Contactless Transponder Arbitration Module for Memory Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contactless transponders face challenges in managing memory access when subjected to repeated access requests from contactless readers, leading to potential denial of access for the microcontroller and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A contactless transponder with an arbitration module that shuts down the contactless interface upon receiving a shutdown control from the microcontroller, allowing exclusive memory access and reducing power consumption by generating an interrupt signal when access is granted, thereby preventing memory access blockages and corruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the transponder uses a first arbitration solution where the interface that first emits an access request is given memory access, then the contactless interface can quickly respond to access requests, but the microcontroller cannot access the memory when the contactless interface is waiting for access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic arbitration mechanism that switches between two arbitration solutions based on operational context. The system dynamically transitions from first arbitration solution (contactless interface priority) to second arbitration solution (microcontroller priority) when needed, allowing the microcontroller to force memory access by setting a priority flag. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing fast response when contactless access is needed while ensuring microcontroller access capability when required.
2Reliability
If the transponder uses a second arbitration solution where the microcontroller is given memory access priority, then the microcontroller can access the memory at any time, but the contactless interface cannot access the memory when the microcontroller is accessing it
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between arbitration solutions based on operational needs. When the microcontroller needs to access memory (e.g., for security operations or data processing), it sets a priority flag that triggers the second arbitration solution, ensuring microcontroller access even if the contactless interface is waiting. When contactless access is the priority, the system uses the first arbitration solution for faster response. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by ensuring microcontroller reliability when needed while maintaining contactless speed when appropriate.
3Reliability
If the contactless interface continuously emits access requests to maintain memory access, then the interface can ensure it gets memory access, but this increases energy consumption and may block microcontroller access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the arbitration module monitors the operational state and adjusts memory access rights accordingly. When the microcontroller needs to access memory, it sends a control signal to the arbitration module, which then temporarily denies access to the contactless interface and grants access to the microcontroller. This feedback-based control allows the contactless interface to maintain access reliability through intelligent arbitration rather than continuous requesting, significantly reducing energy consumption while preventing microcontroller access blocks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures robust memory access for the microcontroller, reducing power consumption and minimizing memory access latency, while preventing memory corruption and repeated access request attacks from contactless readers.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to receive signals, in particular radiofrequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a contactless transponder comprises a memory, an antenna configured to receive signals, a contactless interface coupled to the antenna and configured to emit memory access requests according to the signals received, a wired interface configured to receive memory access requests, an arbitration module configured to authorize access to the memory either for access requests emitted by the contactless interface or for access requests received by the wired interface, and wherein the wired interface is also configured to receive shutdown controls and transmit these shutdown controls to the arbitration module, the arbitration module being configured to be able to shut down the contactless interface when it receives a shutdown control.