Multi-function Card Integrating SIM and Memory via Time Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for compact electronic devices has led to a need for reducing the physical space occupied by SIM cards and memory cards, as they currently occupy significant space and hinder the lightening and thinning of electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function card that integrates a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), a memory card, and a routing module, using time division multiplexing to share electrical contacts, allowing the card to perform both subscriber identity identification and storage expansion functions, thereby reducing the physical space required for separate SIM and memory cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate SIM card and memory card are used, then subscriber identity identification and storage expansion functions are achieved, but physical space occupied in electronic device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SIM card and memory card into a single multi-function card that integrates both subscriber identity identification and storage expansion capabilities. The card includes a UICC module for SIM functionality and a memory module for storage, unified under one physical card structure with shared electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-function card is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both a SIM card for network authentication and a memory card for data storage. The routing module enables the card to switch between different communication protocols (SIM card protocol and memory card protocol) to fulfill diverse functional requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate SIM card and memory card are used, then both functions are fully supported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate card slots into a single card slot that accommodates the multi-function card. The electrical contacts are unified and shared between SIM and memory card functions, eliminating the need for separate physical interfaces and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing module acts as an intermediary that manages communication between the processor and the different functional modules (UICC and memory module) within the multi-function card. It routes data packets to the appropriate module based on the communication protocol, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a data transmission method, a multi-function card, and an electronic device. The multi-function card may work as a SIM card or a memory card by using electrical contacts through time division multiplexing. Data is transmitted between the multi-function card and a processor in the electronic device, so that a function of subscriber identity identification can be implemented, and a storage capacity of the electronic device can be expanded. Storage space expanded in the electronic device may be used to store a picture, audio, a video, and an application program. The data transmission method and the multi-function card provided in embodiments of this application may be used to save physical space in the electronic device. This is conducive to lightening and thinning of the electronic device.