WO2006027027A1 - Carte a puce avec connecteur usb - Google Patents

Carte a puce avec connecteur usb Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006027027A1
WO2006027027A1 PCT/EP2004/052073 EP2004052073W WO2006027027A1 WO 2006027027 A1 WO2006027027 A1 WO 2006027027A1 EP 2004052073 W EP2004052073 W EP 2004052073W WO 2006027027 A1 WO2006027027 A1 WO 2006027027A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
card
shaped body
assembly
connector
assembly according
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2004/052073
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jurjen Johan Rolf
Dick Cornelis Hoogerdijk
Original Assignee
Freecom Technologies B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Freecom Technologies B.V. filed Critical Freecom Technologies B.V.
Priority to PCT/EP2004/052073 priority Critical patent/WO2006027027A1/fr
Publication of WO2006027027A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006027027A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07743—External electrical contacts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/072—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips the record carrier comprising a plurality of integrated circuit chips
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/0772—Physical layout of the record carrier
    • G06K19/07732—Physical layout of the record carrier the record carrier having a housing or construction similar to well-known portable memory devices, such as SD cards, USB or memory sticks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/0772—Physical layout of the record carrier
    • G06K19/07733—Physical layout of the record carrier the record carrier containing at least one further contact interface not conform ISO-7816
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07737—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier consisting of two or more mechanically separable parts
    • G06K19/07739—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier consisting of two or more mechanically separable parts comprising a first part capable of functioning as a record carrier on its own and a second part being only functional as a form factor changing part, e.g. SIM cards type ID 0001, removably attached to a regular smart card form factor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
    • G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
    • G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs
    • G11B33/0488—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs in boxes or containers comprising additional sound reproducing or activating means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an assembly for storing data, including a card-shaped body and a connecting assembly, movably connected to the card-shaped body at a first end and bearing an array of connector contacts having a configura ⁇ tion compliant with a standard for connectors for peripheral computer devices, wherein the assembly for storing data includes at least one data storage device and leads for carrying signals in between the connector contacts and the data storage device (s) .
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufactur ⁇ ing such an assembly.
  • Examples of an assembly and method of the types men ⁇ tioned above are known from WO 2004/059496.
  • This publication describes a memory device in the form of a flat memory card of rectangular shape, which, in the preferred embodiment thereof has the surface area dimensions of a standard credit card.
  • the memory card comprises a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector by means of which the memory device can be connected to a USB port of a computer.
  • the USB connector is movable between a position of rest, in which the USB connector is positioned within the confines of the memory card, and an operative position in which the USB connector projects beyond the perimeter of the memory card.
  • the USB connector is connected to the memory card via a cable, which cable is connected to a printed circuit board within the memory card.
  • a memory chip and USB controller or in ⁇ terface are present on the printed circuit board.
  • a problem of the known device is that signals carry ⁇ ing data to be written to and from the memory chip are carried by wires in the cable, which is designed to afford the memory card substantial freedom of movement, and is thus quite flexi ⁇ ble. Even when the connector is in its position of rest, the relatively long signal leads to the USB controller are suscep- tible to damage. The signal leads may be damaged, for example when the user carries the device in a wallet in his back pocket and sits on it, because the card, being of similar construction to a credit card, is flexible and liable to break.
  • leads for carrying signals in between the connector contacts and the storage device (s) encompasses leads leading directly from the connector contacts'to the stor ⁇ age device (s) and also leads connecting the connector contacts to a controller and those that connect the controller to the storage device (s) . Because the assembly includes a card-shaped body, it is not easily lost. It is easy to handle, as it can be stored and/or carried around easily. A collection of them can be classified easily. Labelling, including brand markings, can be prominently displayed. Because the connecting assembly is movably connected to the card-shaped body at an end opposite the end bearing the connector contacts, forces on the card are absorbed by movement of the card-shaped body, rather than transferred to the connector contacts.
  • the movable connection also allows the card-shaped body to be moved out of the way of any other cables or devices si ⁇ multaneously attached to the computer. Because at least one of the memory device (s) is incorporated in the connecting assem ⁇ bly, the leads carrying signals to that memory device are kept relatively short, thus substantially decreasing the amount of flexion that they are subjected to during use and when the as ⁇ sembly is carried around.
  • EP-Al-I 333 531 discloses a low height USB interface connecting device and a memory storage ap- paratus thereof.
  • the USB low height connector comprises a metal terminal, two jut pieces and a connector part.
  • the connector part is provided with a thickness that is the same as the height of the inner space in the standard USB interface slot socket such that the connector part can be inserted into the slot socket so as to transmit the signal.
  • the connector can be associated with a printed circuit board by way of soldering di ⁇ rectly such that a state of close circuit can be obtained.
  • the connector does not provide the casing provided in a standard USB connector for shielding and decreasing an effect of signal delay generating from the USB cable. Because the connector is located on the memory card, no traditional USB cable is needed.
  • EP-Al-I 333 531 does not disclose a card-shaped body to which a connecting assembly is movably connected at an end op ⁇ posite an end bearing connector contacts. It is thus to be kept small to avoid it getting in the way of other devices or cables when inserted into the USB slot socket of a computer, as well as to avoid it catching inadvertent blows, which are directly transferred to the connector part through the printed circuit board and soldering. Being a small device, it is easily mis ⁇ placed. Furthermore, there is no room for providing any legible markings such as labels, brand logos, etc. It cannot be used for special embodiments either. There is no space for accommo ⁇ dating features that define the special embodiments.
  • the card-shaped body has a recess for accommodating at least part of the connecting assem ⁇ bly in a position of rest, and the connecting assembly is mov ⁇ able to the position of rest from an operative position in which at least the array of connector contacts projects beyond a perimeter of the card-shaped body.
  • the card-shaped body and connecting assembly have more freedom of relative movement. This improves the capacity of the total assembly for absorbing external forces on the card-shaped body.
  • the card-shaped body may thus have substantially larger dimensions than the connect ⁇ ing assembly.
  • the connector contacts lie substantially in a plane
  • the connecting assembly is shaped to leave the connector contacts exposed on at least one side of the plane
  • the card-shaped body includes a component shielding the connector contacts on the exposed side of the plane in the position of rest.
  • This embodiment has the advantage that the connecting assembly can be made very flat, as it need not include any shielding.
  • the connector contacts are shielded by the mating connector of an external device.
  • the component of the card-shaped body shields the connector contacts from external influences. Be ⁇ cause the connecting assembly can be made flatter, the recess in the card-shaped body can also be smaller. This has the ef ⁇ fect of lowering the material requirements for manufacturing the card-shaped body. In most cases, it will be flatter.
  • At least the array of connector contacts is positioned parallel to the plane of the card-shaped body and within the extent of the card-shaped body in its plane.
  • the vulnerable connector contacts are shielded by the card-shaped body from external forces when not inserted into a socket compliant with the standard for connectors for peripheral computer devices. Because the card-shaped body is already connected to the connecting assembly, it is always available, whereas a separate lid or shielding would be lost or forgotten easily.
  • the connecting assembly includes a controller for communicating with a host controller in an external device by signals carried through the connector contacts.
  • a controller use can be made of communication protocols. Such protocols enable additional fea ⁇ tures such as error detection and correction and/or encryption of data transfer to be used in the transfer of data between the memory device (s) and the external device using the assembly for storing data. Because the controller is also included in the connecting assembly, leads carrying signals between the connec ⁇ tor contacts and controller and between the controller and the memory device (s) are relatively short. Thus, there is rela ⁇ tively little chance of the controller being rendered ineffec ⁇ tive through damage to those leads .
  • An additional advantage for variants wherein no other controller is provided in the card- shaped body is that the card-shaped body can be made flatter.
  • the connector contacts are provided in a configuration for mating with a connector recep ⁇ tacle or plug conforming to a Universal Serial Bus specifica ⁇ tion.
  • the assembly for storing data is usable in conjunction with a wide variety of external devices, such as personal computers, printers, copiers, etc. Because the USB standard is ubiquitous, the assembly is also suitable for a wide range of models of each type of device, from a wide range of manufacturers.
  • the connecting assembly includes a rigid component, carrying the at least one data storage device and connector contacts, and a flexible cable providing a connection to the card-shaped body.
  • the rigid component provides for additional protec ⁇ tion against damage due to flexion.
  • the flexible cable allows a wide range of movement of the card-shaped body relative to the connecting ' assembly.
  • the card-shaped body bears a magnetic strip for storing data.
  • the card- shaped body can be used both as a mass storage device for com ⁇ puter devices and as an authentication card.
  • a microchip is embedded in a component of the assembly for storing data.
  • the assembly is enhanced with data-processing capabilities.
  • a surface of the card-shaped body is provided with an array of contact pads for transferring data from an external device to the microchip.
  • the card-shaped body thus functions as a so-called smart card.
  • An enhanced dual-use assembly for storing data is thereby provided. It may be inserted into a smart card reader to exchange data and communicate with an external computing de ⁇ vice. Alternatively, it may communicate with such a device through a port arranged to receive the array of connector con ⁇ tacts. Because the types of devices provided with smart card readers are generally different from those provided with such connector ports, the range of possible devices with which the assembly can exchange data is widened.
  • the connecting assembly includes a controller and the connecting assembly includes at least one connection enabling a transfer of data between the controller and the microchip.
  • the microchip may write and read data to the data storage device (s) in the connecting as ⁇ sembly through the intermediary of the controller controlling the data storage device (s) .
  • This enhances the utility of the microchip.
  • data may be written to, or read from a memory component of the microchip by an external device, con ⁇ nected via the connecting assembly to the assembly for storing data.
  • the dimensions of the card-shaped body in at least its plane conform to a standard for payment cards.
  • the assembly can be stored and carried around in wallets and other receptacles for such payment cards. This provides extra protection.
  • the method of manufacturing an assembly is characterised in that at least one of the data storage devices is incorporated in the connecting assembly.
  • At least a part of the con ⁇ necting assembly and at least a part of the card-shaped body are manufactured from the same material and formed in a single manufacturing step.
  • the method is quite efficient.
  • an illustration is pro ⁇ vided on at least a part of at least one surface of the card- shaped body.
  • the resulting assembly is thus identifiable more eas ⁇ ily. This is of use to providers of such assemblies to help them distinguish their product from that of others.
  • the illus ⁇ tration may also be used to indicate the storage capacity of the memory device (s) to a (potential) user. Different illustra ⁇ tions for different assemblies enable a user of a plurality of such assemblies to find the one he needs more easily.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the top face of a • first embodiment of a memory device with a credit card shape
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the top face of a second embodiment of a memory device with a credit card shape
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the top face of the memory device of Fig. 2, with a connecting assembly in an op ⁇ erative position;
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the underside of the memory device shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view from above of a compo ⁇ nent of the connecting assembly in the device shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view from below of the compo ⁇ nent shown in Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 7 is a detailed top plan view of an end of the connecting assembly
  • Fig. 8 is a plan view of a receptacle in a computer device for use in conjunction with the devices shown in Figs. 1 and 2,-
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the underside of an embodiment of a dual-use memory device.
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the upper face of another embodiment of a dual-use memory device
  • Fig. 11 is a partially cut away perspective view of the upper face of a further embodiment of a dual-use memory de ⁇ vice; and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional side-view of the memory device shown in Fig. 11, serving to illustrate a method of manufacturing the device.
  • a memory device in Fig. 1, includes a card-shaped body 1 of substantially rectangular shape.
  • the term card-shaped is used herein to indicate that the body has two equally sized surfaces, spaced apart over a distance equal to the thickness of the card.
  • the thickness of the card-shaped body 1 is at least one order of magnitude smaller than the lengths of the edges of the card-shaped body 1, i.e. of its surfaces.
  • the plane of the card-shaped body 1 is defined by the surfaces. Al ⁇ though the examples presented herein are of substantially rec ⁇ tangular shape, this is not the only possible shape.
  • the card- shaped body may alternatively be round or triangular. Its edges need not be straight either.
  • the card-shaped body 1 shown in Fig. 1 conforms to a standard for payment cards, for example ISO 7810 (printed cards) , ISO 7811 (magnetic stripe cards) or ISO 7816 (smart cards) , at least in so far as its dimensions in the plane of the card-shaped body are concerned.
  • ISO 7810 printed cards
  • ISO 7811 magnetic stripe cards
  • ISO 7816 smart cards
  • the card-shaped body 1 preferably has a thickness lower than two millimetres .
  • a cable assembly 2 is provided, which is shown in a position of rest in Fig. 1.
  • the cable assembly 2 comprises a connector 3 and a cable 4.
  • the ca ⁇ ble 4 mechanically connects the connector 3 to the card-shaped body 1..
  • the connection allows the connector 3 substantial free ⁇ dom of movement when moved out of its position of rest. This is due to the fact that the cable 4 is flexible and connected to the card-shaped body through a hinge 5.
  • the cable assembly 2 is connected to the card-shaped body 1 using a plastic hinge.
  • a hard piece of plastic is used as an alternative type of connecting assembly instead of the cable assembly 2.
  • the connector 3 is fully compliant with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) specifications for a series "A" plug.
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • Alterna ⁇ tive embodiments include those provided with a mini-SD l/0- connector or similar CE/PC connector.
  • the Universal Serial Bus specification is merely an advantageous example, because of the wide range of possible devices with a complementary connection port.
  • the connector is provided with an electrically conducting shielding 6 and overmoulding 7. Inside the overmoulding 7 is a rigid printed circuit board (not shown) , to which one or more data storage devices and a controller have been mounted. Thus, the data storage device or devices and the controller are in ⁇ corporated in the cable assembly 2.
  • Multi-chip packaging or in- mould design can, for example, be used to enclose the necessary electronics in the cable assembly 2 as compactly as possible.
  • the data storage devices are prefera ⁇ bly flash memory chips of the AND or OR type. It is also envis ⁇ aged to provide variants of the assembly for storing data in ⁇ cluding ferromagnetic memory chips and/or small magnetic stor ⁇ age devices (i.e. hard disk drives) . Other miniature storage devices are also conceivable.
  • the shielding 6 shown in Fig. 2 hides an array of contacts from view. These contacts are electrically connected to the controller, which in turn is connected to the one or more data storage devices.
  • con ⁇ ducting tracks on the printed circuit board provide this con ⁇ nection.
  • Figs. 2-7 show another embodiment of a memory device including a card-shaped body 8 and a cable assembly 9. What has been stated above with respect to the device of Fig. 1 applies equally to the embodiment shown in Figs. 2-7, except that the latter embodiment includes a connector 10 of an alternative de ⁇ sign.
  • the connector 10 has a thickness corresponding substan ⁇ tially to the thickness of the card-shaped body 8. As can be seen in Figs. 2-4, the connector 10 is mechanically attached to the card-shaped body 8 through a cable 11 and hinge 12.
  • Figs. 2-4, 5 and 6 show only an enclosure 13 for housing a printed circuit board (not shown) .
  • the printed cir- cuit board is provided for the purpose of mounting one or more memory chips and a USB controller (not shown) .
  • the cable 11, at least part of the card-shaped body 8 and at least part of the enclosure 13 are made of the same ma ⁇ terial in one single manufacturing step. This can be achieved, for example, by plastics overmoulding of the cable assembly 9 whilst the main part of the card-shaped body 8 is moulded in the same mould tool.
  • the wall thickness of the part of the mould for forming the card-shaped body 8 is somewhat higher than that for forming the cable 11 of the cable assembly 9. Apart from making the manufacturing process more efficient, this method of manufacturing the device in a single manufactur ⁇ ing step also results in a design that uses less material.
  • manufacturing of the assembly in ⁇ cludes—the.-step _ ⁇ -f providing, an.jLllustration 14 pn__at_least__one surface of the card-shaped body 8.
  • the illustration 14 may be provided by printing or a transfer, for example.
  • the manufacturing process additionally includes pro ⁇ viding the card-shaped body with a protective covering layer (not shown) .
  • the illustration 14 is provided on an area of the surface larger than the area occupied by the cable assembly 9 in its position of rest, which is the position shown in Figs. 2 and 4.
  • the illustration 14 is useful for branding different versions of the device with different brand logos, to allow the device to function as promotional material, or to provide an indication of the model, for example the data storage capacity.
  • Classification aids may also be provided by means of the illus ⁇ tration 14.
  • pigments may be added to the plastic composition to vary the colours of both the card- shaped body 8 and the cable assembly 9 to suit different brand styles.
  • the cable assembly 9 is movable to its position of rest from an operative position, such as the position shown in Fig. 3. It is apparent from Fig. 3 that the cable assembly 9 is accommodated in a recess 15 in its position of rest. This en ⁇ sures that, in the position of rest, at least the array of con ⁇ nector contacts (not shown in Fig. 3) is positioned in the plane of the card-shaped body 8, or parallel to that plane, and within the extent of the card-shaped body 8 in the latter's plane. The edges of the card-shaped body 8 thus shield the ar ⁇ ray of connector contacts.
  • a pin 16 mates with part of the enclosure 13, thus serving as a connector holder.
  • the array of connector contacts (not shown in Fig. 3) lies near and parallel to the flat pin 16.
  • the pin 16 thus shields the array of connector contacts, as well as hold ⁇ ing it.
  • the enclosure 13 is shaped to leave an area 17 exposed.
  • Connector contacts 18-21 mounted on a printed circuit board 22 lie in that area, and are thus ex ⁇ posed, i.e. unshielded. Since there is no shielding, the con ⁇ nector 10 is flatter, protruding less from the card-shaped - body 8. -in-the._position_o.f_rB-Sjb_ot.t.he._c_ab ⁇ e._as ⁇ s_ejnbly__?_.___
  • the whole assembly is flatter when the cable assem ⁇ bly .9 is in its position of rest, due to the absence of any shielding for the connector contacts at the end of the cable assembly.
  • the flat pin 16 can lie much closer to the connector contacts 18-21 in the position of rest than a connector shield ⁇ ing would. Because the card-shaped body 8 is so flat, the amount of material required to manufacture it is also rela ⁇ tively low.
  • the connector contacts 18-21 are positioned and di ⁇ mensioned in compliance with the USB specification for a series "A" plug. The same holds true for the part of the enclosure 13 surrounding the exposed area 17 in which the contacts 18-21 are located.
  • the distal end of the cable assembly fits into a USB series "A" receptacle 23 (Fig. 8) .
  • the end of the ca ⁇ ble assembly 9 is inserted into the receptacle 23, the connec ⁇ tor contacts 18-21 are brought into contact with corresponding respective contacts 24-27 provided in the receptacle 23.
  • data is transferred between the memory device and the computing device including the receptacle 23 and a suitable USB host con ⁇ troller (not shown) .
  • a first connector contact 18 and fourth connector contact 21 are suitable for supplying a cur ⁇ rent for powering the data storage devices and controller ac- commodated in the enclosure 13.
  • the enclosure 13 need not house any batteries, which saves space.
  • the data storage de ⁇ vices used are preferably of a non-volatile type, so that dis ⁇ connection from the USB port of the host device does not lead to loss of data.
  • Fig. 9 shows an embodiment with a card-shaped body 28 and cable assembly 29 that are the same as those of the embodi ⁇ ment shown in Figs. 2-6.
  • the card-shaped body 28 bears a magnetic strip 30 for storing data.
  • the card-shaped body 28 is suitable for use as such a payment card. Alternatively, it can be used as an access card or loyalty card, as is known in the art.
  • the magnetic strip 30 is provided in an area of the--plane—of-the- card-shaped-.body.2£L_adj.ac.ent .an_area_in . which the cable assembly 29 lies in its position of rest, the thick ⁇ ness of at least that part of the card-shaped body 28 can be such as to allow reading by a magnetic swipe card reader of a common type.
  • Fig. 10 shows another dual-use device, also compris ⁇ ing a card-shaped body 31 and cable assembly 32 as described in detail with reference to Figs. 2-8.
  • An array 33 of contact pads is provided on a surface of the card-shaped body 31. It lies in an area of the plane of the card-shaped body 31 adjacent the area occupied by the cable assembly 32.
  • a microchip (not shown) is embedded in the card-shaped body 31 below the array 33 of contact pads.
  • one or more leads 34 conduct signals between the microchip and a controller controlling the data storage device or devices housed in an en ⁇ closure 35 like the enclosure 13 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2. It is noted that the microchip may also be arranged to communicate with external devices only through the array 33 of contact pads, or another interface separate from that provided by the cable assembly 32.
  • FIG. 11-12 Another advantageous embodiment is depicted in Figs. 11-12, in which an enclosure 36 similar to the enclo ⁇ sure 13 shown in Fig. 2 is provided, as well as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip 37, i.e. a transponder for wire- less communication.
  • the RFID chip 37 is advantageously con ⁇ nected to a controller (not shown) for controlling the data storage devices (not shown) housed in the enclosure 36. It can be read using a wireless reader (not shown) .
  • the shown embodi ⁇ ment otherwise includes a card-shaped body 38 and cable assem ⁇ bly 39 of the same type as the card-shaped body 8 and cable as ⁇ sembly 9 shown in Fig. 2.
  • data can be written to and read from the data storage devices in the enclosure 36 through the USB connector contacts in the cable assembly and by communication with the RFID chip 37.
  • the RFID chip 37 in the shape of a plastic foil, is moulded with the card-shaped body 38 in a single manufacturing step, so as to be situated between an upper body half 40 and a lower body half 41.
  • This has the advantage of achieving a saving of material used to form the card-shaped body 38, as well as making the manufactur ⁇ ing process more efficient.
  • the up ⁇ per body half 40 and lower body half 41 are bonded together with the RFID chip 37 in between.
  • an RFID chip is provided in the cable assembly 39, instead of, or in addition to, the RFID chip 37 in the card-shaped body 38.
  • the illustrated embodiment is relatively easy to manufacture, since the RFID chip 37 is typical of the flat RFID chip assem ⁇ blies that are commonly in use. On the other hand, embodiments in which an RFID chip is provided in the cable assembly 39 have the advantage of shorter connection leads to the data storage device (s) situated therein.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiments de ⁇ scribed above, which may be varied within the scope of the ac ⁇ companying claims.
  • the cables 4,11 shown in the drawings are of dimensions similar to those defined in the USB specifications, but a wider cable could alternatively be used.
  • Other means of attachment of the cable assembly to the card- shaped body than the hinges 5,12 that are shown are also con ⁇ DCvable.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un ensemble pour le stockage de données comprenant un corps de type carte (1;8;28;31;38) et un ensemble de connexion (2;9;29;32;39) raccordé amovible à une première extrémité du corps de type carte et supportant un réseau de contacts de connecteurs (18-21) dont la configuration est conforme à un standard de connecteurs de dispositifs informatiques périphériques. L'ensemble pour le stockage de données comprend au moins un dispositif de stockage de données et des conducteurs pour acheminer des signaux entre les contacts de connecteurs (18-21) et le ou les dispositifs de stockage de données. Au moins l'un de ces dispositifs de stockage de données est incorporé dans l'ensemble de connexion (2;9;29;32;39).
PCT/EP2004/052073 2004-09-07 2004-09-07 Carte a puce avec connecteur usb WO2006027027A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2004/052073 WO2006027027A1 (fr) 2004-09-07 2004-09-07 Carte a puce avec connecteur usb

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2004/052073 WO2006027027A1 (fr) 2004-09-07 2004-09-07 Carte a puce avec connecteur usb

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006027027A1 true WO2006027027A1 (fr) 2006-03-16

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2004/052073 WO2006027027A1 (fr) 2004-09-07 2004-09-07 Carte a puce avec connecteur usb

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006027027A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2427047A (en) * 2005-06-08 2006-12-13 Max Wehebrink Smartcard having a USB plug
WO2007130828A3 (fr) * 2006-04-27 2008-03-13 Sandisk Corp Lecteur flash usb au format carte de credit
FR2921740A1 (fr) * 2007-09-28 2009-04-03 Oberthur Card Syst Sa Procede de fabrication d'une cle electronique a connecteur usb
EP2114115A2 (fr) * 2008-04-28 2009-11-04 Intermed Asia Ltd. Dispositif de porteur d'information
KR100984137B1 (ko) * 2008-05-28 2010-09-28 엔큐스(주) 카드형 유에스비 장치
FR2973541A1 (fr) * 2011-04-01 2012-10-05 Serge Zareh Alagy Systeme de gestion de donnees a carte et procede afferent

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1429283A2 (fr) * 2002-12-12 2004-06-16 Giesecke & Devrient GmbH Support de données portatif

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1429283A2 (fr) * 2002-12-12 2004-06-16 Giesecke & Devrient GmbH Support de données portatif

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2427047A (en) * 2005-06-08 2006-12-13 Max Wehebrink Smartcard having a USB plug
KR101131844B1 (ko) * 2006-04-27 2012-03-30 쌘디스크 코포레이션 신용 카드 크기의 ｕｓｂ 플래쉬 드라이브
WO2007130828A3 (fr) * 2006-04-27 2008-03-13 Sandisk Corp Lecteur flash usb au format carte de credit
EP2485179A3 (fr) * 2006-04-27 2013-08-21 SanDisk Technologies, Inc. Carte de crédit avec stockage de masse flash
KR101232726B1 (ko) 2006-04-27 2013-02-13 쌘디스크 코포레이션 신용 카드 크기의 ｕｓｂ 플래쉬 드라이브
US7537169B2 (en) 2006-04-27 2009-05-26 Sandisk Corporation Credit card sized USB flash drive
US8226445B2 (en) 2007-09-28 2012-07-24 Oberthur Technologies Method of manufacturing an electronic key with USB connector
EP2045765A1 (fr) * 2007-09-28 2009-04-08 Oberthur Technologies Procédé de fabrication d'une clé électronique à connecteur USB
FR2921740A1 (fr) * 2007-09-28 2009-04-03 Oberthur Card Syst Sa Procede de fabrication d'une cle electronique a connecteur usb
EP2114115A3 (fr) * 2008-04-28 2010-02-10 Intermed Asia Ltd. Dispositif de porteur d'information
EP2114115A2 (fr) * 2008-04-28 2009-11-04 Intermed Asia Ltd. Dispositif de porteur d'information
KR100984137B1 (ko) * 2008-05-28 2010-09-28 엔큐스(주) 카드형 유에스비 장치
FR2973541A1 (fr) * 2011-04-01 2012-10-05 Serge Zareh Alagy Systeme de gestion de donnees a carte et procede afferent

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