Microcontroller Signal Path for ISO7816 Secure Element Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact IC cards with fingerprint verification functions face challenges in enhancing security and communication efficiency between the IC card reader and the secure element, particularly in processing signals conforming to the ISO7816 standard without processor intervention.
Innovation Solution
A microcontroller is designed with a data transfer circuit that acts as a signal path between the IC card reader and the secure element, allowing signal transfer conforming to the ISO7816 standard without processor intervention, and includes repetition and repetition request circuits to manage communication character repetition and error handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processor intervenes in signal transfer between the IC card reader and secure element, then communication control and error handling are improved, but communication speed and processor load are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller is segmented into distinct functional blocks: a data transfer circuit for high-speed direct signal transfer, and a processor for control functions. This segmentation allows the data transfer circuit to handle communication signals directly between the IC card reader and secure element without processor intervention, improving communication speed while the processor handles only necessary control tasks, maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transfer circuit acts as an intermediary between the IC card reader and secure element, enabling direct signal transfer for ISO7816 compliant communication. This intermediary handles the bulk of communication traffic, allowing the processor to focus on higher-level control functions, thus improving both communication speed and overall system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated serial communication circuit is added to the secure element, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller serves multiple functions: it provides the data transfer circuit for ISO7816 communication, houses the processor for control operations, and manages the fingerprint sensor. By consolidating these functions into a single microcontroller unit, the secure element gains comprehensive communication capability without requiring separate dedicated serial communication circuits, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transfer circuit and processor are merged into a single microcontroller unit that interfaces with both the IC card reader and secure element. This merging eliminates the need for separate communication circuits in the secure element, reducing device complexity while maintaining full communication capability through the microcontroller's integrated data transfer circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a microcontroller includes a processor, and a signal path that allows a signal conforming to an ISO7816 standard to be transferred between a card reader and a secure element without intervention of the processor.