Interconnection scheme for integrated circuit card with auxiliary contacts
US5445525A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S439/946
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing alternate signal paths between a removably insertable integrated circuit (IC) card in a computer system and an external device is described. The method and apparatus includes an IC card designed for coupling with the external device through a rear I/O receptacle located along the rear IC card edge, the IC card also including an auxiliary side contacts along a side edge. The method and apparatus includes the use of a flexible conducting strip to connect each of the auxiliary side contacts along the side edge to the appropriate pins of the rear I/O receptacle. In this manner the IC card contains alternate signal paths to the external device, being capable of coupling to the external device in either a rear-connecting scheme or a side-connecting scheme, the adaptation to side contacts having been achieved with minimal redesign of the rear-connecting IC card.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.