SIM Card Circuit With Switch-Multiplexed ESIM and Physical SIM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SIM card technologies face challenges in promoting and generalizing the use of embedded SIM (ESIM) cards due to increased processor size and complexity, which complicates production and reduces the versatility of terminal devices.
Innovation Solution
A SIM card communication circuit that utilizes a switch unit to multiplex SIM interfaces, allowing both ESIM and physical SIM cards to share a common processor interface, maintaining processor size and reducing production complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ESIM card functionality is integrated into the processor, then ESIM communication capability is improved, but processor size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the ESIM communication functionality from the main processor by introducing an independent ESIM chip. This segmentation allows the processor to maintain its original size and complexity while the ESIM chip handles embedded SIM operations independently, resolving the contradiction between adding ESIM capability and increasing processor complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch unit as an intermediary component that mediates between the processor and both the ESIM chip and physical SIM card. This intermediary enables the processor to communicate with either SIM type without being directly integrated with ESIM functionality, thus adding versatility while avoiding processor complexity increases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate interfaces are provided for ESIM and physical SIM, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and production difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the processor's SIM interface universal by enabling it to communicate with both physical SIM cards and ESIM chips through the same interface. The switch unit routes signals appropriately, allowing one interface to serve multiple purposes - connecting to either SIM type based on configuration, thus achieving versatility without increasing interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the communication paths for physical SIM and ESIM into a single unified interface through the switch unit. Instead of providing separate dedicated interfaces for each SIM type, the system combines them into one shared interface that can be dynamically configured, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If processor layout is customized for ESIM integration, then ESIM functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material preparation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ESIM functionality into a separate ESIM chip rather than integrating it into the processor, the patent allows both the processor and ESIM chip to use standardized, pre-existing designs. This segmentation enables manufacturers to produce processor and ESIM chip separately using established processes, then assemble them together, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and material preparation difficulties compared to custom integrated designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a SIM card communication circuit, a related apparatus, and a control method. The circuit includes a processor, a switch unit, a first card slot, and an ESIM chip. An input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal of the switch unit are respectively connected to the processor, the first card slot, and the ESIM chip. The processor is configured to control the switch unit to choose to connect to the first card slot when receiving a first message; or the processor is configured to control the switch unit to be connected to the ESIM chip when receiving a second message. In this way, multiplexing of a SIM interface is realized through the switch unit, which can realize both communication of an ESIM card and communication of a physical SIM card. The processor does not require an additional interface, and a size and an occupied area thereof remain unchanged. In addition, circuits with and without the ESIM chip may use a same processor, and such a common layout facilitates production.