CN101171595A - Electronic cards and methods for making same - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic card includes a digital processor, an electrochemical battery and a communications port. The processor and battery are essentially coplanar, and are sandwiched between and enclosed by two flexible covers, preferably made from an insulating plastic material, and preferably fitted to the components that they enclose. The communications port can include, for example, a Smart Card contact port, a stripe emulator, an RF port, and IR port, etc. The battery may comprise a rechargeable battery. In an exemplary embodiment, at least the processor is carried by a flexible printed circuit (PC) board. In other exemplary embodiments, switches and/or indicators are also carried by the PC board. A method for manufacturing an electronic card having at least two components is also disclosed.

Description

Electronic cards and manufacture method thereof

Technical field

The present invention relates in general to electronic cards, relates more particularly to the secure electronic transaction card, for example smart card.

Background technology

For a large amount of application of electronic security(ELSEC) existence.For example, for financial transaction or for providing visit various physics and resource non-physics, security is desirable or needed.A field to the bigger concern of electronic security(ELSEC) is financial transaction card (for example credit card and debit card) field.

Conventional credit card, debit card and other financial transaction cards (hereinafter referred to as " transactional cards ") have the main body that is generally plastics, have carved 16 account numbers and other data in this main body epirelief.A magnetic stripe (being commonly referred to " bar ") is attached to the back side of this card.This carries out magnetic code to account and/or other data usually.

Bar is magnetic tape material normally, is more to resemble tape used in digital data record.Described material generally includes magnetic oxide and binder compound, and they use required digital coding ability and physical durability feature for described magnetic stripe provides transactional cards.Although these magnetic tape units have been optimized in application to transactional cards, tape that the magnetic stripe on the transactional cards is used and standard digital data tape are very similar.

Two kinds of used modal magnetic oxides are called as low-coercivity (LoCo) and high-coercive force (HiCo) magnetic oxide in magnetic stripe card.Coercive force is weighed the difficulty make this magnetization or to make this demagnetization, and is that unit is weighed with the oersted.The magnetic stripe of low-coercivity is 300 oersteds normally, and the magnetic stripe of high-coercive force is more than 2700 oersteds.Compare with the magnetic stripe of low-coercivity, the about three times energy of magnetic stripe needs of high-coercive force is encoded or is wiped.Many transactional cards are used and have been turned to the HiCo magnetic stripe, and this is that the coded data of unexpectedly wiping on the HiCo magnetic stripe is much more difficult because compare with the LoCo magnetic stripe.This provides bigger permanance and readability for the coded data in the use of many application.

The coding of the magnetic stripe on the transactional cards is followed the digital recording of standard usually, but uses by suboptimization again for transactional cards.Described coded data is taked the form of magnetized area in having the magnetic stripe of alternating poles.The north and south poles of this magnetized area alternately, can be represented the binary zero of binary digital code and the coding techniques of " 1 " thereby provide a kind of on direction.

The standard code technology that is used for the magnetic stripe on the transactional cards is F2F (Aiken double frequency) code, wherein represent a Binary Zero, and half two magnetized areas that are 0 length (a long magnetized area) with each length are represented a binary one with a long magnetized area.On magnetic stripe, write down the definite length how many data are determined these magnetized areas as required.For example, with per inch 75 bits or 75 0 long districts of per inch track 2 data are encoded, i.e. the standard 7811-2/6 of International Standards Organization (ISO).This amounts to 0.01333 inch for 0 magnetized area on length.So binary one will be each length to be half of this length or to be two districts of 0.00666 inch on length.Can obtain other length for different packing densities, for example used perinch 210 bits in the track 1 of magnetic stripe and track 2.

Read in coded data in the magnetic stripe and be and catch the flux fields that the magnetized area from magnetic stripe extends by playback head and realize.Described reading head converts the change magnetic flux in the coil of this reading head to the voltage fluctuation of the magnetized area that has reflected coded data.This voltage fluctuation then can decoded electronic equipment converts the data of Binary Zero and 1 to, and this is well-known in industry.

Magnetic stripe encoder is made up of write head and current driving circuit, and this current driving circuit can be with the magnetic oxygenated solid magnetizing in the magnetic stripe to magnetization (saturated) fully.Code current in this write head can make direction alternately, thus the alternate area that in magnetic stripe, produces direction of magnetization, and this will form the digital coding to this magnetic stripe.Before consigning to the consumer, the magnetic stripe of transactional cards utilizes account and/or other information to encode usually in commercial magnetic stripe encoder.

For be used for finance, based on for the Portable, personal data storage of the application of ID and other transactional cards, tape is applied to transactional cards, magnetic stripe is encoded and the process that reads the coded data in this magnetic stripe in use has been a kind of reliable and economical method.Yet, magnetic stripe data is relatively easy read and coding or recompile made the magnetic stripe transactional cards subject to forge, to one or more card copy datas (being commonly referred to " side record (skimming) ") and other swindle disadvantages.Side record swindle itself is grown all parts of the world, and has reached financial economic loss, and this needs solution immediately.

There are many safety issues in conventional transactional cards.At first, this magnetic stripe is static state and not encrypted, thereby allows the transactional cards burglar from magnetic stripe " stealing " (on virtual meaning) data, and it is used for unwarranted transaction.This is that transaction data is " exposure ", and is promptly not encrypted because for the magnetic stripe card of routine.If " picked ", these data just can indistinguishably be used in the transactional cards of forging.Therefore, the transactional cards of forgery can freely be used by the burglar, is cancelled until it.

The problem that MagTek Incorporated and MagnePrint technology thereof have partly solved the side record and forged.MagnePrint  is a kind of card safety technology that can detect the forgery card of " being logged " or magnetic change.As fingerprint can be discerned the people uniquely, MagnePrint  can discern magnetic stripe card uniquely.University of Washington in the St. Louis city has found MagnePrint  technology.MagTek is in order to make this technology and to have practical use and it is improved, and has the Exclusive License of this technology of sale.Yet the MagnePrint technology needs the card reader of modification because of its enforcement, and this will make millions of legacy card readers go out of use.

Except lacking security, conventional transactional cards is also very limited aspect memory capacity.Just, Chang Gui card is confined to the magnetic stripe that they are used to store.Therefore, conventional card is not an electronic cards, for example has the card of EMBEDDED AVIONICS (such as processor on the plate and/or number storage), and very limited aspect they functional.

An example of electronic cards is so-called " smart card ", and it comprises processor and number storage on the plate.By electronic equipment on the plate is provided, smart card can be implemented security protocol (for example encrypting), storage a large number of users information etc.

A kind of common standard that is used for smart card is called as the ISO7816 standard.According to this agreement, smart card has an electrical interface, and this electrical interface comprises a large amount of conductions of being coupled to an embedded security processor and from the contact pad (pad) of accessible outside.Smart card is inserted in the intellignet card fetch, and this intellignet card fetch and contact pad electrically contact, so that communicate to the safe processor power supply and with it.Yet smart card does not have embedded power supply, for example battery.Smart card also can comprise the magnetic stripe of a routine, and in the prior art, this magnetic stripe is mutual with safe processor never in any form.

At first introduced smart card, so that provide the data storage of increase and the swindle of some types of preventing from the magnetic stripe transactional cards, to find with memory chip and microprocessor chip.Described smart card has reduced the swindle of some types really, but should card much more expensive than the magnetic stripe transactional cards, and when transaction must with can the reading of data storage chip and the reader of magnetic stripe replace magnetic strip reader.These cost factors in the process that changes the existing infrastructure of being set up around magnetic stripe transaction card system and application (for example " tradition " card reader) and inertia have stoped the quick and more general acceptance of smart card in the U.S..

Smart card is for final user or consumer, to lack visible benefit in another factor of the slow acceptance of the U.S..The consumer just resembles to be ready to use and is ready to use chip to finish transaction the magnetic stripe.

As mentioned above, though be widely adopted abroad, smart card is not also adopted in a large number in the U.S..As mentioned above, for this point, main cause is the investment carried out by millions of businessman on the legacy card reader, and described legacy card reader can't communicate with the safe processor of smart card.And the smart card that meets the ISO7816 standard suffers the puzzlement of himself restriction, comprises that serious limited I/O, ability do not provide with " intelligence " transaction of legacy card reader etc.

Generally speaking, another of smart card is limited in, and they lack with intellignet card fetch when contactless and the ability of user interactions.This restriction is because the smart card of prior art does not have this fact of power supply on the plate.Therefore, electronic unit is in dormant state, and does not allow mutual.This restriction has stoped countless features, and for example the security features of card is selected or pinned to account.

Another kind is proposed but does not also have the method for use to use the general processor and the magnetic stripe emulator of working with the legacy card reader.As used herein, term " magnetic stripe emulator " will refer to a kind of transactional cards, and the data that wherein are sent to the legacy card reader are under the control of general processor.This method will be called as " simulator card " at this, and it is a kind of electronic cards of form.

Credit card compared with routine comes, and the simulator card may have a large amount of remarkable advantages.At first, single card can be simulated a large amount of different transactional cards, thereby reduces the volume in a people's wallet greatly.For example, a simulator card can be simulated Visa card, Master card and atm card.And, because the simulator card comprises a processor, so the function that might implement to add, for example security functions.

Yet the simulator card also has its restriction.At first, owing to used general processor, so reduced the security level of this card.For example, the hacker might obtain to be stored in the data in unsafe electronic memory.And, owing to the simulator card is designed to work with the legacy card reader, so the simulator card is not handled smart card protocol.For example, the same with the credit card of routine, data flow to the legacy card reader from the simulator card, otherwise quite different.Further, can be restricted to the conventional quantity of information that magnetic stripe can be preserved and the legacy card reader can read by the information that the simulator card provides.

Press for and utilize multi-usage and the cheap electronic cards of making to reduce swindle.In the U.S., swindle tends to cover from 7.5 to 12 fundamental points in credit card trade, and estimates that only the side record just made 8,000,000,000 dollars of losses in 2005.In the world, described needs even more urgent because swindle tends to cover from 25 to 40 fundamental points, its 60% since the side record cause.However, because a variety of causes comprises cost, inconvenience, destruction and shortage reliability, the U.S. and other local businessman still are unwilling to their current all magnetic card traction equipments for a change and essential resource is invested.

Except being used for financial transaction, electronic cards also has other purposes.For example, electronic cards has been used to the security purpose, so that allow to enter such as personnel the high security zone (" access control ") of buildings.Therefore, electronic cards can be used to possessor wherein identity and/multiple purpose that the status need be verified by physical card or " token ".

As mentioned above, compare with the nonelectronic magnetic stripe card of routine, electronic cards is often more expensive relatively.This part ground is the cost owing to electronic unit, and partly is owing to make the complicacy of electronic cards.For example, in the lamination process of electronic cards, must be careful heat and/pressure do not damage sensitive electronic unit.And it is thin, flexible that electronic cards should remain, and preferably keep with conventional jig identical size being arranged.As another example, magnetic stripe emulator often is difficult to design and manufactures make them work with conventional reader.

In addition, the power electronics for electronic cards tends to be a problem.For example, smart card is powered by their reader, thereby has limited their serviceabilities in contactless application.Also do not find a kind of good solution that is used to immanent electronic cards power supply in the prior art.

To those skilled in the art, after the description of having read the back and having studied the several figure in the accompanying drawing, these and other restrictions of prior art will become apparent.

Summary of the invention

A large amount of limiting examples of the problems referred to above of existing transactional cards of solution and electronic cards and the electronic cards of restriction are presented.With conspicuous, method and apparatus is applicable to as disclosed herein needs improved electronic cards or can utilize improved electronic cards to carry out improved various problems as those skilled in the art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a kind of thin flexible electrical subcard with power supply on the plate.

Another object of the present invention provides the worthwhile method of efficient and cost-effective of making electronic cards.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of smart card with enhancing of improved I/O ability.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of electronic trading card with improved security.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of improved simulator transactional cards.

At one as an example and among the unrestricted embodiment that sets forth, an electronic cards comprises the digital processing unit of Boping, electrochemical cell, communication port, first flexible cover and second flexible cover of Boping.This digital processing unit preferably has the second surface of the first surface of substantially flat and relative basically substantially flat, and wherein at least one in the xsect of this first surface, second surface and this processor defines a maximum surface area.This battery preferably has the second surface of the first surface of substantially flat and relative basically substantially flat, wherein at least one in the xsect of this first surface, second surface and this processor defines a maximum surface area, this battery is oriented to and this processor coplane basically, and can be this processor power supply.This communication port is coupled to this processor.In first flexible cover and relative second flexible cover each has the surface area greater than the maximum surface area of the combination of this digital processing unit and this battery.This processor and this battery are sandwiched between first flexible cover and second flexible cover, and are sealed by them.

In one exemplary embodiment, this electronic cards comprises flexible PCB.In another exemplary embodiment, at least one in this first lid and second lid forms profile (contour) to be enclosed within on this circuit board, processor and the battery.In another exemplary embodiment, one or more switches are coupled to this circuit board.In another exemplary embodiment, one or more indicators are coupled to this circuit board.In another exemplary embodiment, this processor is coupled to this circuit board in the mode of flip-chip.In another exemplary embodiment, this processor utilizes bonding wire (bonded wire) to be coupled to this circuit board.In another exemplary embodiment, this bonding wire has low annular height (loop height).In another exemplary embodiment, this processor is encapsulated on this printed circuit board (PCB).In another exemplary embodiment, this battery comprises two or more batteries.In another exemplary embodiment, this battery is a rechargeable not.In another exemplary embodiment, this battery is rechargeable.In another exemplary embodiment, this battery comprises not rechargeable battery of a rechargeable battery and.In another exemplary embodiment, this battery is a part that comprises the power supply of power-supply filter.

At one as an example and among the unrestricted embodiment that sets forth, a kind of method that is used to make electronic cards comprises: make flexible printed circuit board, at least one processor is attached on this printed circuit board (PCB), at least one battery is coupled on this printed circuit board (PCB), encapsulate described at least one processor, make top cover and bottom, and make this printed circuit board (PCB), processor and battery folder between top cover and bottom.

At one as an example and among the unrestricted embodiment that sets forth, the smart card of an enhancing comprises: the card body, it has a card from accessible outside, and this card comprises signal port, power port and grounding ports; Safe processor, it is arranged in the card body at least in part and is coupled to signal port, power port and grounding ports; General processor, it is arranged in the card body at least in part, this general processor is coupled to power supply, this power supply is arranged in the card body at least in part, and when safe processor is used with the smart card pattern that strengthens, can operate being used to the safe processor power supply and communicating with it; And the contactless communication port, it is coupled in safe processor and the general processor at least one.

At one as an example and among the unrestricted embodiment that sets forth, Secure Transaction card comprise the card body, at least in part be arranged in safe processor in the card body, at least in part be arranged in general processor in the card body, at least in part be arranged in the interior power supply of card body and be coupled to safe processor and general processor at least one contactless communication port.

At one as an example and among the unrestricted embodiment that sets forth, analog broadcasting device (broadcaster) system that swipes the card comprises: coil, it has an elongated core material and one and has around the winding of the multiturn of this core material; And signal generator, it has the broadcasting equipment driver signal, and this signal generator is coupled to this coil, so that this coil provides the magnetic stripe transactional cards is brushed the dynamic magnetic field that the reading head of card reader is simulated.

In one exemplary embodiment, this signal generator comprises processor with numeral output and the signal processing circuit that this numeral output is converted to the broadcasting equipment driver signal.In another exemplary embodiment, this signal generator is a digital signal generator.In another exemplary embodiment, this coil is in a plurality of coils.In another exemplary embodiment, at least one in described a plurality of coils is track coil.In another exemplary embodiment, at least one in described a plurality of coils is bucking coil.In another exemplary embodiment, this coil comprises the lead that twines around this core.In another exemplary embodiment, this coil comprises that by such process around the formed lead of this core, this process comprises deposits conductive material and this conductive material of etching at least.

At one as an example and among the unrestricted embodiment that sets forth, a kind of method that is used for slim (profile) use formed low annular solder comprises: the first surface of the semiconductor element (die) of manufacturing is attached to the first surface of the substrate with a plurality of substrate contact pads, so that being exposed with this first surface opposing second surface so that visit to a plurality of tube core contact pads is provided of this tube core; First terminal filament of lead is welded (wire bonding) to a substrate contact pad; And second terminal filament of lead is soldered to a tube core contact pad,, and is no more than 20 mils on the first surface of this substrate so that the annular of this lead highly is no more than 5 mils on the second surface of this tube core.

To those skilled in the art, in case read the description of back and studied each width of cloth figure in the accompanying drawing, the embodiment of these and other, aspect and advantage will become apparent.

Description of drawings

Describe several exemplary embodiment referring now to accompanying drawing, wherein identical parts have identical reference number.Described exemplary embodiment is planned to describe but not is limited.Described accompanying drawing comprises following each figure:

Fig. 1 is the top plan view of an exemplary electrical subcard;

Fig. 2 is the bottom plan view of the exemplary electrical subcard of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the block scheme that is used for the exemplary circuit of the electronic cards shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is the block scheme of the exemplary safe processor of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is the synoptic diagram of the exemplary embodiment of the general processor of Fig. 3 and exemplary relevant I/O equipment and subsystem;

Fig. 6 is the top plan view of exemplary P.e.c. (PC) plate of an exemplary electrical subcard;

Fig. 7 is the bottom plan view of the PC plate of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is the fragmentary cross-sectional view of the decomposition of an exemplary electrical subcard;

Fig. 9 is the fragmentary cross-sectional view of electronic cards after its assembling of Fig. 8;

The exemplary lead welding of Figure 10 explanation between processor and PC plate;

Figure 11 explanation has the exemplary broadcasting tank of alignment mark;

Figure 12 is the top plan view of broadcasting equipment before being inserted into broadcasting tank shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 illustrates an exemplary broadcasting equipment coil;

The exemplary winding pattern of the broadcasting equipment coil of Figure 14-16 explanation Figure 13;

Figure 17 be the broadcasting equipment assembly as an example and the block scheme of the unrestricted optional embodiment that sets forth;

Figure 18 is as an example and the process flow diagram of the unrestricted manufacture process of setting forth that is used for the production electronic cards;

Figure 19 is the process flow diagram that illustrates in greater detail the exemplary stages I manufactureprocess 168 of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is the process flow diagram that illustrates in greater detail theexemplary programming process 180 of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is the process flow diagram that illustrates in greater detail exemplary " software and/or data load in chip "process 200 of Figure 20;

Figure 22 is the process flow diagram that illustrates in greater detail the exemplary stages IImanufacture process 170 of Figure 18; And

Figure 23 is the process flow diagram that illustrates in greater detail the exemplary stagesIII manufacture process 172 of Figure 18.

Embodiment

As described, there is a large amount of application for electronic cards.The wherein a kind of of many application is for financial transaction provides security, for example uses the financial transaction of the transactional cards such as credit card and debit card.In the exemplary embodiment below, will be focussed in particular on the security of transactional cards, understand other purposes (such as but not limited to access control) for the enhanced electron security simultaneously also within practicalness of the present invention and scope.

Fig. 1 is as an example and an embodiment of the unrestricted electronic cards of setting forth 10 that thiselectronic cards 10 comprises card body 11.This card body can be made by thermoplastic, Polyvinylchloride in the exemplary embodiment (PVC) for example, but other materials with enough flexibilities and permanance also are suitable.For example, can use other thermoplasticss and thin metal (for example stainless steel).Certainly, if conductive material is used to cardbody 11, enough electrical isolations between just necessary maintenance and electric and/or the electronic unit.Other materials such as resin, carbon fiber, organic and inorganic material etc. still is suitable for various optional embodiment.In a word,card body 11 can all be enough to make as any suitable material of transactional cards by intensity and durability.

This exemplaryelectrical subcard 10 comprisesfront surface 12, and thisfront surface 12 has electrical interface 16.This is a limiting examples of the communication port of electronic cards 10.In other embodiments,interface 16 can be eliminated, perhaps additional communication port can be provided.

Shownelectrical interface 16 comprises a plurality of contact pads, and these contact pads form with a kind of structure of obeying International Standards Organization's " smart card " standard ISO 7816 in this example.In this exemplary embodiment, can be with this electronic cards as the traditional mode smart card.Mechanism'sidentifier 18, mechanism'snumbering 20, account number 22 and customer name 24 onfront surface 12, have also been shown.Preferably be engraved on theelectronic cards 10 account number is protruding, so that the credit card marking press is provided the numeral of projection.

Theback side 14 of Fig. 2 illustrated example electronic cards 10.In this exemplary embodiment, amagnetic stripe emulator 26 is set on 14 overleaf, it can be used to communicate with the conventional magnetic stripe reader of prior art.Therefore, thismagnetic stripe emulator 26 another limiting examples that is communication port.

For example, this electronic cards can also have on/offbutton 28, " opening "indicator 30 and " pass " indicator 32.In this exemplary embodiment, " opening "indicator 30 can be a green LED, and " pass "indicator 32 can be a red LED.On this exemplary card backside 14, also can see a plurality of account's interfaces 34.Each account'sinterface 34 preferably has account's indicator LED36 and account's selector switch 38.For example, each account'sinterface 34 can also have the printing information of identified account and cut-off date.In this example, theback side 14 also hasindication 40, mechanism'sidentifier 41,signature boxes 42 and various other printing informations.

Fig. 3 is the block scheme of the circuit of exemplaryelectrical subcard 10, and it is as an example and unrestricted given.In this example,electronic cards 10 comprisessafe processor 44,general processor 52 and magnetic stripe emulator 64.In this embodiment,safe processor 44 andgeneral processor 52 all are coupled toISO7816 interface 16 bybus 48.

The preferably commercially available intelligent card chip ofsafe processor 44, it has the various anti-characteristics of distorting, for example safety encipher function and theanti-memory storage 46 of distorting.As an example and an exemplary embodiment of unrestricted givensafe processor 44 is P8WE6032 processors of being made by German Philip.Similarly equipment is made by Hitachi, Infineon, Toshiba, ST and other companies.As previously mentioned, in this example,safe processor 44 is electrically connected to interface 16 bybus 48.

In this example,general processor 52 also is connected tobus 48, and therefore is connected tosafe processor 44 and interface 16.In addition, in this example,general processor 52 is coupled tosafe processor 44 by " I/O2 " circuit.In current exemplary embodiment, storer 54 is coupled to general processor 52.In this example,general processor 52 also is coupled to power supply 56, display 58, switch 60 and other I/O62.

In an optional embodiment,general processor 52 communicates with the pattern and thesafe processor 44 of obeying ISO7816 on bus 48.In such an embodiment, do not need to be connected (connection that for example can omit I/O2 circuit 50) with other of safe processor.

Power supply 56 preferably is disposed in the electrochemical cell in the card body 11.It can be not rechargeable battery or rechargeable battery.If power supply 56 is rechargeable batteries not, it should have total enough capacity and come to power for electronic cards in its useful life.If power supply 56 is rechargeable, just can use thiselectronic cards 10 indefinitely.For example, can by magnetic induction (for example by telefault or broadcasting equipment coil), embedcard body 11 barrier-layer cell, embedelectronic cards 10 piezoelectric, another electric connector, motion recharges mechanism's (for example magnet and coil) or other suitable mechanisms recharge for rechargeable battery by interface 16.For example, in some cases, can provide enough energy to come,, perhaps for example in capacitor, store auxiliary electric charge battery recharge forelectronic cards 10 power supplies to the rectification of environment RF energy.

Optional exemplary embodiment comprises primary element and the secondary cell that is disposed in the card body.For example, rechargeable battery can not serve as primary element, and rechargeable battery can serve as secondary cell, and perhaps vice versa.These exemplary embodiments can be used as example and unrestricted being presented.

Because power supply 56 is embedded intoelectronic cards 10, so that it is necessary for is thin.This is because for many application, and thiselectronic cards 10 must be crooked within the specific limits.For example, theelectronic cards 10 that is used for the transactional cards application must meet the ISO7810 standard, and it is that 85.60 millimeters (～3370 mils) are wide, and 53.98 millimeters (～2125 mil) is high and .76 millimeter (～30 mil) is thick.This is commonly called " CR80 " form, and this form is " 3-1/2 " * 2 roughly, and is fit to the standard wallet well.Yet, can also use other bigger, littler or be different from the CR80 form and the form of constructing.As limiting examples, can make less than the electronic cards of CR80 size so that for example be installed on the key chain.

This card must be had a few flexible so that it can be used for for example inserting the legacy card reader of type, so further preferably, if this power supply is relatively large on surface area, then it should have a few flexibility.Yet if battery is less relatively on surface area, if perhaps several less battery is coupling in together to form power supply 56, flexibility is not a problem just.And importantly, if for example utilize heat and/or pressure lamination to makeelectronic cards 10, then this power supply 56 just can be stood heat and/or pressure.

The example of suitable batteries is made by the Varta Microbattery of German Ellwangen and the Solicore of Florida State Lakeland.This battery is electrochemical in nature preferably, although can also use the battery or the capacitance stores equipment of other types.Suitable electrochemical cell can comprise (as an example and unrestricted) lithium polymer battery, Ni-MH, lithium battery, lithium ion battery, alkaline battery etc.

General processor 52 for example can be PIC16 or PIC18 microcontroller.In an optional embodiment,general processor 52 can comprise asic chip.Still in a further embodiment, general processor can be an any type of logic (for example state machine, analog processor etc.) of carrying out desired processing capacity.

Display 58 for example can comprise as previous disclosed LED equipment.As another limiting examples, display 58 can comprise LCD display.If this LCD display has relatively large surface area, then it is preferably flexible.Switch 60 can be any type of electric switch or equipment, and they provide the function of switch so that input or control forelectronic cards 10 are provided.Processor 52 for example can provide the software about this switch to remove dither algorithm.Other I/O62 can comprise any amount of optional I/O subsystem.As an example and unrestricted, that these subsystems can comprise is audio frequency, sense of touch, RF, IR, optics, keyboard, biological I/O or other I/O.Safe processor 44 can also provide I/O by RF or IR according to the ISO7816 standard.

In this exemplary embodiment, magnetic stripe emulator 64 also is coupled togeneral processor 52, and this magnetic stripe emulator 64 allows to useelectronic cards 10 with the pattern of the magnetic stripe card of simulation prior art.In this limiting examples, magnetic stripe emulator 64 comprisesbuffer circuit 66, and thisbuffer circuit 66 will convert the waveform that is applicable to the magnetic stripe simulation to from the numeral output of general processor 52.In this exemplary embodiment,buffer circuit 66 comprises change-over circuit, and this change-over circuit is implemented as RC network usually.Together with broadcasting equipment, RC network forms the RCL network so that regulate waveform.RC network and equivalent thereof are well known to those skilled in the art.

In this example, magnetic stripe emulator 64 also comprises broadcasting equipment 68.As used herein, term " broadcasting equipment " refers to one or more telefaults of the magnetic signal that is used to " broadcasting " fluctuation, and the magnetic stripe of the magnetic signal mock trading card of described fluctuation is through the motion (" swiping the card ") of the reading head of magnetic card reading.

Broadcasting equipment 68 can be electrically coupled tobuffer circuit 66, and preferably receives two signal tracks, and described signal track is broadcasteddevice 68 and converts the magnetic-pulse that is used for the magnetic stripe simulation to.Optional embodiment comprises one, three, four or more a plurality oftrack.Broadcasting equipment 68 can comprise that one or more electric coils become magnetic-pulse to electrical signal conversion.

Thebroadcasting equipment 68 of this example further can comprise one ormore sensors 70, and describedsensor 70 is electrically coupled to general processor 52.These sensors are used to begin to the physical action of moving thiscard body 10 of general processor signaling brush by the legacycard reader.Sensor 70 also when losing with the contacting of magnetic strip reader 72 andgeneral processor 52 communicate, this magnetic strip reader 72 receives and explains magnetic flux pulse from broadcasting equipment.

As previously mentioned, theelectronic cards 10 of this example comprises electrical interface 16.In this example, useelectric connector 16 and ISO7816 reader 74 to communicate in the mode of obeying ISO7816.Just, in this example,electronic cards 10 can be used as conventional smart card or conventional magnetic stripe transactional cards.

When being used for the traditional intelligence mode card, besafe processor 44 power supplies bybus 48 by intellignet card fetch equipment 74.Reader 74 can be used tosafe processor 44 is programmed and make its personalization with various information, and as an example and unrestricted, described various information comprise firmware code, number of the account, key, PIN number etc.In a single day this information be loaded in thesafe processor 44, just makessafe processor 44 prepare to be used for no longer needing to use the operator scheme of reader 74.

In this " independently " pattern,safe processor 44 communicates withgeneral processor 52, and the service such as encryption function and dynamic generation authorization information is provided, and described authorization information is used to communicate with magnetic strip reader 72 bygeneral processor 52 and magnetic stripe emulator 64.Still in this example, can only use once this Validation Code to single transaction.Follow-up transaction need generate new ValidationCode.Safe processor 44 can also send accounts information and/or DAC by RF and IR.

In an optional embodiment,card body 10 continues to be used with reader 74, and is used with magnetic strip reader equipment 72.In this optional embodiment, this card detects its pattern that just is being used, and automatically switches use tobus 48 to be suitable for detected operator scheme.This is implemented in optional bus arbiter 76.There is not bus arbiter 76 in other embodiments.Optional bus arbiter 76 can detect when it is used with reader 74, and this is to offerbus 48 by reader 74 byelectric connector 16 because of power supply.Similarly, optional bus arbiter 76 just can detect is powered bygeneral processor 52, and switches to corresponding operator scheme, and this operator scheme is servedgeneral processor 52 and coupled various I/O equipment.In another optional embodiment, optional bus arbiter 76 allowsgeneral processor 52 andsafe processor 44 to carry out dynamic communication each other respectively, and allowsgeneral processor 52 andsafe processor 44 to carry out dynamic communication with reader 74.This needs the well-known bus arbitration logic of those skilled in the art.In another optional embodiment, betweensafe processor 44 andelectric connector 16, insert general processor 52.In this optional embodiment,general processor 52 serves as " intermediate " or " front end " forsafe processor 44.

Continuation is with reference to figure 3, can comprise that an exemplary contactless communication port 77 is with as substituting or add example communication port one 6 and 64.Just, can provide contactless communication port 77 with allow with situation that reader does not have physics to contact under communicate.

Contactless communication port 77 can be the communication that does not need the physics contact of radio communication port, IR communication port or any other form.Certainly, other embodiment can have the contact communication port, forexample communication port 16 and broadcasting equipment.Just, as an example and unrestricted these embodiment that describes.

A kind of standard that is used for radio frequency (" the RF ") communication of smart card communications is to be the ISO/IEC14443 in 200 1 years on the date.It comprises antenna and RF drive characteristics, and has defined two types contactless card (" A " and " B "), allows to communicate in the distance up to 10 centimetres.Proposed Type C, D, E and the F of ISO14443, they also do not finish standard procedure.A kind of optional standard that is used for contact type intelligent card is ISO15693, and its permission communicates with the distance up to 50 centimetres.

Fig. 4 illustrates in greater detail the exemplarysafe processor 44 of Fig. 3.Thesafe processor 44 of this example is the microcontroller of obeying ISO7816, and it comprisespower switch 78,security sensor 80,reseting generator 82,clock input filter 84, CPU86, interruptsystem 88 and internal bus 90.What be coupled tointernal bus 90 is to resist to distortmemory storage 46, and it comprises RAM, EEPROM etc.What also be coupled tobus 90 iscoprocessor 92, and it handles encryption and decryption.In this exemplary embodiment,coprocessor 92 is carried out the TRIPLE-DES encryption and decryption.That also be coupled tobus 90 istimer 94 and ROM96, and it for example is used to the firmware ofstorage security processor 44, also has UART98, and it is used to serial communication.What be also connected tobus 90 is I/O subsystem 100 andrandomizer 102.

Aforesaidsafe processor 44 can be from multiple source in commercial acquisition, comprising Philip, Hitachi, Infineon, Toshiba, ST and other companies.A kind of suitablesafe processor 44 that is used for disclosed exemplary embodiment is that the model of being made by German Philip is the processor of P8WE6032.In some optional embodiment, can replacesafe processor 44 by general processor.

Fig. 5 is as an example and the block scheme of the unrestricted general processor of setting forth 52 that thisgeneral processor 52 is coupled to its relevant I/O equipment subsystem.As mentioned above,general processor 52 can be PIC16 or PIC18 microcontroller.For example,general processor 52 can be Microchip LF 77PIC 16 or Microchip LF 4530 PIC 18.Possibility is provided by Texas Instrument, Atmel and other companies.Can also use other general processors, and in some optional embodiment,general processor 52 can also be a safe processor.

In this exemplary embodiment, show twoelectrochemical cell 121A and 121B.As described, can on market, buy from the suitable chemical property of for example Varta Microbattery GmbH and the battery of size.In this example,rechargeable battery 121A does not serve as primary element, and rechargeable battery 121B serves as secondary cell.Battery 121B can be coupled to rechargingdevice 122, and it is shown as the RF power supply here.Certainly, induction current before being applied to battery 121B by rectification.As mentioned above, there are a large amount of conspicuous for a person skilled in the art other suitable recharging devices.

Preferably, for the level and smooth power supply that does not have crest or loss of power is provided, provide capacitor assembly 124.As shown, this capacitor assembly can comprise one or morecapacitors.Capacitor assembly 124 can also be used to make the power supply from rectifier level and smooth, and this rectifier may reside in the recharging device 122.In this exemplary embodiment,battery 121A, battery 121B, rechargingdevice 122 andcapacitor assembly 124 are all parts of the power supply 56 of Fig. 3.

Can also be one or more capacitors (for example capacitor assembly 124) as Electricity storage device.Just, in certain embodiments, " ultracapacitor " with enough high capacitances can replenish the electric current by electrochemical cell provided significantly.For example, in certain embodiments, approximately the capacitance range of 1uF+-10%@6.3v is fit to serve as ultracapacitor.For example, for size and the height that reduces capacitor, can realize relativelylarge capacitor assembly 124 easily by using ten 0.1uF capacitors that are connected in parallel.

Continuation can provide atransient port 125 with auxiliary manufacture process with reference to figure 5.Alternatively, on the part of printed circuit board (PCB), provide this transient port,, just remove this transient port in case need to use the manufacturing operation of this transient port to be done.For example, can usetransient port 125 that data and program are loaded amonggeneral processor 52 and relevant EEPROM andsafe processor 44 and the relevant EEPROM thereof.Can provideparts 123 to guarantee having suitable electrical characteristics, avoid power supply spike pulse or loss of power etc. with being electrically connected ofgeneral processor 52.

In this example,general processor 52 is connected to a large amount of switches, comprising on/offswitch 28 and account selector switch 38.Be connected to a large amount of light emitting diodes of also having of general processor 52 (" LED "), comprising " energising "indicator 30, " outage "indicator 32 and " account opens " indicator 36.Described each LED and switch comprise the people/machine interface with electronic cards 10.Certainly, exist for the many ofelectronic cards 10 and each equipment of communicating by letter withelectronic cards 10 to substitute or interpolation, they also help people/machine interface.And unrestricted,electronic cards 10 can comprise that lcd screen (having or do not have touch panel), audio frequency I/O, speech recognition and various other will be conspicuous possibility to those skilled in the art as another example.

In this example,RC buffer circuit 66 is coupled togeneral processor 52, and the signal of the square wave type of sending from general processor 52 (in conjunction withbroadcasting equipment 68 and/or other parts) is converted to the waveform of simulating magnetic signal (" dynamic magnetic flux "), and this magnetic signal is to be provided by the magnetic stripe transactional cards through reader.Waveform is electrically communicate to broadcastingequipment 68, and thisbroadcasting equipment 68 converts the electrical signal to crosses the dynamic magnetic field that magnetic strip reader is simulated to the cartoon with magneticstripe.Electronic cards 10 can be mobile or fixed, and will move past reading head to the magnetic stripe by the regular trading card and the variation magnetic field that produces is simulated by the variation magnetic field that broadcastingequipment 68 is broadcasted.Therefore, to tend to along its length be uniform to the magnetic signal that is produced by broadcasting equipment basically.

Sensor 70 provides signal to contact to indicate this card to carry out physics with reader to general processor 52.Sensor 70 can be taked various forms, will be conspicuous possibility to those skilled in the art comprising physical switch, pressure transducer orother.Broadcasting equipment 68 obtains its waveform after the activation of one ormore sensors 70.

Four exemplary coils 128,130,132 and 134 shown in Figure 5.More particularly, in this exemplary embodiment,broadcasting equipment 68 comprises " track 1 "coil 128, " track 2 "coil 130, " track 1 is offset "coil 132 and " track 2 is offset " coil 134.In this exemplary embodiment, preferably track 1coil 128 and track 2coils 130 are placed on the card, to be used for contacting (referring to Fig. 3) with the best of the playback head of magnetic strip reader equipment 72.Just, track 1coil 128 preferably is placed with track 2coils 130 and track 2 bucking coils 134 equidistant, and is inserted between track 2coils 130 and track 2 bucking coils 134.

Owing to can disturb the magnetic field of track 1coil 128 from the magnetic field of track 2coils 130, so provide track 2 bucking coils 134 " counteracting " to be somebody's turn to do " crosstalking " effect.So-called " counteracting " is meant that having reduced this at least significantly crosstalks.The magnetic field that is produced by track 2 bucking coils 134 is the counter field in the magnetic field of track 2coils 130 generations, has therefore reduced the influence of track 2coils 130 magnetic fields to track 1coil 128 magnetic fields.Similarly, in this example, track 2coils 130 are equidistant with track 1coil 128 and track 1bucking coil 132, and are inserted between track 1coil 128 and track 1 bucking coil 132.Provide reducing by track 1bucking coil 132 to the cross talk effects of track 1 coil 128.In this exemplary embodiment, broadcasting equipment coil 128-134 andsensor 70 comprisebroadcasting equipment 68.

In an optional embodiment, buckingcoil 134 and 132 are not provided, but, the electric signal that provides to these coils is provided in such a way, promptly disturbing magnetic field provides suitable magnetic input to magnetic strip reader equipment 72.This can be by using ASIC, digital signal processor (DSP) or realizing by other means.Alternatively, position among their formerly described embodiment can be departed from so that suitable influence to be provided in the position of these two broadcasting equipment coils 126.Selectively, can realize offsetting by the mechanical masking with nano material, this mechanical masking can shield the broadcast data between these two adjacent windings.As an example and unrestrictedly provide described various exemplary embodiment.The replacement scheme of embodiment shown in Figure 5 will be conspicuous to those skilled in the art.

In addition, can apply the synthetic signal of numeral to broadcastingequipment 68, this can reduce or eliminate to the needs of the circuit for signal conditioning such as the RC circuit and/or to the needs of bucking coil.For example, can ingeneral processor 52, DSP or other circuit, realize the signal that this numeral is synthetic, just as the skilled person will recognize.

Fig. 6 is the top plan view of an exemplary P.e.c. (PC) plate 136.Preferably,PC plate 136 is " flexibility " plates, so thatelectronic cards 10 is obeyed above-mentioned ISO7810 standard forflexible.PC plate 136 has conductive trace (trace), and forexample trace 137, and supports various electronic units, forexample processor 44 and 52.PC plate 36 also is provided for the space ofbroadcasting equipment 66 and one or more electrochemical cells.As an example and unrestricted this exemplary embodiment that provides.

As previously mentioned, only be about 30 mils according to the thickness of theelectronic cards 10 of ISO7810 standard size manufacturing (or height, when obtaining this card) with xsect.Therefore, the various internal parts ofelectronic cards 10 are that approach, flat and are essentially the just very important of coplane.And unrestricted,digital processing unit 52 should be a Boping as an example, and has the second surface of the first surface of substantially flat and relative basically substantially flat.It also should limit the first maximum surface area.As another example and unrestricted,electrochemical cell 121 should have the second surface of the first surface of substantially flat and relative basically substantially flat, and should limit the second maximum surface area.The theoretical planes at the center bydigital processing unit 52 should with the theoretical planes at center bybattery 121 coplane basically, thereby can obtain theelectronic cards 10 of desired thickness.

" substantially " speech here is used to be meant approx.For example, the surface of substantially flat is smooth approx at least.Small defective, step, projection or the bending of first type surface still are considered to " substantially flat ", and needn't be applied to whole surface." relative basically plane " normally faced mutually, and is approximately parallel at least.

So-called " coplane basically " is meant that the theoretical center plane is close together at least and is parallel approx.Certainly, the central plane ofprocessor 52 can on the central plane ofbattery 121 or under, as long as and can keep the desired thinness ofelectronic cards 10, just still can think that these two parts are " coplanes basically ".For example, as long as there is any plane of the major surfaces in parallel of common and these parts, just still can think thatprocessor 52 andbattery 121 are coplanes, wherein said any plane and this two parts intersect.For example, if thisbattery 121 is 16 mil height andprocessor 52 is 10 mil height in xsect, just can separates the central plane of these parts by as many as 8 mils, and will think still that they are " coplanes basically ".

Fig. 7 is the bottom plan view of exemplary PC plate 136.PC plate 136 has a large amount oftraces 137 once more and is used for broadcastingequipment 66 and the space of battery 121.Also showinterface 16, it is oriented to overlap with the position ofsafe processor 44 on how much.As an example and unrestricted these exemplary embodiments that provides.

PC plate 136 for example can be a kind of multilayer PC plate.For example, as seen in Figure 6, the top ofPC plate 136 can be ground floor or top layer, and the bottom of this PC plate as seen in Figure 7 can be the second layer or bottom.Perhaps can there be other middle layers in this two-layer can being adhered to together.Each layer comprises a dielectric substrate of for example being made by the PVC material, and can comprise conductive trace, pad and other structures.As mentioned above, expectation PC plate is flexible, meets the ISO7810 standard to helpelectronic cards 10 for flexible.

Fig. 8 is the fragmentary cross-sectional view of the decomposition of electronic cards 10.In this example, to have approximately be the maximum height of 25 mils to bottom 140.Should be noted that bottom 140 forms profile thereon on thesurface 141 to be fit to the profile of parts etc. that PC plate, battery and/or other are attached to the bottom of PC plate.In this example, the height ofPC plate 136 is approximately 6 mils, and this approaches it and has flexibility.Showinggeneral processor 52 is installed on thePC plate 136 and by material 144 (for example epoxy encapsulant) and encapsulates.Also show thesafe processor 44 that encapsulates bymaterial 144 similarly.Be installed in the various parts that also havebattery 121 on thePC plate 136.

Continuation is with reference to figure 8, and the height of an exemplary embodiment ofbattery 121 is 16 mils.Also figure 8 illustratesbroadcasting equipment 68, thisbroadcasting equipment 68 overlaps in the horizontal withbattery 121 in this embodiment, and therefore occupies overlapping space in this cross-sectional view.The height of thebroadcasting equipment 68 in this exemplary embodiment is approximately 20 mils.Be installed inaccount selector switch 38 in addition, " opening "indicator 30 and " pass "indicator 32 on the PC plate 136.Account indicator 34 overlaps in the horizontal with " opening "indicator 30, and therefore occupies overlapping space in this cross-sectional view.Show and cover 146 height and be approximately 5 mils.Thereforeelectronic cards 30 is approximately 30 mils when assembled, and this obeys ISO7810.As an example and unrestrictedly provide exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 8, and size can change, just as the skilled person will recognize.

Fig. 9 is the fragmentary cross-sectional view ofelectronic cards 10 after assembled.The same with the electronic cards of making 10, various example components are shown the various layers withcompact form.Lid 140 and 146 seals and protects the interior Electrical and Electronic circuit of this card.Preferably, useepoxy adhesive 147 encapsulate described Electrical and Electronic parts (except those must be exposed), and this assembly kept together.As previously mentioned,lid 140 and 146 can be made up of polyester or FR4 or various other materials.Final assembly is theelectronic cards 10 of sealing, and it obeys the size that the ISO7810 standard is set forth.Importantly, thickness T should be greater than about 30 mils, so that it is suitably worked with the legacy card reader.Other embodiment provide the electronic cards of different sizes and form.

Figure 10 is the detail elevation that processor tube core 56 is connected to the wire bonds of PC plate 136.This exemplary embodiment allows low profile, and this is because the dimension constraint of the strictness that thickness calibration applied ofelectronic cards 10 but favourable.Utilize bonding agent or other welding materials 158 that tube core 56 is installed on thePC plate 136, described bonding agent or other welding materials 158 have formed the physical connection between processor 56 and printed circuit board (PCB) 136.Lead 148 is electrically connected the pad 160 of processor 56 and the pad 160 ofPC plate 136.

It is very important that lead 148 has low annular height " d ".Conventional wire bonds technology at first wire bonds to processor, be welded to then on the substrate, this causes very high annular height.High annular height is unacceptable for electronic cards, must make this electronic cards extremely thin.And bending and distorting stress that high annular highly can may suffer owing to electronic cards produce integrity problem.

According to an aspect of this exemplary embodiment, used a kind of reverse welding technology, wherein at first lead 148 is attached on thePC plate 136, be attached to then on the processor 56.This causes short annular height " d ", and it is preferably less than 5 mils, and 2-4 mil or littler more preferably.As a result, this annular overall height equals d+D, and wherein " D " is the height of upper surface on the upper surface ofPC plate 136 of processor 56.In this example, processor tube core 56 is approximately the 9-10 mil, and bonding agent is approximately the 1-2 mil, thereby causes height D to be approximately the 10-12 mil.In this example, if annular height d in the scope of 2-4 mil, then annular in the overall height on the upper surface of PC plate in the scope of 12-16 mil.

Above-mentioned bending and distorting stress that low annular highly also helps electronic cards to suffer.For example,, and most preferably be approximately 2 mils or littler, just can on lead, obtain the pull strength of 7-10 gram if annular is more preferably less than 4 mils highly preferably less than 5 mils.

In another embodiment, processor 56 is attached to the PC plate in the mode of flip-chip.Be used in the mode of flip-chip well known to those skilled in the art to the technology of substrate die attachment.

Figure 11 illustrates the jack 160 of thePC plate 136 that is used for broadcasting equipment 68.In this example,broadcasting equipment 68 is inserted in the jacks 160, then thisbroadcasting equipment 68 is electrically connected to contact pad 161 at the later stage of manufacture process.When being installed in the jack 160, importantly realize the geometric alignment of height, to broadcastingequipment 68 so that broadcastingequipment 68 can suitably be aimed at the reading head of card reader.Provide visible through hole in guide 162, thebroadcasting equipment 68 with auxiliary physics alignment procedures.When insertingbroadcasting equipment 68 in the slot 16s 0, preferably make alignment guidance device 162 closely aim at hole in the broadcasting equipment 68.Can use optical microscope to help this process.Certainly, as an example and unrestricted these exemplary embodiments that provides, and other technique of alignment also are suitable.

Figure 12 illustrates the last form ofbroadcasting equipment 68 before it is inserted intoslot 16 0.Alignment rail 1coil 128 contacts so that carry out the best with magnetic strip reader equipment 72 with track 2 coils 130.Track 1bucking coil 132 and track 2 bucking coils 134 are suitably located, with counteracting track 1coil 128 of carrying out them and the function of crosstalking between track 2 coils 130.At thissensor 70 is shown as the dropout switch, they detect the incident of just passing through theelectronic cards 10 of magnetic strip reader equipment 72.

As an example and unrestricted these exemplary embodiments that provides.The replacement scheme of the The Nomenclature Composition and Structure of Complexes ofbroadcasting equipment 68 will be conspicuous to those skilled in the art.For example, the optional embodiment that does not comprise buckingcoil 132 and 134 is conceived to as other optional embodiment.As another limiting examples, some embodiment only has single track coil.

Figure 13 illustrates in greater detail an exemplary broadcasting equipment coil 128.In optional embodiment, other broadcasting equipment coils 130-134 can have similar or identical design, perhaps can have different designs.In this embodiment,twine lead 164 around ferromagnetic core 166.Lead 164 can be made by for example copper, aluminium or its alloy etc.Can make lead 164 insulation, perhaps thiscore 166 can be insulation or make thiscore 166 insulation so that prevent the short circuit in winding oflead 164.

In one exemplary embodiment,broadcasting equipment core 166 is made up of so-called "HyMu 80 " material with good magnetic characteristics, and it can have been bought in market from National Electronic Alloys Inc.Come to twine single strand ofcopper wire 164 with the regular interval that separates (for example having constant spacing " P ") around broadcasting equipment core 166.In one exemplary embodiment, the pitch of lead loop is approximately 4.8 mils.As an example and unrestricted this exemplary embodiment that provides, because other pitches and variable pitch also are suitable in certain embodiments.

Figure 14 illustrates around the exemplary pitch of thelead 164 ofcore 166 coilings.Figure 14 is illustrated in the regular spaces between each coil winding of thecopper cash 164 with constant pitch.Although can use other embodiment, this is a preferred embodiment.

Figure 15 illustrates somewhat irregular winding.Even in this winding process, may introduce some errors, but might still use resulting broadcasting equipment coil, and no matter some errors in this winding process as shown in figure 15.Can also change pitch and revise the magnetic flux pattern.Yet if introduced too many error in the manufacture process ofbroadcasting equipment coil 126, this coil may be inoperative.Have been found that if the variation of pitch is too big, error will be introduced in the dynamic magnetic field that this coil produces, thereby cause the maloperation of the simulator embodiment ofelectronic cards 10.

Figure 16 has described to exist the example of too many error in the position of the coil winding of broadcasting equipment coil 126.Be important to note that, have many variablees of the threshold value that influences operability, and should testbroadcasting equipment coil 126 so that guarantee suitable quality.May needn't test each coil, but the sampling that should testbroadcasting equipment coil 126 is worked with the coil of guaranteeing to make batch.Figure 14 to Figure 16 is presented as the example of optional coil winding, but should not make an explanation to it in restrictive mode.

The foregoing description of coil has been instructed around a ferromagnetic core and has been twined lead.In optional embodiment, can otherwise make this coil.For example, can utilize various depositions, composition and etching technique to make coil.Just as the skilled person will recognize, ferromagnetic core can utilize dielectric film to apply, and utilizes the conduction (normally metal) of copper for example or aluminium or its alloy layer to apply by (as an example and unrestricted) spraying and nano-spray technology then.Mask can be applied to this conductive layer then limiting this coil, and the part that can etch away this conductive layer provides winding.For example, mask can be by spraying with ink-jet technology or making in the mode of photoetching by other technologies known in those skilled in the art.This etching can realize by a kind of like this acid, and this acid corrosion conductive layer stops but be insulated film.This coil production method can have advantage in the high-volume production situation.

For example, can prepare and clean a ferromagnetic core.Can apply insulation course and/or etch stop layer by multiple technologies, described technology includes but not limited to dipping, injection, coating, spraying, CVD etc.Can apply metal level and/or other conductive layers by multiple technologies once more then, described technology includes but not limited to dipping, injection, coating, spraying, CVD etc.Can by smear, print, injection, ornamental engraving etc. apply mask layer as photoetching material, just as the skilled person will recognize.Can realize by the etching of mask layer that described technology includes but not limited to flood, spray, immerse and plasma etch techniques by multiple technologies to conductive layer.Remove this mask layer then, and can apply a passivation layer and protect this coil block.

Just as the skilled person will recognize, other modes that have the effect of " coil " that produce broadcasting equipment.For example, can produce broadcasting equipment coil effect by lithography ground (lithographically) spraying magnetic material.The technology that has multiple large-scale production, those for example above-mentioned technology, this will be conspicuous concerning the technician in semiconductor and micro-machine manufacturing field.

Figure 17 illustrates an optional embodiment, and it allows broadcasting equipment 68 ' to operate under the situation of bucking coil not having.In broadcasting equipment 68 ', show track 1coil 128 and track 2 coils 130.In this embodiment, buffer circuit 66 ' is designed to carrying out counteracting before track 1coil 128 and 130 transmitted waveforms of track 2 coils.Adjust this waveform in such a way, promptly the whole crosstalk effect between track 1coil 128 and track 2coils 130 have produced desired magnetic flux.This optional embodiment offsets by correction signal and crosstalks, so that magnetic strip reader equipment 72 receives appropriate signals.In this embodiment, buffer circuit 66 ' can be ASIC, DSP or other suitable parts that are used for signal Processing.In this embodiment ofbroadcasting equipment 68, there issensor 70.

In an exemplary optional embodiment,general processor 52 comprises asic chip, and this asic chip comprises one or more miscellaneous parts ofexample transaction card 10 alternatively.For example, ASIC has served as the role ofbuffer circuit 66 among the formerly disclosed embodiment and the responsibility of the miscellaneous part related with general processor 52.In addition, ASIC embodiment for example can produce the adjusted waveform of track 1coil 128 and track 2coils 130, so that needn't comprise track 1bucking coil 132 or track 2 bucking coils 134.For example, because from the Expected Results of the magnetic flux interference of track 2coils 130, so ASIC can apply correction to the amplitude and the phase place of the waveform of track 1 coil 128.Equally, will apply correction, so that offset the influence of track 1coil 128 to the waveform of track 2 coils 130.

Note, can time to time change to correction that waveform applied, this is because from the interference meeting time to time change (in the different piece of waveform) of relative broadcasting equipment coil 126.Therefore, this correction has constituted two new waveforms of two respective broadcast device coils 128 that are used for this exemplary embodiment.Be also noted that the correction signal of givenbroadcasting equipment coil 128 itself will cause the interference torelative broadcasting equipment 128.

In some exemplary embodiments, apply an additive correction to compensate the effect of previous correction.Remain in further exemplary embodiment, apply one or more additive corrections, become along with series convergence and can ignore until the influence of the interference that reduces gradually.Note, before the appropriate section of waveform arrivesbroadcasting equipment 68, carry out these corrections with calculation mode.

In another optional embodiment, in linear RC circuit, carry out crosstalk counteracting, the waveform of this linearity RC circuit behind track 1coil 128 and track 2coils 130 output calibrations.Can also be with this RC circuit arrangement in above-mentioned exemplary ASIC inside or in this ASIC outside.Once more, as an example and unrestricted this embodiment that provides.

Figure 18 illustrates a kind of manufacture process that is used for production electroniccards 10.In operation 168, the phase one of carrying out this manufacture process.In this process, various parts are installed and it is programmed.Operation 170 continues this manufacture process by the optional feature of installing such asbroadcasting equipment 68 andbattery 121 in subordinate phase.At last, finish this manufacture process by theoperation 172 of carrying out the epoxy resin filling in the phase III.

Figure 19 illustrates in greater detail the phase one 168 ofmanufacturing.In operation 174 technology, parts are installed on the surface of P.e.c. of theirassociations.In operation 176, adhere to this tube core.Previously described wire welding process can be carried out, so that this tube core is electrically connected to printed circuit board (PCB) in operation 178.Then, inprogramming step 180, utilize the necessary various data of operation and the program ofelectronic cards 10 thatsafe processor 44 andgeneral processor 52 are programmed.Operation 182 was carried out functional test before encapsulation, be safe to load this program and various electrical connection with assuring success.

Indetermination step 184, determine whether by functional test.If do not pass through, this control just forwardsoperation 186 to, wherein determines to cause the problem of this fault.Then, inoperation 188, this problem is done over again inoperation 188, and controlforwards programming step 180 once more to then.On the other hand, if indetermination step 184, determine to have passed through functional test, then instep 190, carry out encapsulation process.In case finished encapsulation, the phase one of this manufacturing just is done.The process here is exemplary, and those skilled in the art will obviously can use many optional embodiment.Just, as an example and unrestricted this process of describing.

Figure 20 has describedprogramming operation 180 in more detail.This operation start from operating 192 and continue at theoperation 194, whereinelectronic cards 10 is attached to testboard.In operation 196, the test procedure of on test board, packing into.The purpose of this test procedure is that data and program are loaded on the technical parts ofelectronic cards 10, and described technical parts for example issafe processor 44 and generalprocessor 52.In operation 198, this test procedure of initialization.This can comprise that loading obtains them there from the various parameters of file and setting or from the user.Above-mentioned software and the data actual loaded to the technical parts is carried out in operation 200.Then, inoperation 202, finish this process.This process is illustrated according to its exemplary embodiment, and should not make an explanation in restrictive mode.

Figure 21 illustrates in greater detail theoperation 200 of Figure 20.This operation is used to software and data load in the technical parts of electronic cards 10.This operation starts from operating 204 and continue atoperation 206, and thisoperation 206 is opened one and comprised the code that will load and the file of data.Then, inoperation 208, obtain an address realm that is used for certain data block.This address realm is used when communicating withsafe processor 44 andgeneral processor 52, so that be identified at the position that should store this certain data block among the EEPROM specially.As understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, these data can compriseprogram.In operation 210, the message that comprises data block and address information is formatd.Then, inoperation 212, send thismessage.Operation 214 receives and recordingstatus information.Decision 216 determines whether to have sent last piece or whether should stop this process owing to other reasons, for example exists under the wrong situation.If determine that this load operation should continue, control just rotates back into operation 208.If determine that inoperation 216 this process should stop, control just forwards operation 218 to, and the state of these operation 218 report load operations finishes this process then inoperation 220.

Figure 22 illustrates in greater detail thesubordinate phase 170 of manufacturing operation.This processing starts from operating 222 and continue atoperation 224, and the 224 pairs of equipment of this operation are carried outfunctional tests.In decision 226, determine whether by functional test, and if also do not pass through, control just forwardsoperation 228 to, wherein takes corrective action.Control rotates back intooperation 224 then.If determine that inoperation 226 control just forwardsoperation 228 to, wherein pastes this contact switches and welds this via hole switch by functional test.Then, theoperation 230 in,electronic cards 10 in for the slot that it provided in the installation broadcasting equipment 68.Then,battery 121 is installed inoperation 232.In operation 234, check and test this assembly.If determine that inoperation 234 this assembly does not suitably work, control just forwardsoperation 236 to, wherein takes corrective action.Control rotates back intooperation 234 then.Correctly work if determine this assembly inoperation 234, control just forwardsoperation 236 to, and thisoperation 236 finishes this process.As an example and unrestricted these exemplary embodiments that provides.

Figure 23 has described the phase III 172 of this manufacture process.It starts from operating 238 and continue atoperation 240, wherein utilizes epoxy resin to fill the assembly ofelectronic cards 10, and it is carried out lamination and test.Then, inoperation 242, assembly is carried out various measurements, and indetermination step 244, determine whether and to do over again to this assembly.If inoperation 244, determine and to do over again to this assembly, just inoperation 246, take corrective action, and control rotates back into operation 244.If determine that inoperation 244 this assembly does not need to do over again, control just forwardsoperation 246 to, and thisoperation 246 finishes this process.

Above-mentioned exemplary fabrication and distortion thereof can be used to the various embodiments of transactional cards 10.For example, a kind of distortion of manufacture process has used photoetching technique known in those skilled in the art to produce broadcasting equipment 68.This method avoids using coil winding, and these can be at a large amount of 10 time of transactional cards save time and moneys of making.

The another kind distortion of this process will use " flip-chip " known in those skilled in the art method that one or more technical parts are installed, and for example general processor 52.Alternatively, this distortion will comprise ASIC as general processor 52.Unrestricted this embodiment that provides by example.

An optional exemplary embodiment of the contactless communication port 77 of Fig. 3 comprises WiFi equipment or equivalent, and it allows this embodiment oftransactional cards 10 to be independent of card reader and communicates with the Internet.According to limiting examples, can use WiFi 802.11b and 802.11g agreement.This card is download and upload information regularly, and can carry out transaction in response to being used to import.Can show information to the user, and also will be possible alternately with WWW in certain embodiments from the Internet.This embodiment will preferably include LCD display or equivalent and touch-screen or equivalent.Unrestricted this embodiment that provides by example.

Although the various embodiment that utilized particular term and device description, such description just for illustrative purposes.Used word is the word described and unrestricted word.Should be appreciated that those of ordinary skill in the art can change and change under the situation that does not break away from the described the spirit or scope of the present invention of following claim book.In addition, should be appreciated that the each side that can exchange various other embodiment whole or in part.Therefore, plan explaining claims according to practicalness of the present invention and scope without limits or under the situation of forbidding.

Industrial usability

Industrial usability of the present invention is a kind of improved electronic cards for finance and other purposes And manufacture method.

Claims (21)

1. electronic cards, comprise: the digital processing unit of Boping, it has the second surface of the first surface of substantially flat and relative basically substantially flat, in the xsect of wherein said first surface, described second surface and described processor at least one limits a maximum surface area, and described electronic cards is characterised in that:

The electrochemical cell of Boping, it has the second surface of the first surface of substantially flat and relative basically substantially flat, in the xsect of wherein said first surface, described second surface and described processor at least one limits a maximum surface area, described battery is oriented to and described processor coplane basically, and can be described processor power supply;

Communication port, it is coupled to described processor; And

First flexible cover and the second relative flexible cover, each lid has the surface area greater than the maximum surface area of the combination of described digital processing unit and described battery;

Wherein said processor and described battery are sandwiched between described first flexible cover and described second flexible cover, and are sealed by them.

2. electronic cards as claimed in claim 1 further comprises flexible PCB, and described flexible PCB comprises a plurality of traces, and wherein said processor is electrically coupled to the trace of described circuit board.

3. as the described electronic cards of claim 1-2, wherein described at least processor encapsulates.

4. as the described electronic cards of claim 2-3, wherein said first lid and described second lid form profile to be enclosed within on described circuit board, processor and the battery.

5. as the described electronic cards of claim 2-4, further comprise the switch that is coupled to described circuit board.

6. as the described electronic cards of claim 2-5, further comprise the indicator that is coupled to described circuit board.

7. as the described electronic cards of claim 2-6, wherein said processor is electrically coupled to the trace of described circuit board in the mode of flip-chip.

8. as the described electronic cards of claim 2-6, wherein said processor is electrically coupled to the trace of described circuit board by lead, and described lead is soldered to described circuit board at first end, and is soldered to described processor at second end.

9. as the described electronic cards of claim 1-8, further comprise and be coupled to described battery so that the capacitor of additional charge storage to be provided.

10. method that is used to make electronic cards comprises:

Make flexible printed circuit board;

At least one processor is attached on the described printed circuit board (PCB);

At least one battery is coupled on the described printed circuit board (PCB);

Encapsulate described at least one processor;

Make top cover and bottom; And

Make described printed circuit board (PCB), described processor and described battery folder between described top cover and described bottom.

11. the smart card of an enhancing comprises: the card body, it has the card from accessible outside, and described card comprises signal port, power port and grounding ports; Safe processor, it is arranged in the described card body at least in part, and is coupled to described signal port, described power port and described grounding ports, it is characterized in that:

General processor, it is arranged in the described card body at least in part, described general processor is coupled to power supply, described power supply is arranged in the described card body at least in part, and when described safe processor is used with the smart card pattern that strengthens, can operate being used to described safe processor power supply and communicating with it; And

The contactless communication port, it is coupled in described safe processor and the described general processor at least one.

12. a Secure Transaction card comprises:

The card body;

Safe processor, it is arranged in the described card body at least in part;

General processor, it is arranged in the described card body at least in part;

Power supply, it is arranged in the described card body at least in part; And

The contactless communication port, it is coupled in described safe processor and the described general processor at least one.

13. the analog broadcasting device system that swipes the card comprises:

Coil, it comprises an elongated core material and the winding with the multiturn that centers on described core material; And

Signal generator, it has the broadcasting equipment driver signal, and described signal generator is coupled to described coil, so that described coil provides the magnetic stripe transactional cards is brushed the dynamic magnetic field that the reading head of card reader is simulated.

14. the analog broadcasting device of swiping the card as claimed in claim 13, wherein said signal generator comprise processor with numeral output and the signal processing circuit that described numeral output is converted to described broadcasting equipment driver signal.

15. the analog broadcasting device system that swipes the card as claimed in claim 13, wherein said signal generator is a digital signal processor.

16. the analog broadcasting device of swiping the card as claimed in claim 13, wherein said coil are in a plurality of coils.

17. the analog broadcasting device of swiping the card as claimed in claim 16, at least one in wherein said a plurality of coils is track coil.

18. the analog broadcasting device of swiping the card as claimed in claim 16, at least one in wherein said a plurality of coils is bucking coil.

19. the analog broadcasting device of swiping the card as claimed in claim 13, wherein said coil comprise the lead that twines around described core.

Center on the formed lead of described core 20. the analog broadcasting device of swiping the card as claimed in claim 13, wherein said coil comprise by a process, described process comprises deposits conductive material and the described conductive material of etching at least.

21. a method that is used for slim application is formed low annular solder comprises:

The first surface of the semiconductor element of making is attached on the first surface of the substrate with a plurality of substrate contact pads, so that being exposed with described first surface opposing second surface of described tube core so that visit to a plurality of tube core contact pads is provided;

First terminal filament of lead is soldered to a substrate contact pad; And

Second terminal filament of described lead is soldered to a tube core contact pad,, and is no more than 20 mils on the described first surface of described substrate so that the annular of described lead highly is no more than 5 mils on the described second surface of described tube core.

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