Shared Contact Pads for Multi-Protocol Microcircuit Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microcircuit devices, such as smart cards, face challenges in efficiently switching between different communication protocols using a limited number of contact pads, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and cost, particularly with traditional ISO 7816 contact pads.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves sharing at least one contact pad to connect simultaneously to two different communication interfaces, such as ISO and USB, without modifying the contact pads, allowing the device to detect the required protocol and adapt accordingly, enabling communication with various external readers using a reduced number of pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If contact pads are divided into separate conductive parts for different communication protocols, then the device can communicate according to multiple protocols, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication protocols (ISO 7816 and USB) onto shared contact pads. Specifically, contact pads C3 and C6 are used for both ISO CLK/I/O and USB D+/D- communication, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pads for each protocol and simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pads are designed with multi-functionality to support different communication protocols. The same physical contact pads (C3, C6) serve dual purposes: ISO clock/input-output functions and USB data transmission functions, allowing a single pad structure to fulfill multiple communication roles
2Adaptability or versatility
If contact pads are divided into separate conductive parts for different communication protocols, then the device can communicate according to multiple protocols, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication protocols (ISO 7816 and USB) onto shared contact pads. Specifically, contact pads C3 and C6 are used for both ISO CLK/I/O and USB D+/D- communication, eliminating the need for separate dedicated pads for each protocol and simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pads are designed with multi-functionality to support different communication protocols. The same physical contact pads (C3, C6) serve dual purposes: ISO clock/input-output functions and USB data transmission functions, allowing a single pad structure to fulfill multiple communication roles
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional ISO 7816 contact pads are used without modification, then manufacturing is simpler, but the device cannot efficiently switch between different communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic protocol switching capability where the microcircuit can detect which communication protocol (ISO 7816 or USB) is being used and automatically configure the shared contact pads accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows traditional contact pad layouts to support multiple protocols without physical modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical configuration parameters of the contact pads based on the detected protocol. The microcircuit adjusts which internal communication interfaces are connected to which contact pads, effectively reconfiguring the pad assignments dynamically to match the required protocol specifications
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (10) has a set of communication interfaces (I1, I2) different from each other, where each interface is allowed to operate according to its own protocol e.g. universal serial bus (USB). A set of contact areas (C1-C6) is in cooperation with an external reader. A configuration unit (26) configures the device. The contact areas are provided as shared areas that are electrically connected with the communication interfaces without cooperation with the external reader. A ROM (18) is provided with two drivers (DR1, DR2). An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a micro-circuit device.