Smart Card Protocol Converter Circuit for Multi-Interface Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart cards with a single chip controller are limited by the ISO 7816 protocol, which restricts communication compatibility with devices having different interfaces, such as SPI, leading to incompatibility issues when trying to connect multiple chips with incompatible interfaces through a single ISO 7816 interface.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a smart card with a first processor, a second integrated circuit, a determination circuit, and a converter circuit that allows communication protocol conversion between ISO 7816 and other protocols like SPI, enabling the smart card to dynamically select the appropriate interface based on received data and ensuring compatibility with both ISO 7816 and non-ISO 7816 enabled devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single chip controller with ISO 7816 protocol is used, then communication compatibility with standard smart card interfaces is maintained, but compatibility with devices having different interfaces (e.g., SPI) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple controllers (first controller for ISO 7816 protocol and second controller for other protocols like SPI) into a single smart card module. This allows the card to support multiple communication interfaces simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between maintaining standard compatibility and enabling interface diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart card is designed with multi-functional capability by incorporating both a first controller configured for ISO 7816 protocol and a second controller configured for other communication protocols. This universal design enables the same card to work with different types of host devices having various interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chips with incompatible interfaces are connected through a single ISO 7816 interface, then integration of additional functionalities is enabled, but communication incompatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the first controller, second controller, and the smart card interface. The switching mechanism dynamically connects the appropriate controller to the interface based on the communication protocol being used, ensuring reliable communication while enabling functional integration of multiple chips with different interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion capability is added to support multiple protocols, then interface compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol handling functionality by separating it into distinct controllers - a first controller for ISO 7816 protocol and a second controller for other protocols. Each controller is optimized for its specific protocol, and the switching mechanism routes communications to the appropriate controller, avoiding the need for a single complex protocol conversion circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart card is provided, the smart card including: a first processor; a second integrated circuit; a smart card interface configured to provide communication in accordance with a smart card communication protocol; a determination circuit configured to determine whether the first processor or the second integrated circuit should be coupled with the smart card interface based on received communication data; a converter circuit coupled to the second integrated circuit and configured to convert received communication data between the smart card communication protocol and a further communication protocol wherein the smart card interface is coupled with the second integrated circuit.