Secure Element Command Blocking for Contact Conflict Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart cards face operating problems due to conflicts between commands from external readers and internal processing units, which can lead to improper functioning of the secure element, especially when commands from both sources are received simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method that blocks the sending of commands from the processing unit to the secure element via predefined contacts during external or contactless communication, using detection units to determine the status of ongoing communications and a control unit to electrically isolate the secure element, preventing conflicts and ensuring proper functioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the secure element processes commands from both external readers and internal processing units simultaneously, then the device functionality is improved, but conflicts occur that lead to improper functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit checks whether communication with an external reader is already in progress before the processing unit sends a command to the secure element. This preliminary detection prevents command conflicts by blocking internal commands during external communication, ensuring the secure element processes only one command at a time and maintains proper functioning.
2Reliability
If the secure element is electrically isolated from the processing unit during external communication, then command conflicts are prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A control unit is introduced as an intermediary between the processing unit and the secure element. This control unit receives detection signals about external communication status and automatically blocks or permits command transmission accordingly. The intermediary simplifies the overall control logic by centralizing the conflict prevention mechanism in a dedicated component rather than distributing complex control logic throughout the system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of blocking implemented by an electronic device (40) comprising: - a secure element (ES) furnished with contacts (54), which is able to cooperate with an external reader (RDI) according to a mode with at least one contact (54); - a processing unit (44) able to dispatch a command to the secure element (ES) via at least one contact (54); - a verification for determining whether a communication by contact is in progress in the mode with contact between the secure element (ES) and the external reader; and - the blocking (S6) of the dispatch, via at least one predefined contact from among said contacts (54), of each command of the processing unit (44) to the secure element (ES) as long as a communication by contact is in progress.