SIM Card RFID Antenna Integration via PCB Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating RFID functionality into a plug-in sized SIM card is challenging due to limited space, requiring a coil antenna that cannot be effectively connected to existing contact pads, and the conventional PVC plastic card is not suitable for mounting flexible printed circuit boards, making automated mounting and testing impractical.
Innovation Solution
A SIM card using a printed circuit board with chip-on-board techniques and antenna contacts, allowing for precise conductive paths and connection of an RFID antenna, along with a protective plate conforming to standard dimensions, enabling the addition of a compensation capacitor for enhanced RFID reading performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coil antenna is installed on the SIM card to provide RFID functionality, then RFID function is achieved, but the contact pads required for antenna connection conflict with USB port allocations and existing handset contacts are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the existing contact pad structure to serve dual purposes: the original C1-C8 contact pads maintain their SIM card functions while additional contact pads (C9, C10) are integrated to support RFID antenna connections. This multi-functional design allows the same physical interface to handle both traditional SIM operations and new RFID operations without requiring separate dedicated contacts in the handset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the conventional two-dimensional metal foil contact layout to a three-dimensional printed circuit board structure with conductive paths routed through multiple layers. This dimensional change enables complex signal routing that connects antenna contact pads to the RFID integrated circuit via internal conductive traces, solving the connection problem without adding external complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible printed circuit board is mounted on the SIM card to accommodate the antenna, then antenna integration is possible, but the mounting process cannot be automated and testing becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mounting process of flexible printed circuit boards with automated PCB manufacturing techniques. The RFID integrated circuit and antenna are fabricates directly onto a rigid or flexible printed circuit board using standard semiconductor and PCB fabrication processes, including automated pick-and-place for component mounting and automated soldering. This substitution of mechanical assembly with automated manufacturing processes enables both antenna integration and automated production/testing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conventional PVC plastic card structure is used, then SIM card compatibility is maintained, but the structure is not suitable for fixing electronic components and automated assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the PVC plastic card substrate with a printed circuit board layer. The PCB is laminated or bonded to the plastic card, creating a hybrid structure that maintains the external dimensions and compatibility of the conventional SIM card while providing the electrical connectivity, component mounting capability, and automated assembly suitability of PCB technology. This composite design allows integrated circuits and antennas to be firmly attached and automatically assembled while preserving SIM card form factor compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A subscriber identity module (SIM) card includes: a printed circuit board; a circuit provided on the printed circuit board and capable of executing SIM and RFID functions; a set of circuit contacts provided on the printed circuit board, electrically connected to the circuit via conductive paths, and conforming to a SIM specification; a set of antenna contacts provided on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit via conductive paths; and a protective plate fixed to the printed circuit board and conforming to standard dimensions of the SIM card. An assembly of the SIM card and a RFID antenna is also disclosed.