Dual Mode Smart Card Controller Multiplexer Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart card controllers face challenges in supporting multiple standards and revisions simultaneously, often requiring separate circuitry and complex design decisions, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple voltage level shifting modules and signal terminal management.
Innovation Solution
A dual mode smart card controller with a multiplexer module and interface module that selectively couples signals to a common set of ports, allowing for automatic detection and configuration to support both ISO 7816 and USB protocols using shared voltage level shifting and reduced signal terminals, thereby reducing the number of required connections and circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuitry is used to support multiple smart card standards simultaneously, then compatibility with multiple standards is improved, but device complexity and circuitry redundancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface module that can operate with multiple smart card standards (ISO 7816 and USB protocols) through a single shared set of signal terminals. The controller automatically detects the card type and configures the interface accordingly, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuitry for each standard while maintaining full compatibility with both ISO 7816 and USB protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate interface circuits for ISO 7816 and USB protocols into a single integrated interface module. By combining the signal terminals and control logic into one unified structure with automatic detection capabilities, the patent reduces circuitry redundancy while preserving support for multiple standards.
2Reliability
If separate signal terminals are allocated for different smart card standards, then protocol-specific signal requirements are met, but the number of required connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal set of signal terminals that can serve multiple protocols. The same physical terminals are used for both ISO 7816 and USB communications, with the controller dynamically configuring the terminal functions based on detected card type. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated terminals for each protocol while ensuring reliable protocol-specific signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic signal terminal configuration where the function and electrical characteristics of the signal terminals are automatically adjusted based on the detected smart card type. The controller modifies terminal behaviors in real-time to match the requirements of either ISO 7816 or USB protocols, ensuring reliable communication without requiring separate static terminal allocations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple voltage level shifting modules are used to support different signaling voltage levels, then compatibility with different voltage standards is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal voltage level shifting mechanism within the interface module that can adapt to different voltage standards (3V and 1.8V signaling) used by various smart card protocols. Rather than using separate voltage shifting modules for each protocol, the single interface module dynamically configures its voltage level shifting capabilities based on the detected card type, maintaining compatibility across different voltage standards while reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dual mode smart card reader controller, a dual mode smart card (304), and a wireless communication device (400) incorporating one or more of the same are provided. The dual mode smart card reader controller includes a first controller (306) adapted for supporting communications with a first smart card protocol, and a second controller (308) adapted for supporting communications with a second smart card protocol. The dual mode smart card reader controller further includes a multiplexer module (320) having two sets of multiplexed ports (314) that are selectively coupled to a common set of ports, and an interface module (310) coupled to the common set of ports, and adapted to be coupled to signal terminals of a smart card (304). The multiplexer module selectively couples one or more signals received from the smart card via the signal terminals to one of the first controller (306) and the second controller (308). The smart card uses at least one common connection associated with the common set of ports for use with both of the first controller and the second controller.