Chip Card Data Loading via External Memory Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for initializing and personalizing portable data carriers, such as chip cards, are time-consuming due to the involvement of microprocessors during data transfer, limiting the ability to initialize or personalize these devices without specialized equipment after manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a microprocessor with both an internal and external memory, where initialization or personalization data is encrypted and transmitted using a high-speed interface like USB directly to the external memory, bypassing the microprocessor, and decryption keys are stored in the internal memory for later use, allowing for rapid and flexible initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is loaded into the internal memory via the microprocessor using the standard ISO 7816-3/4 protocol, then the data carrier can be initialized or personalized, but the process is time-consuming due to the microprocessor being interposed during data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is divided into two independent parts: internal memory for execution and external memory for data storage. The external memory can be accessed directly without going through the microprocessor, while the internal memory is accessed via the microprocessor. This segmentation allows parallel operations and eliminates the bottleneck of sequential data transfer through the microprocessor.
Solution Approach 2:
The external memory acts as an intermediary storage device that can be accessed directly by the data carrier without requiring the microprocessor to be interposed. This intermediary memory interface provides a direct data transfer path, bypassing the slower microprocessor-based ISO 7816-3/4 protocol.
2Productivity
If an external memory is provided on the chip card to bypass the microprocessor, then data can be transferred much faster, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external memory serves multiple functions: it stores initialization data, personalization data, and application data. It can be accessed both directly by the data carrier for fast data transfer and indirectly through the microprocessor for controlled access. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile data storage and access capabilities.
3Productivity
If initialization or personalization is performed by specially designed personalizing stations during manufacturing, then data can be loaded efficiently, but the ability to initialize or personalize without specialized equipment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The data carrier is equipped with its own external memory and microprocessor, enabling it to perform initialization and personalization operations independently. The microprocessor can decrypt data from the external memory and load it into the internal memory without requiring external personalizing station equipment, making the system self-sufficient for field operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Initialization data and personalization data are pre-stored in the external memory in encrypted form during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the data carrier to be ready for immediate use in the field without requiring specialized equipment, as the data is already prepared and can be accessed when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for loading initialization and/or personalization data onto a portable data carrier (1), particularly a chip card. The data carrier (1) used in the invention comprises a microprocessor (2) having an internal memory (3) and an additional external memory (5) connected to the microprocessor via an interface (4). Data may be loaded onto the internal memory (3) by interconnecting the microprocessor (2) via a first interface (6), whereas data may be stored on the external memory (5) via a second high-speed interface (7). It is advantageous for the data transfer to occur via the second interface (7) without interconnecting the microprocessor (2). According to the invention, initialization or personalization data (F, P1, P2) are at least partially loaded onto the external memory (5) via the second interface (7), whereby the write time for loading the data is minimized. Moreover, the initialization or personalization data (F, P1, P2) is stored in an encoded form on the data carrier (1), such that the actual initialization or personalization need not occur in a personalization station upon the production of the data carrier (1), and rather may be conducted at a later time in the field upon the startup of the data carrier (1).