Integrated SIM and USB Interface for Electronic Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The absence of a USB interface in electronic devices complicates fault repair and testing processes, as existing wireless charging and connectivity technologies do not provide a convenient means for inspection or repair in manufacturing settings.
Innovation Solution
An integrated interface that combines SIM card and USB functionalities, utilizing control and drive chips to selectively enable either SIM card or USB connectivity based on detection signals, allowing for reduced component count and improved internal space utilization, and facilitating USB interface use during inspection or repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless charging and connectivity technologies are integrated to reduce the number of interfaces, then the number of physical interfaces is reduced, but the ease of repair and testing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SIM card interface and USB interface functions into a single integrated interface structure. The integrated interface includes both SIM card slot and USB connector functions, allowing one physical opening to serve dual purposes. This merging reduces the number of physical interfaces while maintaining both SIM card functionality and USB testing/repair capability through software-controlled mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a SIM card interface for mobile network operations, or as a USB interface for data transfer, charging, and factory testing. The interface structure universally accommodates both SIM card insertion and USB connector engagement, with the control chip switching between different operational modes based on detection signals from inserted components.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate interfaces (SIM card and USB) are provided, then the ease of operation for different functions is improved, but the device complexity and internal space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges SIM card interface control chip and USB interface control chip functions into a single integrated interface control chip. The unified interface structure includes both SIM card slot and USB connector capabilities, reducing component count while maintaining separate functional pathways through software-controlled switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated interface structure universally supports both SIM card operations and USB connectivity functions. The single interface opening can accommodate either a SIM card or a USB connector, with the control system automatically detecting and switching between operational modes to maintain ease of operation for both functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate interfaces (SIM card and USB) are provided, then the adaptability for different use cases is improved, but the internal space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SIM card interface and USB interface into a single integrated interface structure, consolidating what would traditionally require separate physical openings and component sets into one shared interface. This merging significantly reduces internal space consumption while maintaining both SIM card and USB functional adaptability through mode-switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated interface provides universal adaptability for both SIM card operations and USB connectivity within a single physical structure. The interface can be configured through software to support different operational modes, maintaining versatility for various use cases while occupying minimal internal space compared to separate dedicated interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated interface for an electronic device without a USB port includes at least one SIM card interface drive chip, a USB interface control chip, at least one SIM card interface control chip electronically connected to the at least one SIM card interface drive chip and the USB interface control chip, and a USB interface drive chip electronically connected to the USB interface control chip. A detection signal pin is defined on the USB interface control chip. When the detection signal pin is triggered, the USB interface control chip is turned on and the SIM card interface drive chip is turned off. When triggered, the USB interface drive chip drives the USB interface control chip to work, allowing access by an external whole-machine probe or test device.