WO2010041245A1

WO2010041245A1 - Contactless nfc enabled peripherals for multi-interface mobile memory card

Info

Publication number: WO2010041245A1
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000953
Authority: WO
Inventors: Omer Katz
Original assignee: Cell Idea Int'l Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-10-06
Filing date: 2009-10-11
Publication date: 2010-04-15

Abstract

New devices are described for communicating with mobile memory cards. The devices facilitate transferring mobile memory cards between using a mobile memory card in a smartcard application (for example as a banking card), placing the mobile memory card in a host device (for example a cell phone), and communicating from a USB enabled device (for example a robust graphical user interface on a personal computer). One device includes an innovative second set of connectors providing a smartcard interface (for example, ISO/IEC-7816) to a mobile memory card. An innovative smartcard device includes a receptacle for the innovative mobile memory card. Another device includes a contactless interface. Another device includes a USB interface. Another device is an innovative latched antenna that provides a contactless capability that can be used with devices that do not have an antenna, specifically a microSD mobile memory card.

Description

CONTACTLESS NFC ENABLED PERIPHERALS FOR MULTI-INTERFACE

MOBILE MEMORY CARD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

• This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applications (PPA) Serial

Numbers 61/102,890 filed 2008 October 6 for USB Strap, 61/115,127 filed 2008 November 17 for Removable Mobile Card personalization Techniques, 61/150,016 filed 2009 February 5 for Attachable and Detachable Dual Interface Card, and 61/218,202 filed 2009 June 18 for External Antenna Latched To A Dual-Interface Smart Secure Digital Card.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiment generally relates to the field of interfaces, and in particular, it concerns new devices for communicating with mobile memory cards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

On the market today are a variety of smartcards and mobile memory cards allowing users access to a large range of services and information. In this context, the term smartcard refers to any pocket-sized card with embedded circuits. Smartcards are also known as chip cards, or integrated circuit cards (ICC). Industry standard sizes are specified in ISO/IEC- 7810 standard and derivatives thereof such as ISO/IEC-7816. One non-limiting example of a smartcard is the ID-I size (85.60 x 53.98 x 0.76 mm) which is often used for credit cards, bankcards, and bus passes. Optionally smartcards can contain microprocessors, security logic, non-volatile memory storage components, volatile memory, and a built-in antenna. Smartcards are generally made of plastic, generally PVC, but sometimes ABS.

Logically separate from the smartcard is a smartcard chip. A smartcard chip provides the communications for the smartcard, generally using the ISO/IEC-7816 standard and also includes some memory. The ISO/IEC-7816 standard includes both a physical interface and the commands that are communicated via the interface (known as Application Protocol Data Unit - APDU). The physical interface includes both a contact interface and a connection to an antenna for a contactless interface. Normally a smartcard is constructed with the smartcard chip co-located with the physical interface, and the term ISO/IEC-7816 interface does not differentiate between the physical interface and the command interface. In the context of this document, some of the implementations will refer to the physical interface and command set independently. In these cases, the interface (physical vs. command) being referred to will be specified.

Referring to FIGURE 1, a diagram of the components of a smartcard, a smartcard 100 generally contains some standard components and some optional components. An external interface, such as an ISO/IEC-7816 contact pad 102, provides a contact interface for communicating external to the smartcard. The contact pad 102 is connected to one of several types of smartcard chips 104, 106, or 108. Smartcard chip 104 is known as a single interface, or contact interface. A single interface smartcard chip facilitates the smartcard communicating via a contact interface, such as 102. Smartcard chip 106 is known as a dual interface, or contact/contactless smartcard chip. A dual interface smartcard chip facilitates the smartcard communicating via either a contact interface, such as 102, or a contactless interface, such as antenna 110. A popular contactless interface for smartcards is described in the ISO/IEC 14443 specification. Smartcard chip 108 is known as a smartcard/NFC (Near Field Communications) interface. A smartcard/NFC smartcard chip facilitates the smartcard communicating via either a contact interface, such as 102, or a contactless NFC interface via a connection to an NFC chip. The connection can use the S2C protocol or SWP (Single Wire Protocol). The smartcard chips can also provide some storage and processing. Note that in FIGURE 1 all three of the smartcard chips 104, 106, or 108 are shown, however in any given smartcard only one of the smartcard chips is present.

In this context, the term mobile memory card refers to any card smaller in size than a smartcard and containing at least a memory module. A mobile memory card can optionally contain control modules, communication modules, and custom modules. Industry standard form factors include, but are not limited to microSD, tflash, mini SD, SD/SDHC, M2, M2 micro, Sony M2 memory, Pro Duo, memory stick pro duo, Compact Flash, compact flash extreme, compact flash ultra 11, compact flash, compact flash cards, MMCmobile, mmc mobile, mmcmobile, dv rsmmc, dv rsmmc, MMCplus, mulitmediacard, mmc, multi media card, mmc card, and xD. A large infrastructure exists for manufacturing, configuring, and using smartcards. This infrastructure is designed for the smartcard form factor. Generally, before a smartcard can be used by a user, the smartcard is configured by an initialization and personalization process. During this process, the memory in the smartcard chip is loaded with data that allows the smartcard to be used for one or more specific applications. Configuration includes, but is not limited to, user identification information, user personal, file information, application information, PIN code, password, and optionally the issuer's services. Configuration can be done by a third party on behalf of the issuer (for example a credit card company). The configuration location is independent of the issuer and the user, although depending on the specific application, it may be beneficial to co-locate one or more of the parties. Smartcards are carried by a user for example in his/her pocket, wallet, purse, and used for example by placing on or in readers on busses, banking machines, turnstiles, and vending machines.

Mobile memory cards are generally placed inside another device for use. For example, a 2 GB microSD card placed inside a cellular phone to provide additional storage for the phone.

The term dual-mode capability is generally used in the industry to refer to a card or device that provides both contact and contactless interfaces. Contactless interfaces provide a variety of methods of communication between two or more devices. A popular standard for contactless communications with smartcards and mobile memory cards is Near Field Communications (NFC). NFC is a short-range high frequency wireless communication teclinology that enables the exchange of data between devices over about a 10-centimeter distance. The technology is an extension of the ISO/IEC 14443 proximity-card standard (contactless card, RFID) that combines the interface of a smartcard and a reader into a single device. An NFC device can communicate with both existing ISO/IEC 14443 smartcards and readers, as well as with other NFC devices, and is thereby compatible with existing contactless infrastructure already in use for public transportation and payment.

NFC communication can operate in at least three modes: 1 - Card emulation mode: The NFC device is passive and behaves as contactless card. The operation is powered by an active device (also called NFC reader) which can read and write data to memory on the passive device. 2 - Reader mode: The device is active, provides the RF power source, and reads /writes data to/from a passive device. 3 - Peer to peer mode: Two active devices communicate and exchange information with each other.

Contactless smartcards usually act as NFC card emulation devices. When a smartcard is presented to a NFC reader, the reader can read information from the memory in the smartcard chip.

A description of a conventional Secure Digital card (SD card) is provided for background and reference. Referring to FIGURE 4A a perspective view of a conventional dual-interface SD card and FIGURE 4B, a functional block diagram of the dual-interface SD card, a conventional SD card (3) is an example of one kind of mobile memory card. The SD- Association has defined an SD device with smartcard chip as smartSD. Mobile memory cards are often used in a particular electronic device such as mobile phones, cameras, MP3 players and many other devices to store data or images. A mobile memory card includes an embedded flash memory (30), a Secure Digital (SD) flash controller (31), and multiple contacts (32).

The embedded flash memory (30) stores data and may be a NAND or NOR flash memory. The controller (31) connects to the embedded flash memory (30) and includes memory controller software (302) and a smart-card controller capability (also named smart- card reader) (301).

The memory controller (302) is connected to the embedded flash memory (30) to access the data. The smart-card controller (301) communicates with and is connected to the memory controller (302), stores software (embedded code) and uses a standard secure Application Program Interface (API) provided by the SD association to implement desired applications such as ticketing or money transactions.

The multiple contacts (32) are the micro SD native interface, including a negative source voltage pin (VSS), four data pins (DAT0-DAT3), a positive source voltage pin (VDD), a command pin (CMD), a clock pin (CLK) and two radio frequency pins (RF). The negative source voltage pin (VSS), the four data pins (DATO-D AT3), the positive source voltage pin (VDD), the command pin (CMD) and the clock pin (CLK) are connected to and communicate with the memory controller (302). The RF pins are connected to the smart-card controller (301) and potentially can be connected to external antenna (40).

Therefore, the conventional SD card can be used to conduct secure contact transactions using the VSS pin, the four data pins (DAT0-DAT3), the VDD pin, the CMD pin and the CLK pin, or secure contactless (or wireless) transactions using the Radio

Frequency (RF) pins through a host device antenna (40) and power from the host device by the generated power of the RF field.

The antenna connected to these pins must have the same frequency as the smart-card IC supports in order to achieve the desired contactless functionality. The most widely known contactless application has the SD card connecting to an embedded antenna of a cellular phone or when connecting to an embedded antenna of USB devices.

However, conventional SD cards with a contactless capability cannot be used without an antenna connected to the RF pins. The associated SD card manufactures are eager to develop a SD card with a contactless capability that can be used with devices that do not have an antenna.

It is desirable for the large variety of mobile memory cards to take advantage of the large existing infrastructure for configuration and use of smartcards. It is also desirable for mobile memory cards to be accessed by the large infrastructure of devices communicating via the industry standard USB port. It is further desirable for a mobile memory card to be able to be transferred between using the mobile memory card in a smartcard application (for example as a banking card), using the mobile memory card by placing the mobile memory card in a host device (for example a cell phone), and communicating with the mobile memory card from a USB enabled device (for example a robust graphical user interface on a personal computer).

SUMMARY

According to the teachings of the present embodiment there is provided an apparatus including: a mobile memory card including a set of first contacts on a first external area of the mobile memory card; a communications channel operationally connected to the set of first contacts and operationally connected to internal circuitry of the mobile memory card to communicate commands between the set of first contacts and the internal circuitry of the mobile memory card; set of at least one second contact providing a second set of contacts on a second external area of the mobile memory card; and a communications channel operationally connected to the second set of contacts and operationally connected to internal circuitry of the mobile memory card to communicate commands between the second set of contacts and the internal circuitry of the mobile memory card.

In an optional embodiment, the set of first contacts is a microSD interface. In another optional embodiment, the second set of contacts is located on a same surface as the set of first contacts and in an area of the same surface opposite the set of first contacts. In another optional embodiment, the second set of contacts is on a contact surface that is recessed within the mobile memory card, thereby providing a female-style connection. In another optional embodiment, the second set of contacts is on a contact surface that protrudes from the mobile memory card, thereby providing a male-style connection. In another optional embodiment, the second set of contacts is flush with an external surface of the mobile memory card, thereby providing a contact-style connection. In another optional embodiment, the second set of contacts is configured to communicate the ISO/IEC-7816 command set (APDU). In another optional embodiment, the internal circuitry of the mobile memory card includes a smartcard chip.

According to the teachings of the present embodiment there is provided a smartcard including: a receptacle configured to accept a mobile memory card, the mobile memory card having a set of contacts to communicate with the smartcard; a set of contacts associated with the receptacle providing a connection to the set of contacts of the mobile memory card; at least one interface for communicating externally to the smartcard; and at least one communications channel operationally connecting the set of contacts associated with the receptacle to the at least one interface for communicating external to the smartcard.

In an optional embodiment, the commands are ISO/IEC-7816 standard commands. In another optional embodiment, the at least one interface includes an ISO/IEC-7816 standard contact pad interface. In another optional embodiment, the at least one interface includes an antenna embedded in the smartcard. In another optional embodiment, the at least one interface includes a connector for connecting an external device. In another optional embodiment, the set of contacts associated with the receptacle provide a microSD interface. In another optional embodiment, the communications channel is the contacts for the mobile memory card and is the at least one interface for communicating external to the smartcard.

According to the teachings of the present embodiment there is provided a smartcard including: a receptacle configured to accept a mobile memory card, the mobile memory card having a set of contacts to communicate with the smartcard; a set of contacts associated with the receptacle providing a connection to the set of contacts of the mobile memory card; at least one interface for communicating externally to the smartcard; a controller configured to convert commands between a first command set associated with the mobile memory card set of contacts and a second command set associated with the at least one interface; a first communications channel connecting the set of contacts associated with the receptacle to the controller; and a second communications channel connecting the controller to the at least one interface for communicating externally to the smartcard.

In an optional embodiment, the first command set is according to the SD/McEX standard. In another optional embodiment, the second command set is according to the

ISO/IEC-7816 standard. In another optional embodiment, the at least one interface includes an ISO/IEC-7816 standard contact pad interface. In another optional embodiment, the at least one interface includes an antenna embedded in the smartcard. In another optional embodiment, the at least one interface includes a connector for connecting to an external device. In another optional embodiment, the set of contacts associated with the receptacle provide a microSD interface. In another optional embodiment, further including a near field communications (NFC) module, the NFC module connected to the set of contacts associated with the receptacle, and the NFC module connected to an antenna embedded in the smartcard. In another optional embodiment, further including a power module, the power module supplying power to the NFC module and supplying power to the controller, and further including an operational connection between the NFC module and the controller, for the purpose of reader and peer-to-peer communications.

According to the teachings of the present embodiment there is provided a device, the device including: a receptacle configured to accept a mobile memory card the mobile memory card having a set of contacts to communicate with the device; a set of contacts associated with the receptacle providing a connection to the set of contacts of the mobile memory card; at least one interface for communicating externally to the device; a controller configured to convert between a first communications standard and a second communications standard a first communications channel connecting the set of contacts associated with the receptacle to the controller and configured for communicating according to the first communications standard; and a second communications channel connecting the controller to the at least one interface for communicating externally to the device, the second communications channel configured according to the second communications standard.

In an optional embodiment, the first communications standard is according to the SD/McEX standard. In another optional embodiment, the second communications standard is according to the PC/SC standard. In another optional embodiment, the at least one interface includes an USB-standard interface. In another optional embodiment, the at least one interface includes an antenna embedded in the device. In another optional embodiment, the at least one interface includes a connector for connecting an external device. In another optional embodiment, the set of contacts associated with the receptacle provide a microSD interface. In another optional embodiment, further including a near field communications (NFC) module, the NFC module connected to the set of contacts associated with the receptacle, and the NFC module connected to an antenna embedded in the device. In another optional embodiment, further including a power module, the power module supplying power to the NFC module and supplying power to the controller, and further including an operational connection between the NFC module and the controller, for the purpose of reader and peer-to-peer communications.

According to the teachings of the present embodiment there is provided a device for communicating, the device including a reversibly attached antenna providing contactless communications to a mobile memory card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The embodiment is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 , a diagram of the components of a smartcard. FIGURE 2A, a diagram of a mobile memory card having a second set of contacts providing a female-style connection.

FIGURE 2B, a diagram of a mobile memory card having a second set of contacts providing a male-style connection.

FIGURE 2C, a diagram of a mobile memory card having a second set of contacts providing a contact-style connection.

FIGURE 2D, a diagram of a mobile memory card having a second set of contacts providing an ISO/IEC-7816 contact pad connection.

FIGURE 3 A, a diagram of a smartcard with a type 1 receptacle.

FIGURE 3B, a diagram of a smartcard with a type 2 receptacle.

FIGURE 3 C, a diagram of a smartcard with a type 3 receptacle.

FIGURE 3D, a diagram of a smartcard with a type 3 edge-insertion receptacle.

FIGURE 3E, a diagram of a smartcard with a type 4 receptacle.

FIGURE 3 F, a diagram of a smartcard with a securing receptacle.

FIGURE 3G, a diagram of a smartcard providing a NFC interface for an attached mobile memory card.

FIGURE 3H, a diagram of a smartcard including an active controller.

FIGURE 31, a diagram of a smartcard including an active controller.

FIGURE 4A is a perspective view of a conventional secure digital (SD) card.

FIGURE 4B is a functional block diagram of the dual-interface smart secure digital

(SD) card in FIGURE 4A.

FIGURE 4C is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an external antenna for latching to a dual interface smartcard. FIGURE 4D is an exploded perspective view of an external antenna latched to a dual- interface micro SD card with an optional strip in accordance with the present embodiment.

FIGURE 4E is a perspective view of an external antenna latched to a dual-interface micro SD card with optional recesses and corresponded protrusions in accordance with the present embodiment.

FIGURE 4F is a partial cross sectional view of a single recess being corresponding to a protrusion in FIGURE 4E.

FIGURE 4G is a perspective view of an external antenna latched to a dual-interface micro SD card in FIGURE 4D.

FIGURE 4H is an operational perspective view of a dual-interface SD card in

FIGURE 4E used in a mobile phone.

FIGURE 5 A, a diagram of a device for communicating with mobile memory cards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - FIRST EMBODIMENT - FIGURES 2A, 2B, 2C₁ 2D

The principles and operation of this apparatus according to the present set of embodiments may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. The present set of embodiments is for communicating with mobile memory cards. In one such embodiment, an innovative second set of connectors is added to an industry standard mobile memory card. This second set of connectors provides a smartcard interface (for example, ISO/IEC-7816) to the mobile memory card, allowing the mobile memory card to be housed in an innovative smartcard for use. There can also be a contactless interface, for example via ISO/IEC- 14443, to an RFID antenna. In another embodiment, an innovative smartcard includes a receptacle for an industry standard mobile memory card and includes a controller to provide communications between the smartcard interface and the industry standard interface of the mobile memory card. These embodiments allow a large variety of mobile memory cards to take advantage of the large existing infrastructure for configuration and personalization and use of smartcards. In another such embodiment, an innovative device allows memory cards to be accessed by the large infrastructure of devices communicating via the industry standard USB port.

In another such embodiment, an innovative latched antenna provides a contactless capability that can be used with devices that do not have an antenna, specifically a microSD mobile memory card.

These embodiments facilitate mobile memory cards to be transferred between using the mobile memory card in a smartcard application (for example as a banking card), using the mobile memory card by placing the mobile memory card in a host device (for example a cell phone), and communicating with the mobile memory card from a USB enabled device (for example a robust graphical user interface on a personal computer).

A non-limiting example of transferring a mobile memory card between devices and applications is the case where a user buys a microSD card and places the microSD card in the innovative smartcard for configuration when the user gets on a bus. The existing bus pass infrastructure accesses the smartcard (seamlessly really accessing the microSD card) to configure the card for use as a bus pass. At some point in the future, the user wants to "top off his bus pass (add money, credits, etc.) but is not near a bus pass machine. The user removes the microSD card from the smartcard housing and places it in the user's cell phone. The cell phone can be used to access the microSD card to see how many bus pass credits the user has remaining. The user then makes a phone call from his cell phone to the bus company's automated system and buys credits that are recorded on his microSD card. The microSD card is then removed from the cell phone and placed in the smartcard for use.

Referring to FIGURE 2A, a diagram of a mobile memory card having a second set of contacts providing a female-style connection, a mobile memory card 500 has a set of first contacts 502 on a first external area of the mobile memory card. Internal to the mobile memory card (not pictured) a communications channel operationally connects the set of first contacts to the internal circuitry of the mobile memory card to communicate commands between the set of first contacts and the internal circuitry of the mobile memory card. This set of first contacts provides an industry standard interface facilitating use of the mobile memory card in a variety of applications Note that this set of first contacts can be used to provide a proprietary interface if such an application is desired. The mobile memory card features a second set of contacts 504 and a corresponding communication channel internal to the mobile memory card (not pictured) to communicate commands between the second set of contacts and the internal circuitry of the mobile memory card. The internal circuitry of the mobile memory card includes the appropriate circuitry to receive and transmit via the second set of contacts with the communication channel. This second set of contacts can be used to provide an interface different from the interface provided by the set of first contacts.

In one implementation, the set of first contacts is a microSD interface and the second set of contacts is an ISO/IEC-7816 interface. In this case, the internal circuitry of the mobile memory card includes a smartcard chip for communications via the second set of contacts. The five contacts designated by 506 are the five contacts for the ISO/IEC-7816 interface for connection to a pad exposure (Cl-VCC, C2-RST, C3-CLK, C5-GND, C6-I/O). The remaining contacts are RFID contacts for optional connection to an antenna (C4-RFID 0, C8- RFID 1). In another implementation, the internal circuitry of the mobile memory card includes a smartcard chip.

In this context, external refers to the visible outermost surface and contact refers to the touching or meeting, in particular of electric conductors to complete a circuit. In one implementation, the second set of contacts is located on a same surface as the set of first contacts and in an area opposite the set of first contacts. The second set of contacts 504 is on a contact surface that is recessed within the mobile memory card, thereby providing a female- style connection. In the context of this description, a mobile memory card with a female- style connection is referred to as "type 1 ". This reference is useful when describing the associated smartcard in which the mobile memory card is housed. Referring to FIGURE 2B, a diagram of a mobile memory card having a second set of contacts providing a male-style connection, the second set of contacts 524 is on a contact surface that protrudes from the mobile memory card 520, thereby providing a male-style connection. In the context of this description, a mobile memory card with a male-style connection is referred to as "type 2". Referring to FIGURE 2C, a diagram of a mobile memory card having a second set of contacts providing a contact-style connection, the second set of contacts 534 is flush with an external surface of the mobile memory card 530, thereby providing a contact-style connection. In the context of this description, a mobile memory card with a contact-style connection is referred to as "type 3".

Referring to FIGURE 2D, a diagram of a mobile memory card having a second set of contacts providing an ISO/IEC-7816 contact pad connection, the second set of contacts 542 is on an external surface of the mobile memory card 540 providing an ISO/IEC-7816 standard contact pad connection. In the context of this description, a mobile memory card with an ISO/IEC-7816 contact pad connection is referred to as "type 4".

It should be noted that although the form factor of a microSD card is used in the accompanying diagrams, implementations are not limited to this type of mobile memory card. Based on this description, further variations and use of other types of mobile memory cards will be clear to one skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - SECOND EMBODIMENT - FIGURES 3 A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 31

Referring to FIGURE 3 A, a diagram of a smartcard with a type 1 receptacle, a smartcard 600A includes a receptacle configured to accept a mobile memory card. In this implementation, receptacle 604 (drawn larger than scale to allow the details to be seen) is configured to accept a type 1 (female-style) mobile memory card, such as 500. In one implementation, the mobile memory card includes a set of second contacts providing a microSD interface.

When a mobile memory card is inserted into the receptacle 604, contacts 610 on the smartcard provide a connection for transmitting and receiving commands between the smartcard and the mobile memory card. Contacts 610 protrude from the surface of the receptacle 604 to provide contact to the female-style contacts on the type-1 mobile memory card. When a mobile memory card is placed in the receptacle of the smartcard, this configuration allows the mobile memory card to be used by smartcard compatible devices. The smartcard includes at least one interface for communicating externally to the smartcard. In this implementation interface 602 is an ISO/IEC-7816 contact pad connection. A communications channel operationally connects the set of contacts associated with the receptacle to the at least one interface for communicating external to the smartcard. In this implementation, communications channel 608 connects five of the receptacle contacts 610 to the ISO/IEC 7816 pad exposure 602, and the commands are ISO/IEC-7816 commands.

Optionally, the sixth and seventh of the receptacle contacts 610 are connected to an antenna 612 embedded in the smartcard. In the case where the mobile memory card includes a dual interface smartcard chip, the mobile memory card can use the antenna 612 as an external interface from the smartcard. In another implementation, the smartcard includes a connector for connecting an external device.

Referring to FIGURE 3B, a diagram of a smartcard with a type 2 receptacle, a smartcard 600B includes a receptacle configured to accept a mobile memory card. In this implementation, receptacle 620 is configured to accept a type 2 (male-style) mobile memory card, such as 520. Contacts 622 on the smartcard provide a connection for transmitting and receiving commands between the smartcard and the mobile memory card. Contacts 622 are recessed from the surface of receptacle 620 to provide contact to the male-style contacts on the type-2 mobile memory card

Referring to FIGURE 3C, a diagram of a smartcard with a type 3 receptacle, a smartcard 600C includes a receptacle configured to accept a mobile memory card. In this implementation, receptacle 630 is configured to accept a type 3 (contact-style) mobile memory card, such as 530. Contacts 632 on the smartcard provide a connection for transmitting and receiving commands between the smartcard and the mobile memory card. Contacts 632 are flush with the surface of the receptacle 630 to provide contact to the surface-style contacts on the type-3 mobile memory card. Mobile memory card 530 is flipped over 634 so that the contacts on the mobile memory card contact the contacts on the smartcard 632 when the mobile memory card is inserted into the receptacle. Other implementations, including but not limited to, rotating the receptacle, moving the contact positions, and having the receptacle contacts on a special flap are possible to provide connection.

Referring to FIGURE 3D, a diagram of a smartcard with a type 3 edge-insertion receptacle, a smartcard 600D includes a receptacle configured to accept a mobile memory card. In this implementation, receptacle 640 is configured to accept a type 3 (contact-style) mobile memory card, such as 530. Contacts 642 on the smartcard provide a connection for transmitting and receiving commands between the smartcard and the mobile memory card. When the mobile memory card is inserted through access 644 into receptacle 640, the contacts on the mobile memory card contact the contacts on the smartcard 642. In this diagram can be seen the option that the receptacle can include routing the connections to a desired edge of the receptacle. In this diagram, the contacts 642 of the receptacle provide a connection to the contacts on the mobile memory card, and the connection to the smartcard 646 is located at another area of the receptacle. The connection between 642 and 646 is not shown in the diagram for clarity. The antenna 612 is connected through contacts 646 to the mobile memory card. The antenna connection can be to either the first set of contacts (for example, in the case of microSD pins 9 and 10) or to the second set of contacts (for example, in the case of ISO/IEC-7816 pins 6 and 7).

Referring to FIGURE 3E, a diagram of a smartcard with a type 4 receptacle, a smartcard 600E includes a receptacle configured to accept a mobile memory card. In this implementation, receptacle 650 is configured to accept a type 4 (ISO/IEC-7816 contact pad) mobile memory card, such as 540. Contacts 542 (Refer again to FIGURE 2D) on the mobile memory card provide an ISO/IEC-7816 contact pad connection for transmitting and receiving commands. In applications where it is desired to use the antenna 612 as a contactless external interface from the smartcard, a connector interface 652 provides a connection between the appropriate contacts on the mobile memory card and the antenna 612.

Referring to FIGURE 3F, a diagram of a smartcard with a securing receptacle, a smartcard 600F includes a receptacle to which a mobile memory card is attached. In this implementation, receptacle 660 is configured to accept a mobile memory card, such as type 1 , type 2, or type 3. Contacts 662 from the smartcard to the mobile memory card provide a connection for transmitting and receiving commands between the smartcard and the mobile memory card. Securing joints 664 retain the mobile memory card in the receptacle. After the mobile memory card is configured using the smartcard interface, the mobile memory card can be detached from the securing joints for use.

In the above-described implementations, the contactless interface is provided by a chip on the mobile memory card using the antenna of the smartcard 612. One non-limiting example is a dual interface smartcard chip in a microSD card providing smartcard (ISO/IEC 14443) contactless communications.

In some applications, it is desirable to use a different communications standard. One non-limiting example is to communicate using the popular Near Field Communications (NFC) standard. Referring to FIGURE 3G, a diagram of a smartcard providing a NFC interface for an attached mobile memory card, the structure is similar to the previously described smartcard implementations with the innovative addition of a NFC module 615. In this context, the NFC module 615 includes the controllers, processors, and memory necessary to implements the required functionality. The NFC module 615 has a connection 674 to connect with the antenna 612. The NFC module 615 has another connection 672 to connect to the appropriate contacts of the receptacle contacts 676. In one implementation, the NFC module connections 672 connect to the sixth and seventh of the receptacle contacts, which are in turn connected to the contactless interface circuitry internal to the mobile memory card. The contactless interface circuitry internal to the mobile memory card includes an NFC chip. As previously described in reference to FIGURE 1, the mobile memory card can contain a smartcard/NFC smartcard chip 108 to provide a contactless NFC interface.

The previously described implementations require an innovative mobile memory card, specifically including a second set of contacts on the mobile memory card. In some applications, it is desirable to use a conventional industry standard mobile memory card — a mobile memory card having only one set of industry standard contacts. Referring to FIGURE 3H, a diagram of a smartcard including an active controller, smartcard 600H includes a receptacle 680 that accepts a conventional mobile memory card 682. The mobile memory card has a set of contacts 502 (refer again to FIGURE 2A) to transmit and receive commands with the smartcard. A set of contacts 681 associated with the receptacle 680 provides a connection to the mobile memory card set of contacts. The smartcard includes at least one interface for communicating externally to the smartcard. In one implementation, the external interface is an ISO/IEC-7816 standard contact pad interface 602. In another implementation, the external interface is an antenna 612 embedded in the smartcard. In another implementation, the external interface is a connector for connecting to an external device. A controller 684 is configured to convert commands between a first command set associated with the mobile memory card set of contacts and a second command set associated with the at least one interface. In this context, the controller 684 contains a processor, nonvolatile memory, and the appropriate interface modules for the corresponding implementation. A first communications channel 688 connects the set of contacts associated with the receptacle to the controller. A second communications channel 686 connects the controller to an interface for communicating externally to the smartcard. Note that depending on the application, the communication channels can be implemented as chip legs or other connections between parts, and are not required to be wires.

In one implementation, the first command set is according to the SD/McEX standard.

In another implementation, the second command set is according to the ISO/IEC-7816 standard. In one implementation, the mobile memory card is a microSD card

In another implementation, the smartcard includes a connection from the set of contacts associated with the receptacle to an antenna embedded in the smartcard. In the case where the mobile memory card includes a dual interface smartcard chip, the mobile memory card can use the antenna connection as an external interface.

Referring to FIGURE 31, a diagram of a smartcard including an active controller, NFC module, and power source, smartcard 6001 includes an NFC module 615. In this implementation, the external interface is via NFC. The NFC module 615 has a connection 674 to connect with the antenna 612. The NFC module 615 has another connection 696 to connect to the appropriate contacts of the receptacle contacts 692. In one implementation, the mobile memory card is a microSD card and the NFC module connections 696 connects to the ninth and tenth of the receptacle contacts. As previously described in reference to FIGURE 3H, the contactless interface contacts are in turn connected to the contactless interface circuitry internal to the mobile memory card that includes an NFC chip. As previously described in reference to FIGURE 1, the NFC chip may be implemented as a smartcard/NFC smartcard chip 108 to provide a contactless NFC interface.

In the above-described implementations, the combination smartcard and mobile memory card implementations provide card-emulation capability, as previously described in the background section. The data stored on these implementations can be read by an external reader, but the implementations are not powered, so these implementations cannot read other devices.

Referring again to FIGURE 31, adding a power module and additional communications channels to the smartcard is an innovative way of adding reader and peer-to- peer contactless functionality to the previously described implementation. A power source, shown as battery 697 is connected to both the NFC module 615 and the controller 684. In this implementation, the NFC module can provide power to the antenna 612 for contactless communications with other NFC-enabled devices. The NFC module is also connected to the controller 684 to facilitate reading and writing data between the NFC module and the mobile memory card (via communications channel 688).

The implementations are not limited to the mobile memory card in the figures. Based on this description, further variations of smartcards and use of further types of mobile memory cards will be clear to one skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - THIRD EMBODIMENT - FIGURES 5A

Referring to FIGURE 5 A, a diagram of a device for communicating with mobile memory cards, the implementation of this device is similar to the description of FIGURE 31. The device has two modes of operation. When the device is not connected to a host, the device can be read by a smartcard reader (card-emulation mode), communicate with NFC devices (NFC Peer2Peer mode), and communicate with NFC card-emulation devices (NFC reader mode). In addition, when the device is connected to a host via a USB connection, the device can store and retrieve data from a mobile memory card (act as a mass storage device), communicate with a mobile memory card containing a smartcard chip (act as a contact smartcard reader), communicate with smartcards via a contactless interface (contactless smartcard reader), and communicate with NFC devices (NFC reader).

The device 700 includes a receptacle 780 configured to accept a mobile memory card

782. In one implementation, mobile memory card is a microSD card. The mobile memory card has a set of contacts to transmit and receive commands with the device. The receptacle 780 includes a set of contacts providing a connection to the mobile memory card set of contacts. The device includes at least one interface for communicating externally to the device. In one implementation, the at least one interface is an USB standard interface 702. In another implementation, the at least one interface is an antenna embedded in the device. In another implementation, the at least one interface is a connector for connecting an external device. A controller 784 is configured to convert between PC/SC CCID standard and SD/McEX standard. A first communications channel 788 connects the set of contacts associated with the receptacle to the controller and is configured for communicating the SD/McEX standard. A second communications channel 786 connects the controller to at least one interface for communicating externally to the device. The second communications channel is configured for the PC/SC standard.

An NFC module 615 has a connection 797 to connect with the antenna 712. The NFC module 615 has another connection 796 to connect to the appropriate contacts of the receptacle contacts 792. In one implementation, the mobile memory card is a microSD card and the NFC module connections 796 connects to the ninth and tenth of the receptacle contacts. As previously described in reference to FIGURE 3H, the contactless interface contacts are in turn connected to the contactless interface circuitry internal to the mobile memory card that includes an NFC chip. As previously described in reference to FIGURE 1, the NFC chip may be implemented as a smartcard/NFC smartcard chip 108 to provide a contactless NFC interface.

A power source, shown as battery 697 is connected to both the NFC module 615 and the controller 784. In this implementation, the NFC module can provide power to the antenna 712 for contactless communications with other NFC-enabled devices. The NFC module is also connected to the controller 784 to facilitate reading and writing data between the NFC module and the mobile memory card (via communications channel 788).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - FOURTH EMBODIMENT - FIGURES 4 A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H

Conventional mobile memory cards with a contactless capability cannot be used without an antenna connected to the RF pins. In cases where the mobile memory card is used in a device that has an antenna, for example a mobile phone, the mobile memory card can use the device's antenna. One implementation of a communications device is an antenna that can be latched and attached to an SD card, for example a dual-interface smart Secure Digital (SD) card. The SD card and antenna do not interfere with each other, do not affect the user experience of using the microSD card, maintain the compatibility of a standard microSD defined by SD-Association, and allow functions of regular microSD card, IC memory card, and contact transactions, contactless transactions or both.

The antenna is an external antenna that is latched to a microSD card in accordance with the present description. The SD card includes a contact unit and radio frequency (RP) pins. The latched antenna is connected to the RF pins of the SD card. Thus, the dual- interface SD card can be used in a device for contact transactions, contactless transactions, or both in devices (such as mobile phone) that do not include a special RF antenna and connections for this type of smart dual interface SD card.

Referring to FIGURE 4C, an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an external antenna for latching to a dual interface smartcard, and FIGURE 4D an exploded perspective view of an external antenna latched to a dual-interface microSD card with an optional strip in accordance, in one embodiment of the device a dual-interface smart secure digital (SD) card includes an SD card (1) and a latched antenna (2).

The SD card (1) may be a microSD card and includes a carrier (10), contact unit (12), a pair of radio frequency (RF) pins (13) and multiple optional recesses (14) (shown in FIGURE 4E). The carrier (10) is rectangular and has two flat surfaces, an inner end (285), an outer end (286), two edges (287) (288), and a notch (11). The outer end (286) is parallel and opposite to the inner end (285). The edges (287) (288) are parallel and opposite to each other and are formed between the inner and outer ends. The notch (11) is formed in one edge of the carrier (10). The contact unit (12) is mounted on the inner end of the carrier (10), has multiple parallel contact pins, and connects detachably into a SD card socket (also called slot) of a specific electrical device (for example: a MP3 player or a mobile phone). The RF pins (13) are mounted between the outer end of the carrier (10) and the contact unit (12) and are aligned respectively with the edges of the carrier (10). The optional recesses (14) (FIGURE 4E) are adjacent to the contact unit (12) and the RF pins (13), and are mounted on the surface of the carrier (10).

Referring to FIGURE 4D, the latched antenna (2) is a flexible thin film antenna and includes an inner flat panel (20), an outer flat panel (21), and an optional strip (22). The inner flat panel (20) includes two contact pins (201), an inner connector (202), and multiple optional protrusions (203) (FIGURE 4E). Note that FIGURE 4E shows the location of the multiple optional protrusions (203) that are on the opposite side of the inner flat panel (20), as detailed in FIGURE 4F. Described alternately, the optional protrusions (203) are located on the inner flag panel of the flex-antenna (20). The recesses (14) are located on the same surface of the SD card (1), as the contact unit (12) and the RF pins (13), such that the locations of the recesses correspond to the locations of the associated optional protrusions. Note that the number and location of the optional protrusions and corresponding recesses can vary depending on the application. The contact pins (201) are an antenna receive/transmit interface, and are connected detachably to the RF pins (13) of the SD card (1). The inner connector (202) is mounted on the inner flat panel (20), connects the inner flat panel (20) to the surface of the carrier (10), and may be an adhesive strip. The optional protrusions (203) are connected respectively corresponding to the recesses (14) of the carrier (10) that consequentially provide better attachment for the inner flat panel (20) firmly attaches to the carrier (10) of the SD card (1).

Referring to FIGURE 4C, the outer flat panel (21) includes an optional outer connector (212), an antenna (211), a longitudinal strip (213) and an optional insulator (214) practically being used as RF absorption energy enhancer. The outer connector (212) is mounted on a surface of the outer flat panel (21) and may be an adhesive strip.

Referring to FIGURE 4E a perspective view of an external antenna latched to a dual- interface micro SD card with optional recesses and corresponded protrusions in accordance with the present embodiment and FIGURE 4F a partial cross sectional view of a single recess being corresponding to a protrusion in FIGURE 4E the antenna (211) is a flexible thin RFID antenna and is covered by the outer flat panel (21). The longitudinal strip (213) protrudes from the outer flat panel (21), connects the antenna (211) to the inner flat panel (20), causes the outer flat panel (21), the longitudinal strip (213), and the antenna (211) to protrude from an electrical device when the SD card (1) is inserted into an SD slot of the electrical device and has two wires (280), (281). The wires extend through the longitude strip (213) and are connected to the antenna (211) and respectively to the RF pins (13) of the carrier (10). The antenna (211) of the outer flat panel (21 ) can be bent by sticking the outer connector (212) on a surface of the electrical device. The optional insulator (214) reduces RF communication interference and increases the RF energy absorption in cases where the RF antenna is close to metal parts or battery power components. This can occur when the antenna is placed on a phone, in which case the insulator improves communication performance providing the user with improved communications. The strip (22) is formed on and protrudes from the inner flat panel (20), corresponds to the notch (11) of the SD card (1) and can attach the inner flat panel (20) firmly to the SD card (1) when the strip (22) is wrapped around the SD card (1) through the notch (11).

FIGURE 4G is a perspective view of an external antenna latched to a dual-interface micro SD card in FIGURE 4D and FIGURE 4H is an operational perspective view of a dual- interface SD card in FIGURE 4E used in a mobile phone. Based on this description, further variations of the form and details of implementations of an external antenna for latching to a mobile memory card will be clear to one skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus comprising:

(a) a mobile memory card including a set of first contacts on a first external area of the mobile memory card;

(b) a communications channel operationally connected to said set of first contacts and operationally connected to internal circuitry of the mobile memory card to communicate commands between said set of first contacts and said internal circuitry of the mobile memory card;

(c) a set of at least one second contact providing a second set of contacts on a second external area of the mobile memory card; and

(d) a communications channel operationally connected to said second set of contacts and operationally connected to internal circuitry of the mobile memory card to communicate commands between said second set of contacts and said internal circuitry of the mobile memory card.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said set of first contacts is a microSD interface.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second set of contacts is located on a same surface as said set of first contacts and in an area of said same surface opposite said set of first contacts.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second set of contacts is on a contact surface that is recessed within the mobile memory card, thereby providing a female-style connection.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second set of contacts is on a contact surface that protrudes from the mobile memory card, thereby providing a male-style connection.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second set of contacts is flush with an external surface of the mobile memory card, thereby providing a contact- style connection.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second set of contacts is configured to communicate the ISO/IEC-7816 command set (APDU).

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said internal circuitry of the mobile memory card includes a smartcard chip.

9. A smartcard comprising:

(a) a receptacle configured to accept a mobile memory card, said mobile memory card having a set of contacts to communicate with the smartcard;

(b) a set of contacts associated with said receptacle providing a connection to said set of contacts of said mobile memory card;

(c) at least one interface for communicating externally to the smartcard; and

(d) at least one communications channel operationally connecting said set of contacts associated with said receptacle to said at least one interface for communicating external to the smartcard.

10. The smartcard of claim 9 wherein said commands are ISO/IEC-7816 standard commands.

11. The smartcard of claim 9 wherein said at least one interface includes an ISO/IEC-7816 standard contact pad interface.

12. The smartcard of claim 9 wherein said at least one interface includes an antenna embedded in the smartcard.

13. The smartcard of claim 9 wherein said at least one interface includes a connector for connecting an external device.

14. The smartcard of claim 9 wherein said set of contacts associated with said receptacle provide a microSD interface.

15. The smartcard of claim 9 wherein said communications channel is said contacts for the mobile memory card and is said at least one interface for communicating external to the smartcard.

16. A smartcard comprising:

(c) at least one interface for communicating externally to the smartcard; (d) a controller configured to convert commands between a first command set associated with said mobile memory card set of contacts and a second command set associated with said at least one interface;

(e) a first communications channel connecting said set of contacts associated with said receptacle to said controller; and

(f) a second communications channel connecting said controller to said at least one interface for communicating externally to the smartcard.

17. The smartcard of claim 16 wherein said first command set is according to the SD/McEX standard

18. The smartcard of claim 16 wherein said second command set is according to the ISO/IEC-7816 standard.

19. The smartcard of claim 16 wherein said at least one interface includes an ISO/IEC-7816 standard contact pad interface.

20. The smartcard of claim 16 wherein said at least one interface includes an antenna embedded in the smartcard.

21. The smartcard of claim 16 wherein said at least one interface includes a connector for connecting to an external device.

22. The smartcard of claim 16 wherein said set of contacts associated with said receptacle provide a microSD interface.

23. The smartcard of claim 16 further comprising a near field communications (NFC) module, said NFC module connected to said set of contacts associated with said receptacle, and said NFC module connected to an antenna embedded in the smartcard.

24. The smartcard of claim 22 further comprising a power module, said power module supplying power to said NFC module and supplying power to said controller, and further comprising an operational connection between said NFC module and said controller, for the purpose of reader and peer-to-peer communications.

25. A device comprising:

(a) a receptacle configured to accept a mobile memory card said mobile memory card having a set of contacts to communicate with the device;

(c) at least one interface for communicating externally to the device;

(d) a controller configured to convert between a first communications standard and a second communications standard;

(e) a first communications channel connecting said set of contacts associated with said receptacle to said controller and configured for communicating according to said first communications standard; and

(f) a second communications channel connecting said controller to said at least one interface for communicating externally to the device, said second communications channel configured according to said second communications standard.

26. The device of claim 25 wherein said first communications standard is according to the SD/McEX standard

27. The device of claim 25 wherein said second communications standard is according to the PC/SC standard.

28. The device of claim 25 wherein said at least one interface includes an USB-standard interface.

29. The device of claim 25 wherein said at least one interface includes an antenna embedded in the device.

30. The device of claim 25 wherein said at least one interface includes a connector for connecting an external device.

31. The device of claim 25 wherein said set of contacts associated with said receptacle provide a microSD interface.

32. The device of claim 25 further comprising a near field communications (NFC) module, said NFC module connected to said set of contacts associated with said receptacle, and said NFC module connected to an antenna embedded in the device.

33. The device of claim 32 further comprising a power module, said power module supplying power to said NFC module and supplying power to said controller, and further comprising an operational connection between said NFC module and said controller, for the purpose of reader and peer-to-peer communications.

34. A Communications device comprising:

(a) a dual interface smartSD card including a contact unit and a pair of radio-frequency (RF) pins; and

(b) a latched antenna that is reversibly operationally connectable to said pair of RP pins of said dual interface smartSD card.

35. The communications device in claim 34 wherein:

(a) said contact unit being mounted on the inner end of the carrier, having multiple parallel contact pins; and

(b) said pair of RF pins being mounted between the outer end of said dual interface smartSD card and said contact unit and being aligned respectively with the edges of said dual interface smartSD card.

36. The communications device in claim 34 wherein said latched antenna further comprises:

(a) an inner flat panel comprising

(i) two contact pins being an antenna receive/transmit interface, and being reversibly operationally connectible to the RF pins of the SD card; and

(ii) an inner connector being mounted on a first flat panel and connecting the inner flat panel to the surface of the earner; and

(b) an outer flat panel comprising

(i) an antenna RFID antenna and being covered by the outer flat panel; and (ii) a longitudinal strip protruding from the outer flat panel, connecting the antenna to the inner flat panel and having two wires extending through the longitude strip and being connected to the antenna and respectively to the RP pins of the carrier.

37. The communications device in claim 36, wherein:

(a) the SD card being a microSD card and further comprising multiple recesses being adjacent to the contact unit and the RF pins, and being mounted on the surface of the carrier; and

(b) the inner flat panel further comprising multiple optional protrusions being reversibly operationally connectible to the recesses of the carrier.

38. The communications device in claim 36, wherein the outer flat panel further comprises an insulator for reducing interference and being mounted on a surface of the outer flat panel.

39. The communications device in claim 36, wherein the inner connector of the inner flat panel of the latched antenna is an adhesive strip.

40. The communications device in claim 36, wherein the latched antenna further comprises a strip being formed on and protruding from the inner flat panel and corresponding to the notch of the SD card.

41. The communications device in claim 40, wherein the strip attaches the inner flat panel firmly to the SD card.

42. The communications device in claim 36, wherein the outer flat panel of the latched antenna further comprises an outer connector being mounted on a surface of the outer flat panel.

43. The communications device in claim 42, wherein the outer connector of the outer flat panel is an adhesive strip.