot.

[0069] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such smart cards. Particular embodiments, as well as other aspects of the invention, are described in more detail below.

[0070] In the present disclosure, examples of implementations of the invention are described in relation to a “dual” type smart card, i.e. a card with a dual communication interface, having the capacity to communicate both in contact mode (via external contacts) and in contactless mode (via an RF antenna structure). It will be noted, however, that the invention can be applied more generally to any smart card configured to communicate in contactless mode, and whether or not it is capable of also operating in contact mode.

[0071] Furthermore, it is considered in the following examples that the smart card is a bank card, such as a payment card for example. This smart card may comply with the ISO 7816 standard and may operate according to the EMV standard, although neither of these aspects is mandatory to implement the invention. More generally, the invention applies to any metal smart card configured to implement a transaction in contactless mode, including EMV cards or smart cards using another transaction standard, for example the NFC standard (according to for example ISO 14443-2, ISO 10373-6, “EMV Contactless Certification”). Generally, the smart card of the invention may be configured to carry out a transaction of any type, such as banking transactions (payment, transfer, debit transactions, etc.), authentication transactions, etc.

[0072] Unless otherwise indicated, elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common or similar elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.

[0073] The terms “first(s)”, “second(s)”, etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to enable identification and distinction of different elements (such as keys, devices, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below.

[0074] [Fig.l] represents a metallic smart card CD1 configured to communicate in contactless mode with the outside, for example with an external NFC reader (or reader). The smart card CD1 comprises an RF chip 4, a card body 6 and two RF antennas (or at least two RF antennas), namely a first RF antenna ANT1 and a second RF antenna ANT2. The RF chip 4 as well as the two RF antennas ANT1 and ANT2 are positioned on or in the card body 6.

[0075] The card body 6 is formed at least in part (or comprises) a metal layer 8. This metal layer 8 may be made of a single metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum for example, or of an alloy of several different metals. The metal layer 8 may comprise a plurality of metal sub-layers. According to a particular example, the card body 6, and more generally the smart card CD1, is devoid of ferrite, which makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of the card.

[0076] The smart card is generally rectangular in shape (the corners being slightly rounded). In the examples considered here, the card body 6 is in the ID1 format of a credit card, although other shapes are possible for implementing the invention.

[0077] The RF chip 4 is an electronic chip configured to establish contactless communication with the external NFC reader using the RF antennas ANT1 and ANT2, as described below. To do this, the RF chip 4 is electronically connected to the first RF antenna ANT1 but the second RF antenna ANT2 is electrically isolated from the RF chip 4 and the first RF antenna ANT1.

[0078] The antennas ANT1 and ANT2 are partly opposite each other to allow magnetic coupling by induction between these two antennas and thus allow the RF chip 4 to use the second RF antenna ANT2 to establish contactless communication C1 with the external NFC reader, as described in more detail below.

[0079] The RF chip 4 may comprise, for example, a microcontroller (or a processor) configured to establish contactless communication with the exterior of the smart card CD1 (with the external NFC reader in this example) using the first and second RF antennas ANT1, ANT2 coupled together by magnetic induction.

[0080] By way of illustration, [Fig.2] represents only the metal layer 8 according to one embodiment.

[0081] In this example, the metal layer 8 comprises a recess zone 14 opening onto a peripheral edge (or contour) 8a of the metal layer 8. The recess zone 14 is a through opening (or zone) formed in the metal layer metal layer 8 to allow the first RF antenna ANT1 to be positioned opposite a part of the second RF antenna ANT2 as described below. The shape and dimensions of this recess area 14 can be adapted as appropriate. For example, the recess area 14 provided in the metal layer 8 is rectangular.

[0082] In the present application, and as shown in [Fig.2], it is considered that the metal layer is constituted by two regions RI, R2 delimited by a straight line LIM parallel to a short side of the card, the first region RI entirely containing the recess zone 14 and its surface being smaller than that of the second region R2.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the line LIM is tangent to the recess area 14 on its side closest to the center of the smart card.

[0084] In the example shown in [Fig.2], the metal layer 8 comprises a first slot F1 which connects or joins a peripheral edge 8a of the first region RI with the recess zone 14. In other words, the recess zone 14 emerges (or opens out) onto the peripheral edge 8a via this first slot F1. This first slot F1 is characterized by a distance d1 separating two opposite peripheral edges of the metal layer 8, the value of this distance d1 being able to vary according to the case.

[0085] The position of the recess area 14 in the metal layer 8 may vary depending on the case. According to the particular example shown in [Fig.2], the recess area 14 is positioned in the vicinity of a peripheral edge 8a of the metal layer 8, which makes it possible to ensure efficient magnetic coupling FL1 between the RF antennas ANT1 and ANT2, as explained in more detail below.

[0086] Other implementations are however possible, in which for example the recess area 14 is positioned in the center (or substantially in the center) of the metal layer 8, it being understood that this recess area 14 is always configured to open onto (or be connected to) a peripheral edge 8a of the metal layer 8 via a first slot FL

[0087] This recess area 14 corresponds approximately to the reception area of the module, this reception area being specified by the standards so that the terminals can connect the contacts of a module 2 described below.

[0088] In one embodiment, the conductive turns of the first RF antenna ANT1 extend in the form of a winding around the RF chip 4 in the recess area 14. This arrangement makes it possible to position the RF chip 4 as close as possible to the first RF antenna ANT1 and thus to limit the manufacturing complexity of the smart card CD1, in particular the electrical connection between the RF chip 4 and the first antenna ANT1.

[0089] Particular embodiments are now considered in which the layer metallic 8 comprises a recess area 14 according to the configuration illustrated in [Fig.2],

[0090] In particular, [Fig.3] schematically represents an exploded sectional view of the CD1 smart card and [Fig.4] schematically represents a detailed sectional view of the CD1 smart card, according to at least one particular embodiment.

[0091] As shown in [Fig.3], it is considered that the RF chip 4 is included (or embedded) in an electronic module 2, the latter being inserted into the card body 6. The electronic module 2 is for example positioned in a cavity 5 formed on the upper face of the card body 6. To do this, the recess area 14 comprises an electrically insulating material 9 in which the cavity 5 is formed to accommodate the electronic module 2. Thus, the RF chip 4 is positioned in the recess area 14 (or, alternatively, opposite and above the recess area 14). Note, however, that various arrangements of the RF chip 4 are possible. Variants are in particular possible in which the RF chip 4 is not arranged in, or opposite, the recess area 14.

[0092] According to an alternative embodiment, the RF chip 4 (with or without the electronic module 2) is positioned on (or opposite) the metal layer 8. To this end, an insulating material can be placed between the RF chip 4 and the metal layer to ensure electrical insulation.

[0093] In the example of [Fig.3], the electronic module 2 has on its face su upper surface of the external CTI contacts (or contact pads) configured to allow contact communication between the RF chip 4 and an external NFC reader provided for this purpose (for example with the NFC reader). More particularly, the electronic module 2 may comprise a printed circuit (or PCB for "Printed Circuit Board") comprising on its upper surface the external CTI contacts and on its lower surface the RF chip 4. The external CRI contacts are metal areas designed to accommodate connection pins of an external NFC reader. These external CTI contacts may comply with the ISO 7816 standard, although other examples are possible. The electronic module 2 is arranged in the smart card CD1 so that its external CTI contacts are accessible from the upper surface of the card body 6 to allow the RF chip 4 to communicate by contact with an external NFC reader.

[0094] As already indicated, embodiments are also possible without such external CTL contacts. Furthermore, the integration of the RF chip 4 into the electronic module 2 as shown in the figures is not obligatory, other arrangements of the RF chip 4 being possible without such a module.

[0095] In the example of [Fig.3], the RF chip 4 is arranged in the recess area 14. According to a variant, the first RF antenna ANT1 is arranged outside the zone recess 14, namely opposite the recess area 14 (in alignment above it). The recess area 14 is thus interposed between the first and second RF antennas ANT1 and ANT2 to allow CL1 coupling by magnetic induction between said first and second antennas ANT1 and ANT2.

[0096] The RF chip 4, and more generally the electronic module 2, can be arranged in the insulating layer 9 (commonly called “inlay”). This configuration makes it easier to mount the RF chip 4 and the first RF antenna ANT1 in the card body 6.

[0097] As shown in [Fig.4], the card body 6 comprises at least one external insulating layer 12 provided on the lower face 10b of the insulating layer 10 so as to cover and protect the second RF antenna ANT2. At least one protective insulating layer may also be provided if necessary on the upper face of the card body.

[0098] Each of the RF antennas ANT1, ANT2 comprises at least one electrically conductive turn so as to allow exchanges of RF signals between the smart card CD1 and the outside. The RF antennas ANT1 and ANT2 may each consist, for example, of an electrically conductive track, wire or member forming one or more conductive turns. In the present case, it is considered that the first and second RF antennas ANT1, ANT2 each comprise a plurality of conductive turns. Various manufacturing techniques (wire, deposition, etching) well known per se may be used to produce these RF antennas. The physical characteristics (shape / size of the intersection, length of the antenna, number of turns, material, etc.) of the RF antennas ANT1 and ANT2 may be adapted on a case-by-case basis in order in particular to allow wireless communications at the desired frequencies (or frequency ranges).

[0099] More precisely, as shown in [Fig.3], the first RF antenna ANT1 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive turns - called "first" conductive turns - arranged in the recess area 14. In this particular case, the size of the RF antenna ANT1 is therefore limited to the extent that its first conductive turns are contained in the recess area.

[0100] Furthermore, the second RF antenna ANT2 is electrically isolated from the metal layer 8 and from the first RF antenna ANT1. This isolation can be ensured in different ways depending on the case. For example, it is considered that the card body 6 comprises an electrically insulating layer 10 (which can be commonly called “inlay” which means “inner layer” in English) interposed between the second RF antenna ANT2 on the one hand, and the metal layer 8 and the recess zone 14 on the other hand. The insulating layer 10 is located in particular at the interface between the second antenna ANT2 and the insulating material 9 in which the first RF antenna ANT1 extends.

[0101] As illustrated in [Fig.9], and for ease of description, the second RF antenna ANT2 is considered to comprise at least three antenna parts, namely a first antenna part ANT2a, a second antenna part ANT2b, and a third antenna part ANT2c which are electrically connected to each other.

[0102] More precisely, the first and second antenna parts ANT2a and ANT2b comprise a plurality of electrically conductive turns, which extend opposite (or facing) the metal layer 8 to collect an image current induced by eddy currents II circulating in the metal layer 8 when the latter is subjected to an incident magnetic field.

[0103] More precisely and as explained in detail below, the first antenna part ANT2a (respectively the second antenna part ANT2b) is arranged to efficiently collect the eddy currents circulating in the metal layer when the smart card CD1 is centered relative to the antenna of the NFC reader (respectively in an off-center position relative to the antenna of the NFC reader).

[0104] In this document, it will be considered that the card is centered relative to the antenna of the NFC reader when the entire surface of the card is exposed to a uniform magnetic field of maximum intensity generated by the antenna of the NFC reader.

[0105] As shown in [Fig.4], in at least one embodiment, the RF chip 4 is electrically connected to the first RF antenna ANT1. In the example considered here, the electrical connection is ensured via connection pads (or pads) 16a and 16b of the electronic module 2, these pads being connected respectively to connection pads (or pads) 18a and 18b provided for this purpose in the recess area 14 (in the insulating material 9 in this example). The connection pads 18a and 18b are in turn connected respectively to the two ends of the first RF antenna ANT1. Other ways of connecting the RF chip 4 with the first RF antenna ANT1 are however conceivable.

[0106] Various configurations of the second RF antenna ANT2 are possible. According to a preferred embodiment, the third antenna part ANT2c extends exclusively opposite the recess zone 14. In other words, this third antenna part ANT2c, formed of a plurality of conductive turns, is arranged opposite the recess zone 14 so that it does not extend opposite the metal layer 8. In particular, the third antenna part ANT2c does not overlap (or does not cover) the metal layer 8 at the periphery of the recess zone 14, which makes it possible to optimize the flux of the magnetic field to which the third antenna part ANT2b and the first RF antenna ANT1 are subjected. Although it is not desirable for a portion of the third antenna part ANT2c to extend opposite the metal layer 8, a certain tolerance can be accepted in certain cases.

[0107] [Fig. 5] illustrates in hatched form, for a particular embodiment of the invention, a privileged zone ZC for exploiting the eddy currents which circulate on the metal layer 8 when the smart card is exposed to a magnetic field under determined conditions, this privileged zone ZC being included in the region R2 of the metal layer 8.

[0108] This [Fig.5] is placed, simply for illustrative purposes, in the particular context of the operational conditions defined by the international organization EMVCo and recalled previously with reference to [Fig. 14].

[0109] In a known manner, when a metal surface is subjected to a magnetic field, this magnetic field induces on this surface eddy currents which circulate in a closed loop, the dominant loops being such that they maximize the surface of these loops opposite the magnetic field of maximum intensity.

[0110] Thus when a metal layer is subjected to a uniform magnetic field over the entire surface of the card, the dominant loop of the eddy currents induced by the incident magnetic field follows the contour of the card.

[0111] On the other hand, assuming that the reader has a circular antenna and that it produces a uniform magnetic field, as soon as the metal surface is no longer entirely facing a uniform field, the dominant loop no longer follows the contours of the card, but maximizes the surface area of this loop in direct view with the magnetic field of maximum intensity.

[0112] In other words, as a first approximation, the dominant loop delimits the projection of this field onto the surface of the map.

[0113] In one embodiment of the invention, the preferred zone ZC for exploiting eddy currents may be an area of the surface of the card which is subjected to a uniform magnetic field of maximum intensity regardless of the operational conditions of the card.

[0114] For example, in [Fig.5] a smart card in ID1 format is shown (length L of 85.6mm and a width 1 of 54.0mm), C the center of the card, subsequently assimilated to the center of the metal layer 8, and a zone ZC of exploitability of the eddy currents constituted by a disk of center C and radius r of 2.5 cm.

[0115] The inventors have determined that whatever the position of the center C of the card in the operational volume defined by the EMVCo organization, such a privileged zone of exploitability ZC (disc of radius 25 mm in the center of the card) is entirely included in an electromagnetic field generated by the antenna of the NFC reader of sufficient intensity so that eddy currents circulating in this zone can be exploited by the invention.

[0116] In [Fig.6], a circle CHR delimiting a magnetic field is represented maximum intensity generated by an NFC reader. This figure assumes an antenna of perfectly circular and rotationally symmetrical NFC reader.

[0117] In this figure the center C of the smart card CD1 is located at the center of the circle CHR.

[0118] In [Fig.7], the smart card CD1 is shown, the center C of the smart card CP being offset by 25 mm from the center of the CHR circle; this offset of 25 mm corresponding to the maximum offset of the card in the operational volume defined by EMVCo (point 6 of [Fig. 14]).

[0119] The inventors have noted that the eddy current usability zone ZC shown in [Fig.7] (disc of radius 25mm centered on the card) is located entirely within the maximum intensity CHR field of the NFC reader, in particular for the maximum offset (point 6) of the card in the operational volume defined by EMVCo, and therefore for any position of the card in the determined operational conditions.

[0120] The invention can be used in contexts other than that of the EMVCo standard.

[0121] Generally speaking, the eddy current exploitability zone ZC used in the invention can be defined so that for this zone ZC it is located entirely in a magnetic field of maximum intensity, whatever the position of the card under predetermined operational conditions.

[0122] In Figures 8A to 8D, four examples show a metal layer 8 comprising: (i) a recess area 14 connected by a first slot F1 to the edge 8a corresponding to the small side of the metal layer 8 closest to the recess area; and (ii) a slot F2, remarkable in that it opens either onto an edge of the metal layer 8, or into the recess zone 14 and in that it comprises a closed end located in the second region R2 of the metal layer, and in the examples of figures 8A to 8C more precisely in a privileged zone ZC of exploitability of the eddy currents.

[0123] In these figures 8A to 8D, the symbol FL1 represents the direction of the magnetic field of the NFC reader. This magnetic field generates eddy current loops on the metal layer 8. For the sake of simplicity, only two loops B1, B2 have been shown, including a dominant loop BL

[0124] In the four examples, the slots F1 and F2 are thus arranged to allow the magnetic field generated by a smart card reader to pass through and to be traversed by a current which is the image of a current circulating in a loop of an eddy current circulating on the metal layer 8.

[0125] These slots F2 make it possible to orient the eddy currents so that they are in phase with the magnetic flux coming from the terminal around the slot, and so that the eddy currents around the slot do not oppose this magnetic flux.

[0126] In [Fig.9] in addition to the metal layer 8, an antenna ANT2 (second antenna within the meaning of the invention) ANT2 is shown implemented on a plastic layer not shown.

[0127] In this figure, this antenna is represented in three parts, hereinafter called first antenna part ANT2a, second antenna part ANT2b and third antenna part ANT2c.

[0128] The antenna ANT2 is configured so that the current flows in the same direction in the first, second and third antenna parts ANT2a, ANT2b, ANT2c.

[0129] In the embodiment of [Fig.9], the first antenna part ANT2a is the most peripheral part. It is arranged opposite the metal layer 8 and extends along the four edges of the metal layer 8. It comprises at least one turn which overlaps the first slot F1.

[0130] In the embodiment of [Fig.9], the second antenna part ANT2b is connected to the first antenna part ANT2a. The second antenna part ANT2b is remarkable in that it is arranged opposite the second region R2 of the metal layer 8 and that it has at least one turn opposite the second slot.

[0131] Thus, at least one turn of the antenna ANT2b is capable of capturing an image current induced by a current circulating in a main loop of an eddy current generated by an incident magnetic field in the operational conditions of the smart card, when this loop is located in the second region R2.

[0132] In the embodiment of [Fig.9], the third antenna part ANT2c terminates the second antenna ANT2. This is the part of the antenna ANT2 which does not overlap with the metal layer 8 but which overlaps with at least a part of the recess zone 14.

[0133] [Fig. 10] represents a smart card CD1 according to an embodiment of the invention. It comprises in particular a first antenna ANT1 electrically connected to an RF chip, a second antenna ANT2 and a metal layer 8.

[0134] The metal layer 8 comprising a recess zone 14 or cavity whose size is at least equal to the size of the dielectric substrate which accommodates the first antenna ANT1, the first antenna ANT1 being arranged in or opposite the recess zone, such that the first antenna ANT1 does not overlap the metal layer 8.

[0135] In the embodiment of [Fig.10], the first antenna ANT1 is implemented on the substrate carrying a contact plate. Alternatively, the first antenna ANT1 may be hosted by another dielectric substrate placed in the recess area 14 and connected to the contact plate module, carrying the RF chip, by an ACF connection.

[0136] In the embodiment of [Fig. 10], the recess zone 14 opens onto a peripheral edge 8a of the metal layer. For this purpose, the recess zone is connected to the peripheral edge 8a of the metal layer by a first slot F1 which extends from the recess zone towards the edge 8a of the metal layer 8.

[0137] In the embodiment of [Fig. 10], a second slot F2 extends from the recess area 14 towards the interior (or central area) of the metal layer. This second slot is closed and its end is located in the second region R2.

[0138] In the embodiment described here, the second antenna ANT2 is electrically isolated from the metal layer 8 by means of a dielectric insulation layer.

[0139] We can consider that the second antenna ANT2 comprises three parts ANT2a, ANT2b and ANT2c, the current flowing in the same direction in these three antenna parts.

[0140] As illustrated [Fig.9], the first antenna part ANT2a is the most peripheral part. It is arranged opposite the metal layer 8 and extends along the four edges of the metal layer 8. It overlaps the slot Fl.

[0141] As illustrated [Fig.9], the second antenna portion ANT2b is connected to the first antenna portion ANT2a. The second antenna portion ANT2b is arranged opposite the metal layer 8 and at least one turn overlaps the slot F2 in the second region R2.

[0142] As illustrated in [Fig.9], the third antenna portion ANT2c terminates the second antenna ANT2. The third antenna portion ANT2c does not overlap with the metal layer 8 but it overlaps with at least a portion of the recess area 14.

[0143] As described in detail below, the third antenna part ANT2c provides inductive coupling between the second antenna ANT2 and the first antenna ANT1.

[0144] In the embodiment described here, the card CD1 comprises a capacitive element CPI connected in parallel to the second antenna ANT2. In the embodiment described here, the capacitive element CPI is a parallel plate capacitor. Other implementations may be used. The capacitive element CPI may be implemented as a discrete capacitive component.

[0145] In the example described here, the capacitive component CPI is arranged in the insulating layer 10 or on the lower face 10b of this insulating layer 10. Once the magnetic coupling CL1 has been established, the RF antennas ANT1 and ANT2 are connected in parallel with the capacitive component CPI. This capacitive component CPI thus forms with the RF antennas ANT1 and ANT2 an RLC circuit making it possible to adapt the resonance frequency of the second RF antenna ANT2 so that it is for example equal to 13.56 MHz, which allows communication Cl in contactless mode of the RFID type with an RFID reader (for example according to the ISO 14443 / ISO 10373 standard, in particular the current version ISO / IEC 10373-6:2020 or any of the previous versions, or any later version).

[0146] The CPI capacitive component may be of the interdigital type and comprises two opposing sets of conductive fingers intermingled with each other, although other forms of capacitor are possible (parallel plate capacitor, discrete surface-mounted capacitor, parallel wire capacitor, etc.).

[0147] For example, a first end of the third antenna part ANT2c is connected via a first connection with the capacitive component CPI and a second end of the third antenna part ANT2c is connected via a second connection with a first end of the first antenna part ANT2a. Furthermore, the capacitive component CPI is connected via a third connection with a second end of the first antenna part ANT2a.

[0148] The examples of slots F2 shown in Figures 8 are only non-limiting examples. Any slot opening either into the cavity 14 or onto an edge of the card and ending with a closed end in the second region R2, preferably in a privileged zone ZC for exploiting eddy currents, can be used in the context of the invention.

[0149] [Fig. 11] illustrates the operation of the smart card of [Fig. 10] when it is centered relative to the antenna of the NFC reader, in other words when the surface of the card is exposed to a uniform magnetic field FL1 generated by the reader.

[0150] Under the effect of the magnetic field FL1, eddy currents - generally denoted II - are generated in the metal layer 8. These eddy currents II circulate in the form of closed current loops on the surface of the metal layer 8. These eddy currents form on the metal layer 8 in closed loops in a direction such that they create a magnetic field opposite to the incident magnetic field.

[0151] In the example of [Fig. 11], the eddy currents flow in a clockwise direction.

[0152] Assuming that the entire surface of the card is exposed to a uniform magnetic field and as in the case illustrated in [Fig. 11], the dominant loop B1 of the eddy currents follows the peripheral contour of the metal layer 8. For purely illustrative purposes, two other secondary loops B2 and B3 are shown.

[0153] In a manner known to those skilled in the art, the eddy currents, circulating in a clockwise direction, induce an image current I2a which circulates in the first antenna part ANT2 in a counterclockwise direction.

[0154] As shown in [Fig.l 1], we note 11a eddy currents - called first eddy currents - corresponding to dominant loops circulating on the surface of the metal layer 8 in the vicinity of the peripheral contour of said metal layer 8. We note 11b eddy currents - called second eddy currents Foucault - corresponding to secondary loops circulating on the surface of the metallic layer 8 in the vicinity of the peripheral contour of the recess zone 14.

[0155] Since the eddy currents circulate in closed loops, the eddy currents Ilb are in reality the continuity of the eddy currents 11a in the vicinity of the peripheral contour of the recess zone 14. As appears from [Fig. 11], the second eddy currents Ilb circulate, in the vicinity of the second antenna part ANT2b, in a direction of rotation (or direction of circulation) opposite to that of the first eddy currents 11a circulating in the vicinity of the peripheral contour of the metal layer 8. By way of example, it is considered in this example that the first and second eddy currents 11a, Ilb circulate in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions respectively, an inverse configuration being however possible depending on the orientation of the magnetic field FL1 considered.The circulation in opposite directions of the eddy currents 11a and 11b results in particular from the continuity of the eddy currents mentioned above, as well as from the presence of the recess zone 14 which is connected in this example by the connection slot F1 to the peripheral contour 8a of the metal layer 8.

[0156] Consequently, the current I2 flowing in the second RF antenna ANT2 is an induced current resulting from two components, namely: an image current I2a induced by the first eddy currents II flowing on the surface of the metal layer 8 in the vicinity of the first antenna part ANT2a; and a current I2b which is induced directly in the third antenna part ANT2c by the incident magnetic field FL1 through the recess area 14 (I2 = I2a + I2b). The very structure of the smart card CD1 is designed to lead to this double contribution of the induced currents I2a and I2b to collect in the second RF antenna an overall induced current I2 as large as possible.

[0157] More precisely, the first antenna part ANT2a extending opposite the metal layer 8 collects an image current I2a induced by the first eddy currents 11a circulating on the surface of the metal layer 8 under the effect of the magnetic field FL1 when the smart card CD1 is centered with the antenna of the NFC reader.

[0158] These first eddy currents 11a correspond to dominant loops circulating on the surface of the metal layer 8 in the vicinity of the turns of the first antenna part ANT2a. As already indicated, the first antenna part ANT2a may preferably extend opposite a peripheral zone (or band) of the metal layer 8 to collect a maximum of energy generated by the dominant loops of the eddy currents. The first eddy currents 11a circulating in the vicinity of the first antenna part ANT1a (in this example at the periphery of the metal layer 8) produce an effect which opposes the incident magnetic field FL1. The induced current I2a collected in the turns of the first antenna part ANT2a is itself a reaction effect to the first eddy currents 11a.

[0159] Thus, the image current I2a induced by the first eddy currents 11a is routed by electrical conduction to the third antenna part ANT2c, due to the electrical continuity between the first, second and third antenna parts ANT2a, ANT2b, ANT2c which are connected together.

[0160] The image current I2a thus circulates in the turns of the third part of antenna ANT2c positioned opposite the recess zone 14.

[0161] As illustrated in [Fig. 11], the image current I2a flows in the same direction of rotation (or same direction of circulation) in the turns of the first, second and third antenna parts ANT2a, ANT2b and ANT2c, namely in the counterclockwise direction in this example. However, due to the presence in the metal layer 8 of the recess zone 14 connected via the connection slot F1 to the peripheral edge 8a, the second eddy currents I1b (secondary loops) flow in the vicinity of the recess zone 14, on the surface of the metal layer 8, in a direction of rotation (or direction of circulation) opposite to that of the first eddy currents I2a flowing at the periphery of the metal layer 8. For example, the second eddy currents I1b flow here in the counterclockwise direction while the first eddy currents I1a flow in the clockwise direction.Also, the second eddy currents Ilb circulating on the periphery of the recess zone 14 do not oppose the magnetic field crossing the slot and contribute to amplifying the image current 11a circulating in the turns of the third part of the antenna ANT2c.

[0162] Furthermore, the effect of the second slot F2 is to push the dominant eddy current loop towards the second part ANT2b of the second antenna ANT2, which increases the energy coupling between the eddy currents of the metal layer 8 and the second antenna part ANT2b in the vicinity of the second slot F2.

[0163] As already indicated, the third antenna part ANT2c further collects in its turns a current I2b which is induced directly by the incident magnetic field FL1 picked up at the recess area 14 by the third antenna part ANT2c. In this example, the magnetic field FL1 is directed from the upper face of the smart card CD1 towards its lower face. Also, the current component I2b induced in the second antenna part ANT2b also flows counterclockwise and is therefore added to the image current I2a. Since the two current components I2a and I2b flow in the same direction (in-phase components) in the second antenna ANT2, they add up to contribute together to the generation of the overall induced current I2 flowing in the second antenna ANT2.

[0164] The overall current I2 flowing in the third antenna part ANT2c in turn induces a magnetic field causing a magnetic coupling CL1 between the first RF antenna ANT1 and the third RF antenna part ANT2c, and therefore a fortiori between the first RF antenna ANT1 and the second RF antenna ANT2. The combined action of the image current I2a conveyed from the first antenna part ANT2a on the one hand, and of the current I2b induced by the magnetic field FL1 at the recess area 14 in the third antenna part ANT2c on the other hand, makes it possible to maximize the amount of energy collected in the second RF antenna ANT2 from the magnetic field FL1, and therefore to guarantee an efficient magnetic coupling CL1 between the two RF antennas ANT1, ANT2, which makes it possible to deliver a maximum of energy to the RF chip 4 connected to the first RF antenna ANT1.

[0165] The third antenna part ANT2c thus contributes to amplifying the energy harvesting because it also includes an electric current component directly induced by the incident magnetic field of the NFC reader. The fact that the current flows in the same direction in the three parts of the antenna ANT2 increases the energy transfer (harvested both by the eddy currents on the surface of the metal layer 8 combined with that harvested directly induced by the incident magnetic flux through the area of the cavity 14) by coupling to the first antenna ANT1 and therefore to the RF chip 4.

[0166] Returning to [Fig.8A] for example, when the card CD1 is off-center relative to the NFC reader, the dominant loop B1 circulates in the second region R2 in a clockwise direction in a closed loop along the edges 8b, 8c, 8d of the metal layer 8, this loop crossing the metal layer from edge 8d to edge 8b along a path which maximizes the surface area of this loop in direct view with the maximum intensity magnetic field.

[0167] As explained with reference to [Fig.9], the second antenna part ANT2b is arranged so that at least one of its turns overlaps the slot F2 in the second region F2, preferably in a privileged zone ZC of exploitability of the eddy currents ZC.

[0168] The antenna ANT2b is thus able to capture an image current induced by a current circulating in the dominant loop B1 of the eddy current induced by the magnetic field when the card is off-center, the dominant loop B1 being deflected by the slot F2, opposite at least one turn of the second part ANT2b (and possibly opposite or close to at least one turn of the first antenna part ANT2a).

[0169] In operation, under the effect of the magnetic field FL1 to which the chip card CD1 is subjected, the RF chip 4 is thus capable of using the second RF antenna ANT2 coupled with the first RF antenna ANT1 to communicate with the reader. External NFC (in particular to exchange RF signals in transmission and / or reception with the NFC reader) regardless of the position of the card in relation to the NFC reader under determined operational conditions.

[0170] When a user presents the smart card CD1 in the vicinity of the NFC reader, contactless communication can thus be established between the NFC reader and the smart card CD1, regardless of the position and orientation of the latter with respect to the NFC reader, the current induced by the dominant loops of the eddy currents being collected either by the first antenna part ANT2a, or by the second antenna part ANT2b depending on whether the card is centered or offset relative to the reader, within the limits of the operational conditions of the card.

[0171] As already indicated, various arrangements of the smart card CD1 can be envisaged, in particular with regard to the configuration of shape, dimensions, position, etc. of the recess area 14 and the slots F1 and F2.

[0172] [Fig. 12] illustrates another smart card according to the invention. In this embodiment, the second slot F2 opens onto an edge opposite the edge 8a into which the first slot FL opens.

[0173] In this embodiment of the invention, the second antenna ANT2 comprises a fourth part ANT2d around the recess zone 14 and connecting the turns of the second part ANT2b to that of the third part ANT2c of the second antenna ANT2. The fourth antenna part ANT2d is in direct superposition with the conductor of the metal layer 8 and is also electrically insulated from this metal layer like the first and second antenna parts ANT2a, ANT2b.

[0174] These four antenna parts are arranged so that the current flows in the same direction in these four parts.

[0175] As detailed previously, the circle CHR represents the contour delimiting the region / zone of maximum intensity of the magnetic field of the NFC reader, in the plane of the card, where the field can be considered as approximately uniform.

[0176] [Fig. 12] illustrates a situation in which the NFC card is placed offset from the center of the circle CHR, so that the recess area 14, the third and fourth antenna parts ANT2c and ANT2d are outside this region of maximum magnetic field.

[0177] The slot F2 opens onto an edge of the card and ends with a closed part in a second region R2 of the metal layer.

[0178] This slot F2 is thus arranged to deflect the dominant loops of the eddy current towards the zone ZC for exploitation of the eddy currents opposite which at least one turn of the second antenna ANT2b extends.

[0179] In the embodiment described herein, the depth of the slot F2 according to the dimension longitudinal of the smart card is chosen to be at least equal to or close to the distance of the adjacent turns of the antenna ANT2b relative to the edge of the metal layer on which the slot F2 opens.

[0180] Furthermore, and as shown in the detail area of [Fig. 12], the slot F2 also allows the incident magnetic field of the reader to pass through the metal layer 8 while being in phase with the electric current induced in the turns of the second antenna ANT2b. As explained previously, the current in the second antenna ANT2b has components: (i) a first component corresponding to the image current captured by the second antenna ANT2b; and (ii) a second component created by magnetic induction through the opening of the slot F2 in the part of the antenna wires of the second antenna ANT2b which overlap the slot F2.

[0181] [Fig. 13] schematically represents a method for manufacturing one of the chip cards CD1 described above, according to at least one particular embodiment. During a supply step S2, a card body 6 is formed (or supplied) comprising a metal layer 8 as previously described. In particular, this card body 6 is formed at least in part by a metal layer 8, this metal layer 8 comprising a recessed area 14.

[0182] It is considered that the metal layer 8 is constituted by a first region RI and a second region R2 entirely delimited by a straight line LIM parallel to a short side of the card CD1, the first region RI entirely containing the recess zone 14, its surface being smaller than that of the second region R2.

[0183] The metal layer comprises a first slot F1 which connects the recess area to a peripheral edge 8a of the metal layer and a second slot F2 opening either onto a peripheral edge of the metal layer or into the recess area 14, the second slot F2 ending in a part closed by the second region R2.

[0184] During a forming step S4, a first RF antenna ANT1 is formed (or assembled) on or in the card body 6 in or opposite the recess area 14 of the metal layer 8, as already described.

[0185] During an assembly step S6, an RF chip 4 is assembled with the card body 6 such that the RF chip 4 is electrically connected to the first RF antenna, as previously described.

[0186] During a forming step S8, a second RF antenna ANT2 is formed (or assembled) on or in the card body 6 so that the second RF antenna ANT2 is electrically isolated from the metal layer 8 and from the first RF antenna ANT1, as already described. In particular, the forming step S8 is carried out so that the second RF antenna is intended to allow coupling with the first antenna, the second antenna comprising at least one turn located opposite the first slot F1 and at least one turn located opposite the second slot F2.

[0187] A person skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments and variants described above constitute only non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention. In particular, a person skilled in the art may envisage any adaptation or combination of the embodiments and variants described above, in order to meet a very specific need in accordance with the claims presented below.

Claims

1. Claims Smart card including: - a rectangular card body formed at least in part by a metal layer (8) comprising a recess area; - an RF chip; - a first RF antenna disposed in or facing the recess area and electrically connected to the RF chip; said metal layer being constituted by a first region and a second region delimited by a straight line (LIM) parallel to a short side of the card, the first region containing the recess zone (14), - a first slot (Fl) connecting the recess zone to a peripheral edge of the first region (RI); - a second slot (F2) opening either onto a peripheral edge of the metal layer (8) or into the recess area, the second slot ending in a closed portion in the second region; and - a second RF antenna electrically insulated from the metal layer and from the first RF antenna and configured to allow coupling with the first antenna, the second antenna comprising at least one turn located opposite the first slot (F1) and at least one turn located opposite said second slot (F2), in which the second RF antenna (ANT2) comprises: - a first antenna part (ANT2a) extending opposite a peripheral zone of the metal layer (8), at least one turn of said first antenna part (ANT2a) extending opposite the first slot (Fl); - a second antenna part (ANT2b) connected to the first antenna part (ANT2a) and arranged at least partly opposite the second region (R2) of the metal layer (8), at least one turn of said second antenna part (ANT2b) extending opposite the second slot (F2), - a third antenna part (ANT2c), electrically connected to the second antenna part (ANT2a), and extending opposite the recess zone (14) to allow coupling with the first antenna (ANT1); (i) the first antenna portion (AT2a) being configured to collect an image current (I2a) induced by first eddy currents (I1a) flowing on an edge in the metal layer (8) when the card chip is subjected to an electromagnetic field under operational conditions of the chip card (CD1); (ii) the second antenna part (ANT2b) being configured to collect an image current (I2a) induced by eddy currents (lia) flowing in the second region (R2) of the metal layer (8) when the chip card is subjected to an electromagnetic field under so-called unfavorable operational conditions corresponding to only part of said operational conditions, the current flowing in the same direction in said first (ANT2a), second (ANT2b) and third (ANT2c) parts of the second antenna.

2. A smart card according to claim 1, wherein the second adverse operational conditions are conditions in which the card is off-center relative to an antenna of a device generating said electromagnetic field.

3. Smart card according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in which said second region (R2) comprises a privileged zone (ZC) for exploiting eddy currents, said second antenna (ANT2) being located opposite the second slot (F2) at the level of said privileged zone (ZC).

4. Smart card according to claim 3, characterized in that said privileged zone (ZC) for exploiting eddy currents is an area of the surface of the card which is subjected to a uniform magnetic field of maximum intensity whatever the operational conditions of the card.

5. Smart card according to claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said privileged zone (ZC) for exploiting eddy currents is a disc centered on said card and whose radius corresponds to the radius of an operational volume of said card.

6. Smart card according to claim 5, characterized in that the smart card complies with the EMVCo standard, said privileged zone (ZC) for exploiting eddy currents being a disc with a radius of 25 mm centered on said card.

7. Method for manufacturing a smart card (CD1) of generally rectangular shape from a card body (6) formed at least in part by a metal layer (8), said metal layer comprising a recess zone (14), said metal layer (8) being constituted by a first region (RI) and a second region (R2) entirely de- limited by a straight line (LIM) parallel to a short side of the card (CD1), the first region (RI) entirely containing the recess area (14) and its surface being smaller than that of the second region (R2), a first slot (Fl) of the metal layer connecting the recess area (14) to a peripheral edge (8a) of the first region (RI) and a second slot (F2) of the metal layer opening either onto a peripheral edge of the metal layer (8) or into the recess area (14), the second slot (F2) ending in a closed part in the second region (R2), the method comprising: - forming on or in the card body a first RF antenna (ATI) in or opposite the recess area of the metal layer; - assembling an RF chip (4) with the card body such that the RF chip (4) is electrically connected to the first RF antenna; and - forming on or in the card body a second RF antenna (AT2) such that the second RF antenna is electrically insulated from the metal layer and from the first RF antenna, the second antenna being configured to allow coupling with the first antenna, the second antenna comprising at least one turn located opposite the first slot and at least one turn located opposite the second slot the second RF antenna (ANT2) comprising: - a first antenna part (ANT2a) extending opposite a peripheral zone of the metal layer (8), at least one turn of said first antenna part (ANT2a) extending opposite the first slot (Fl); - a second antenna part (ANT2b) connected to the first antenna part (ANT2a) and arranged at least partly opposite the second region (R2) of the metal layer (8), at least one turn of said second antenna part (ANT2b) extending opposite the second slot (F2), - a third antenna part (ANT2c), electrically connected to the second antenna part (ANT2a), and extending opposite the recess zone (14) to allow coupling with the first antenna (ANT1); (i) the first antenna portion (AT2a) being configured to collect an image current (I2a) induced by first eddy currents (I1a) flowing on an edge in the metal layer (8) when the card chip is subjected to an electromagnetic field under operational conditions of the smart card (CD1); (ii) the second antenna part (ANT2b) being configured to collect an image current (I2a) induced by eddy currents (lia) circulating in the second region (R2) of the metal layer (8) when the smart card is subjected to an electromagnetic field under so-called unfavorable operational conditions corresponding to only part of said operational conditions, the current flowing in the same direction in said first (ANT2a), second (ANT2b) and third (ANT2c) parts of the second antenna.

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