Software-Based eUICC for Cellular Modem Network Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for integrating cellular connectivity into IoT devices require physical SIM cards, which increase manufacturing costs and complexity, and pose challenges in selecting and switching between cellular networks, especially in a global market with multiple operators.
Innovation Solution
The use of software-based embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (eUICC) that store virtual subscriber identity modules, allowing IoT devices to communicate with multiple cellular networks and dynamically switch between them without physical SIM cards, enabling remote provisioning and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical SIM cards are integrated into IoT devices, then cellular network connectivity is achieved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SIM card functionality with the device's existing secure element or trusted platform module, eliminating the need for a separate physical SIM card component. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining cellular network connectivity through the combined security and communication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal SIM-less architecture where the device's secure element can store and manage multiple operator profiles, allowing the device to connect to different cellular networks without physical SIM cards. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate SIM cards while achieving reliable network connectivity.
2Productivity
If physical SIM cards are procured and integrated into billions of devices, then cellular connectivity is enabled, but bill of materials and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SIM card functionality with existing device components (secure element, trusted platform module), eliminating the need to procure and integrate separate physical SIM cards into billions of devices. This reduces bill of materials and simplifies manufacturing processes while maintaining productivity in enabling connectivity functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical SIM cards are used to access multiple cellular networks, then network selection flexibility is achieved, but device complexity and PCB space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal SIM-less architecture where a single secure element can store and activate multiple operator profiles, providing network selection flexibility without requiring multiple physical SIM cards. This eliminates the need for additional PCB slots and reduces layout complexity while maintaining adaptability to different cellular networks.
4Device complexity
If virtual SIM cards are implemented, then network switching and PCB space are optimized, but new technology infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges virtual SIM card functionality with existing device security infrastructure (secure element, trusted platform module), eliminating the need for separate hardware components and simplifying PCB layouts. The implementation leverages existing technology components, reducing the barrier to adoption despite the new virtual SIM architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are provided for configuring a "SIM-less" System-on-Chip (S2oC) with integrated reprogrammable cellular network connectivity. Digitally issued Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards may be digitally issued by a remote server and downloaded and managed by the S2oC. A virtual SIM card container may be packaged in the S2oC and hosts an identity manager used by a plurality of applications residing in the multi-core processor of the S2oC. A virtual modem with a custom communication protocol allows the multi-core processor applications to exchange data with the virtual SIM card container.