Multi-Certification Integrated Circuit with Shared Infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICC) are limited in their ability to be compatible with multiple telecommunications networks due to their dedication to specific certification authorities and geographical areas, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and cost, as well as the need for multiple physical SIM cards.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with two secure circuits, each configured for a different certification authority and geographical area, sharing common elements like communication buses, input/output circuits, energy management, and clock generation, with selection between them controlled by a software command, allowing a single onboard security element to be compatible with various networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If eUICC is dedicated to a specific certification authority and geographic area, then security compliance with that certification is ensured, but compatibility with multiple telecommunications networks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is divided into multiple independent secure circuits, each dedicated to a specific certification authority and geographic area. Each secure circuit maintains its own security scheme and certification, allowing the system to comply with multiple certification standards simultaneously while maintaining the security integrity required by each individual certification authority.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed as a universal platform that can function with multiple certification authorities through the inclusion of multiple secure circuits. The circuit can be configured to work with different telecommunications networks by selecting the appropriate secure circuit, providing multi-functionality without sacrificing security compliance for any specific network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical SIM cards are used to support different networks, then compatibility with multiple operators is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple secure circuits that would traditionally require separate physical SIM cards are merged into a single integrated circuit. This consolidation allows the device to support multiple operators and certification authorities in one unified component, reducing manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need to handle, test, and assemble multiple separate SIM card components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit serves as a universal SIM solution that replaces multiple operator-specific SIM cards. By incorporating multiple secure circuits within a single device, it provides the multi-operator compatibility function that previously required multiple separate physical cards, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple secure circuits are integrated in one chip, then compatibility with multiple certification authorities is achieved, but the number of components and circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple secure circuits are merged into a single integrated circuit chip, consolidating what would otherwise be separate components. This merging reduces the overall component count and simplifies the bill of materials, while the internal integration manages the circuit complexity through shared infrastructure among the secure circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is designed as a universal platform that accommodates multiple secure circuits for different certification authorities. By creating a unified multi-functional device, the complexity is managed at the system level rather than requiring multiple separate single-function devices, ultimately reducing overall system complexity despite the increased functionality within the chip.
4Ease of manufacture
If shared elements are used between secure circuits, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but security isolation between different certification schemes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Non-critical elements such as communication buses, input/output circuits, energy management, and clock generation are merged and shared between multiple secure circuits. This sharing reduces the overall component count and manufacturing cost, while the critical security functions within each secure circuit remain isolated and protected.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit is segmented into distinct secure circuits that maintain independent security boundaries, while sharing common infrastructure elements. This segmentation ensures that security isolation is maintained for certification-compliant operations, while the shared elements provide cost-effective manufacturing without compromising the security integrity of each individual secure circuit.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
This description relates to an integrated circuit (2) comprising at least two safety circuits (3) having similar functions but complying with different safety schemes.