Non-Contact Memory Card Interface IC for Tamper-Resistant Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact type memory cards have low tamper resistance, making encrypted game software easily readable and vulnerable to illegal copying, as data can be easily accessed and replicated.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact memory card design incorporating an IC chip with a driver and transmitter, using magnetic coils for data transfer, which increases tamper resistance and prevents illegal copying by eliminating direct contact and using a dedicated interface IC with a driver and transmitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a contact type memory card with data pins is used, then data transfer is simple and direct, but tamper resistance is low and illegal copying is easy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system (data pins physically touching contacts) with a magnetic field-based wireless communication system. The memory card uses a transmitter coil to generate magnetic fields that induce currents in the main unit's receiver coil, enabling data transfer without physical contact. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability of exposed data pins to probing while maintaining efficient data communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for data transfer between the memory card and main unit. Instead of direct electrical contact through pins, data is modulated onto magnetic field signals that pass through space between the transmitter in the memory card and receiver in the main unit. This intermediary approach provides natural isolation and protection against direct access attacks.
2Ease of manufacture
If commercial off-the-shelf components are used in memory card, then manufacturing cost is low and production is easy, but security against hacking and copying is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitter circuitry and antenna coil into an integrated IC chip that is embedded within the memory card package. This integration creates a unified security module that combines storage, processing, and wireless transmission functions. The integrated design makes it difficult to separate and analyze individual components, thereby protecting against reverse engineering while remaining manufacturable through standard semiconductor fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the transmitter and coil are embedded within the IC chip, which is itself embedded within the memory card package. This layered nesting creates multiple barriers to access: the coil is protected inside the IC chip封装, and the entire IC chip is protected inside the memory card housing. This nested architecture provides progressive security while maintaining compact form factor.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The non-contact memory card design enhances tamper resistance and prevents illegal data duplication by ensuring secure data transfer through magnetic coupling, making it difficult to intercept or replicate the data stored in the memory card.
Implementation Method 1
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-147079 discloses a non-contact type memory card using magnetic coupling of coils in place of the data pins.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary aspect of the present invention is a memory card that includes: a memory that stores data; a driver that modulates the data stored in the memory; a transmitter that transmits the data modulated by the driver to a receiver provided in an external main unit; and an IC chip having the driver and the transmitter formed therein.