WO1997010566A1

WO1997010566A1 - Smartcard to pc communication through pcmcia interface

Info

Publication number: WO1997010566A1
Application number: PCT/IB1996/000926
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dan Kikinis
Original assignee: Elonex Plc
Priority date: 1995-09-11
Filing date: 1996-08-30
Publication date: 1997-03-20

Abstract

A SmartCard interface to a computer utilizes a PCMCIA-compatible docking bay in the computer and a PCMCIA function module having a SmartCard receptacle wherein contact pads connected to control circuitry of the function module are arranged to mate with contact pads of the function module. By inserting a SmartCard in the unique function module and docking the function module in a PCMCIA slot of the computer, data from the SmartCard may be accessed by the computer, lending all of the encryption and storage power of SmartCards available to computers equipped with a PCMCIA card slot. Several alternatives for receptacles are disclosed, along with apparatus for ensuring contact between pads on a SmartCard and on a PCMCIA-compatible function module.

Description

SmartCard to PC Communication Through PCMCIA Interface

Field ofthe Invention

The present invention is in the field of personal-computer card technology and relates in particular to PCMCIA cards and interfaces for such cards to computers.

Background ofthe Invention

A SmartCard, as it is known in the current art, is similar in size and appearance to an ordinary credit card. SmartCards contain electronic circuitry, such as a microprocessor, that provides data storage and manipulation, and is easily stored in a wallet, folder, or a similar device with a low risk of being damaged. One type of SmartCard, for which international standards have been established, is a card with conductive pads on its surface to make connections with other devices for reading and recording data. This type of SmartCard has gained wide acceptance in banking transactions, telephone communication, as a means of access to industrial, defense and other secure areas, and in other transactions that require the use of a personalized security code and other stored data. As SmartCard design and production improve and more consumer applications evolve in the future, commercial, government, and in-home use of SmartCards will become even more commonplace.

One area of technology which could benefit from the use of SmartCards, but has not to date, is the area of on-line computer communications. Currently, there are many problems with secure communication by computer over phone lines and other data links, such as on the Internet. SmartCards, having inherent data encryption and security features, could be used to make access to computer data more secure by allowing only the SmartCard, combined with a special code, to be allowed access to stored data. To date, SmartCards have not been used as a means of secure access to data and overall security control for individual personal computers nor for computer-to-computer communications. One reason this is true is that a readily available and economic method and apparatus to interface a SmartCard with personal computers has not been developed and manufactured to date. Such an interface, if available, would allow portability and transfer of data between computers as a matter of convenience and would counter the many security problems with communications on a computer interconnecting network or over phone and ISDN links.

Personal computer technology currently has an interface which can readily be modified to facilitate the use of a SmartCard as described above. With the proliferation of laptop and notebook computers, and sophisticated hand-held computer systems, the search for smaller, lighter, and more portable tools for information processing has given rise to well-known Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) cards, referred to hereinafter as PC Cards as they are also known in the art.

PC Cards currently are a key technology for adding memory, portable storage, and I/O capabilities to personal computers. The form factor of a PC Card is larger than that of a Smartcard and PC Cards are not as easily carried on a person.

Most state-of-the-art PCs, including most portable units such as notebook and laptop computers, now have at least one PCMCIA slot configured to dock and connect a PC Card.

What is needed is a standard interface between a SmartCard and a personal computer enabling the computer to access SmartCard-resident data, providing a portable and secure medium for storage and secure transmittal of data between computers. This is done in the present invention by providing a new and unique interface between Smartcards and PCMCIA cards.

Summary ofthe Invention

In a preferred embodiment of the invention a computer having a CPU and an internal bus has also an interface for accessing data recorded in a SmartCard. The interface comprises a function-module docking bay; and a plug-in function module adapted to dock in the function-module docking bay and connect with the computer's intemal bus, the plug-in function module comprising control circuitry for managing communication with the computer's internal bus, and a SmartCard receptacle including first contact pads positioned to mate with second contact pads of a SmartCard in the receptacle and connected to the control circuitry. The function module control circuitry reads the SmartCard's data through the mated first and second contact pads and sends the data to the computer's internal bus. Also in a preferred embodiment the docking bay and the function module are compatible with PCMCIA Type I, Type II, or Type III. In some embodiments the SmartCard receptacle has a hinged lid for enclosing a SmartCard and urging contacts together. PCMCIA- compatible function modules can take several forms for accepting and mating with a SmartCard.

Provision of a SmartCard interface according to embodiments of the present invention lends all of the encryption and storage power of SmartCards available to computers equipped with a PCMCIA card slot.

Brief Description ofthe Drawings

Fig. 1 is a logical block diagram illustrating a computer system having a SmartCard-to-PC card-to computer interface according an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2A shows a front view of a commonly used SmartCard.

Fig. 2B shows a simplified cross-section ofthe SmartCard of Fig. 2A.

Fig. 2C is a simplified back view ofthe SmartCard of Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B.

Fig. 3 A is a lengthwise cross-section of a PC Card with a SmartCard according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3B is an enlarged view of the electrical interface between a PC Card and a SmartCard according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4A is an isometric view of a SmartCard-to-PC card interface according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Fig. 4B is an isometric view of a SmartCard-to-PC card interface according to another embodiment ofthe present invention. Fig. 4C is an isometric view of a SmartCard-to-PC card interface according to yet another embodiment ofthe present invention.

Fig. 4D is an isometric view of a SmartCard-to-PC card interface concept according to still another embodiment ofthe present invention.

Description ofthe Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a personal computer 19 having a CPU 20 coupled by a bus 22 to PCMCIA port 21, including a PCMCIA-compatible connector 23 in a receiving bay 31. In Fig. 1, PCMCIA interface 21, together with a unique PC Card 15, comprises a SmartCard-to-computer interface 13 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

Unique PC Card 15 has a PCMCIA compatible connector 25 and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 37. SmartCard 17 has a card body 35, and an on-board processor 39. ASIC 37 is provided in place ofthe typical electronic circuitry of a standard PC Card, and functions as a SmartCard-to-PCMCIA communication interface according to a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

As is well-known in the art, SmartCard 17 has non-volatile memory 40 connected to processor 39. In order to transfer data contained in non- volatile memory 40 of SmartCard 17 to personal computer 19, a user places SmartCard 17 into a special enclosure of unique PC Card 15 such that contact pads of IC 39 on SmartCard 17 contact pads of ASIC 37 in PC Card 15. PC Card 15 is then inserted into receiving bay 31 where it connects with PCMCIA connector 23 via on-board connector 25.

With SmartCard 17 engaged in PC Card 15 and PCMCIA connector 25 engaged with PCMCIA connector 23. the data from non¬ volatile memory 40 of SmartCard 17 may be accessed by computer 19 through the PCMCIA port and PC Card 15 interfaces. Software is executed by the computer to allow secure SmartCard data transactions.

Fig. 2A is a plan view of one side of SmartCard 17 of Fig. 1. SmartCard 17 is a typical SmartCard as known in the art. and is similar in size and appearance to an ordinary credit card. As described above, SmartCard 17, like other SmartCards, comprises a processor 39 that encrypts data and provides data storage.

Fig. 2B is a mostly diagrammatical cross-sectional view of SmartCard 17 with processor 39. Processor 39 encrypts data and provides communication with data stored in non-volatile memory 40. Other SmartCards may have volatile memory as well, and extended processing capability.

Processor 39 is connected to contact pads 109 on one flat surface of SmartCard body 35. The layout pattern of contact pads 109 matches the layout pattern of similar contact pads 38 in PC Card 15 in Fig. 1. When Smart Card 17 is placed in PC Card 15, as shown in Fig. 1 , contact pads 109 of SmartCard 17 engage with contact pads 38 of ASIC 37 in PC Card 15.

Fig. 2C is a plan view ofthe side of PC Card 17 opposite the side shown in Fig. 2A. This is the surface with contact pads 109 that are connected to processor 39.

In current art there are three Types of PC Cards approved and standardized by the PCMCIA. These are commonly referred to as Type I, Type II, and Type III PC Cards. Each type of PC Card was developed and standardized as a need for thicker cards because apparent. The width and length of a PC Card and enclosure, however, and the thickness of guide rails for engaging and positioning in a receiving bay are the same for all PC Card types. Therefore, PC Cards Type I, II, and III can all be adapted to engage a SmartCard to interface with a personal computer or other device having a PCMCIA receiving bay. Fig. 3 A is a cross-sectional view of PC Card 15 showing

SmartCard 17 fully engaged. As described above. PC Card 15 comprises a PCMCIA connector 25 with standard pin assignments for engaging with connector 23 in receiving bay 31 of computer 19 or other computerized device, as is illustrated by Fig. 1. PC Card 15 also comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 77. ASIC 37 is mounted to PCB 77 in the manner of a flip-chip; that is. with contact pads 38 facing upward.

Fig. 3B is enlarged cross-sectional view ofthe area shown in broken circle 41 of Fig. 3 A, showing more detail ofthe apparatus comprising the electrical interface between PC Card 15 and SmartCard 17. Contact pads 109 on the outer surface of SmartCard 17 are connected to connecting traces 95 within the SmartCard in this instance via through-holes 101. Contact pads 38 on PC Card 15 are connected to connecting traces 105 of a PCB 1 15 by means of through-holes 103. PC Card ASIC 37 is connected to contact pads 105 by conductive pads 1 13. An electrical connection between PC card ASIC 37 and SmartCard processor 39 is made by engaging contact pads 38 and 109, which completes an electrically conductive path through the leads, pads, and through holes already described. In PC card 15 in this embodiment, cushioning devices 11 1, made of a resilient material such as rubber and the like, are placed between contact pads 38 and the surface of PC card PCB 115. Cushioning devices 111 allow contact pads 38 to move enough and have enough resilience that SmartCard 17 can be held with adequate pressure to ensure reliable electrical contact between SmartCard processor 39 and PC card ASIC 37.

There are, as will be readily apparent to those with skill in the art, many alternative arrangements for engaging and contacting a SmartCard IC to a PC card ASIC according to embodiments ofthe present invention. Those with skill in the art will recognize that this portion ofthe present invention may be implemented in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Fig. 4A is a simplified isometric view of a SmartCard insertion interface according an embodiment ofthe present invention. In Fig. 4A SmartCard 141 is loaded into a PC Card 139 through a slot in one side ofthe PC Card enclosure.

Fig. 4B is a simplified isometric view of a SmartCard insertion interface according an embodiment of the present invention wherein a SmartCard 143 is be loaded onto a PC Card 145 through a slot in the rear of the PC-Card enclosure. Fig. 4C is a simplified isometric view of a SmartCard insertion interface according another embodiment of the present invention wherein PC Card 153 is equipped with a hinged lid 147. and has a layer of flexible material, such as foam rubber, affixed to the inside surface to apply pressure to SmartCard 17 to ensure electrical connection when lid 147 is closed. In this loading concept, SmartCard 148 is placed with its contact pads down in the bay of PC card 153. When lid 147 closes, it locks in position and secures SmartCard 148. A keypad 151 is attached to the end of PC Card 153 opposite PC card connector 25. as part of PC Card 153, and protrudes from docking bay 31. PC card 153 is engaged with PCMCIA interface connector 23 as shown in Fig. 1. Hence, key pad 151 is accessible after docking and may be used to enter numeric data, such as a personal identification number (PIN), an account number, and the like. Fig. 4D is a simplified isometric view of a SmartCard insertion concepts according still another embodiment ofthe present invention, wherein PC Card 161 is equipped with a hinged lid 155. This loading concept differs with the one described above with reference to Fig. 4C in that SmartCard 157 is loaded into a slot on the free end of lid 155 and is retained by the lid.

Lid 155 contains contact pads on an ASIC as described in detail with reference to Figs. 3 A and 3B above. Key pad 159 is attached to the end opposite PC card connector 25, as part of PC card enclosure 161, and protrudes from docking bay 31. PC card 15 is engaged with PCMCIA interface connector 23.

Hence, key pad 159 is accessible after docking and may be used to enter numeric data, such as a personal identification number (PIN), an account number, and the like.

It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that there are many possible variations in accommodating a SmartCard to the various types of PC Card enclosures, and that this portion ofthe present invention may be implemented using any of these methods without departing from the spirit and intent ofthe present invention.

It is also well known to the inventors and the art in general that a SmartCard may be designed in different ways and that access to the contents of SmartCard IC through PMCIA-Interface may be achieved by many methods and apparatus known in the art, such as those related to magnetic readers and radio technology.

Appropriate software loaded onto a computer facilitates communication between the computer, the key pad of a PC Card enclosure, if it exists, and a SmartCard. A user interface may take the form of a menu that is displayed on a video monitor. A menu may appear after a unique keystroke combination has been entered, or a menu may be automatically displayed when a modified PC Card enclosure is inserted in a PCMCIA slot of a computer. A unique code or signal to activate the display of a menu may be supplied by the ASIC. As is well-known in the art, a user interface may take different forms and need not be a single menu but may be a set of interactive menus displayed selectively on a video monitor. It will be apparent to those with skill in the art that there will be many other alterations that might be made in the embodiments ofthe invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. In a computer having a CPU and an intemal bus, an interface for accessing data recorded in a SmartCard, the interface comprising: a function-module docking bay; and a plug-in function module adapted to dock in the function- module docking bay and connect with the computer's intemal bus, the plug-in function module comprising control circuitry for managing communication with the computer's intemal bus, and a SmartCard receptacle including first contact pads positioned to mate with second contact pads of a SmartCard in the receptacle and connected to the control circuitry; wherein the function module control circuitry reads the SmartCard's data through the mated first and second contact pads and sends the data to the computer's intemal bus.

2. An interface as in claim 1 wherein the docking bay and the function module are compatible with PCMCIA Type I, Type II, or Type III.

3. An interface as in claim 1 wherein the SmartCard receptacle has a hinged lid for enclosing a SmartCard and urging the first and second contact pads together.

4. A PCMCIA-compatible function module for interfacing a SmartCard to a computer, comprising: a SmartCard receptacle including first contact pads positioned to mate with second contact pads of a SmartCard; control circuitry connected to the first contact pads; and a PCMCIA bus connector on one end of the function module, connected to the control circuitry; wherein the control circuitry reads data from the first contact pads, and sends the data to the PCMCIA bus connector.

5. A method for interfacing a SmartCard to a computer, comprising steps of:

(a) placing the SmartCard in a receptacle of a PCMCIA- compatible function module having a SmartCard receptacle with first contact pads connected to a control circuit; (b) causing second contact pads of the SmartCard to mate with the second contact pads ofthe function module;

(c) docking the PCMCIA-compatible function module in a PCMCIA docking bay ofthe computer, making connection from an intemal bus ofthe computer to the control circuit; (d) reading data from the SmartCard through the mated first and second contact pads by action ofthe control circuit; and

(e) sending the data to the computer via the connection from the intemal bus ofthe computer to the control circuit.