Control Module for Secure Hardware Identification in Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile devices lack an additional expansion slot to accommodate hardware-based identification mechanisms securely, as existing solutions like SD card slots and USB ports do not conform to the ISO 7816 specification, and modifying the SIM card for thin film attachments can render it incompatible with standard slots.
Innovation Solution
A Java-based virtual machine with multiple I/O ports is implemented, including a control module with specific I/O ports to interconnect the baseband module, electronic card slot, antenna module, and storage unit, enabling communication between these components using ISO 7816 and UART specifications, allowing for secure and compatible hardware-based identification mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hardware-based identification mechanism is implemented using an external device, then security level is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring an additional expansion slot
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic card slot is designed to serve multiple functions: it can receive both traditional SIM cards for telephony services and hardware-based identification mechanisms (such as bank cards or security tokens) for commercial applications. The control module detects the card type and routes signals appropriately, allowing one physical slot to fulfill multiple identification and communication roles without requiring separate expansion slots.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic card slot is used to receive the hardware-based identification mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but compatibility is worsened because the slot is only configured to communicate with the baseband module
Solution Approach 1:
A control module is introduced as an intermediary between the electronic card slot and various system modules. This control module contains a Java-based virtual machine that can interpret and route commands from hardware-based identification mechanisms to the appropriate target modules (baseband module, application processor, or other ISO 7816-compatible modules). The control module translates between different communication protocols, enabling the single electronic card slot to interface with multiple types of devices using different specifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an SD card slot or USB port is used to receive the hardware-based identification mechanism, then adaptability is improved, but reliability is worsened because the communication specification does not conform to ISO 7816
Solution Approach 1:
The control module dynamically changes communication parameters based on the detected card type. When a hardware-based identification mechanism is inserted, the control module configures the communication interface to use ISO 7816 specification parameters (such as specific voltage levels, baud rates, and protocol handshaking sequences). This allows the system to maintain high reliability for security-critical operations while still accepting various card formats through the same physical slot.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of signal transmission is to be implemented by a control module (30) of an electronic device (100). The control module (30) includes a first input/output (I/O) port (31) to be coupled to an input module, a second I/O port (32) to be coupled to an output module, and a control unit (34). In the method, the control unit (34) is configured to electrically interconnect the first I/O port (31) and the second I/O port (32) such that the input module is able to communicate with the output module, or to open a specific channel and to temporarily stop transmission within other channels, based on a signal or instruction received from the input module.