Integrated Circuit Multi-Interface Control Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit (IC) cards require efficient management of multiple interfaces to ensure smooth operation, particularly in determining whether a host is connected for communication, as existing technologies lack effective methods to deactivate unused interfaces dynamically.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with a control block that includes a CPU, internal clock signal generator, detection circuit, and selection circuits to determine the voltage level of contacts, allowing selective deactivation of interfaces based on the presence of a host, using a detection circuit with a reset signal edge detector, timer, and state detection circuit to manage communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the integrated circuit supports multiple interfaces simultaneously, then the adaptability and versatility of the IC card is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple interfaces and their activation/deactivation states
Solution Approach 1:
The control block determines the voltage level of the second contact at a specific timepoint (first-occurring timepoint between reference timepoint and state transition timepoint) before fully activating the second interface. This preliminary detection prevents premature interface activation and ensures proper sequencing, reducing management complexity while maintaining multi-interface capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic interface activation and deactivation based on detected voltage levels and connection states. The control block selectively activates or deactivates the second interface according to real-time detection results, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than maintaining all interfaces active simultaneously, thus reducing complexity
2Loss of energy
If the integrated circuit dynamically deactivates unused interfaces, then the loss of energy is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for detection circuits and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit automatically detects the voltage level of the second contact and the control block autonomously determines whether to activate or deactivate the second interface based on this detection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control signals or complex manual management, reducing overall system complexity while achieving energy savings through dynamic interface deactivation
Solution Approach 2:
The control block monitors changes in voltage level parameters at the second contact to determine connection status. By detecting parameter changes (voltage levels) and responding accordingly with interface activation or deactivation, the system achieves energy-efficient operation without requiring complex control logic, as the response is directly tied to the detected parameter state
3Reliability
If the integrated circuit determines connection status at a specific timepoint, then the reliability of interface operation is improved, but the loss of time increases due to the sequencing requirements and detection delays
Solution Approach 1:
The control block performs the voltage level determination at a predetermined first-occurring timepoint between the reference timepoint and the state transition timepoint of the external reset signal. This preliminary action ensures that the connection status is determined before the interface is fully activated, preventing timing conflicts and ensuring reliable operation. The fixed timing sequence minimizes delays by establishing the detection window in advance
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit supporting a first interface and a second interface and an integrated circuit card having the same includes the first interface capable of communicating with a first host, the second interface communicating with a second host, and a control block. The control block activates the second interface when a voltage level of a contact that the second host can be connected is in a first state at a first-occurring timepoint between a reference timepoint and a state transition timepoint of an external reset signal output from the first host, and deactivates the second interface when the voltage level of the contact is in a second state. The integrated circuit card has the integrated circuit built in.