JP3121498B2 - IC card - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an IC (Integrator) that can be inserted into a slot provided in a host device such as an electronic organizer or a personal computer and connected to the host device.
ted Circuit) card.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a credit card-sized IC card has been widely used as an attached device which is connected to a portable electronic device such as an electronic organizer to extend its functions. One example is RAM (Random Access M)
emory) is used as a memory card to increase the storage capacity of the data that can be handled.
(Read Only Memory) is an IC card that stores various application programs according to the purpose.
It is used as an M card.

[0003] However, currently available IC cards can only use one function with one card. Therefore, when using various types of functions, a plurality of IC cards corresponding to the number of functions to be used are required. It is necessary to prepare a card, and there is also a trouble that a plurality of IC cards are always carried.

As an IC card for solving such a disadvantage, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-55266 discloses two ICs 31 and 3 for performing separate data processing as shown in FIG.
2 mounted, and a connector 3 connected to each IC 31 and 32
A configuration has been proposed in which 3.34 are provided at both ends of an IC card. Furthermore, in this IC card, the direction of insertion is such that each connector 3
Arrows 37 and 38 are printed near the arrows 34 and 34, and when inserted into an electronic device according to one of the printed arrows 37 and 38, the front and back of one IC card is used. .

[0005] Further, since conventional IC cards are commercialized for the purpose of expanding the functions of a specific host device, various types of IC cards having various shapes and pin arrangements are commercially available. As a mechanism for preventing an IC card from being erroneously inserted into an inappropriate host device, an uneven structure in which a connector portion of the IC card and a slot portion around the connector of the host device are generally adopted.

For example, in the IC card shown in FIG. 6, both wings of each of the connectors 33 and 34 are formed with concave and convex structures 35 and 36, each of which is partially cut away. Is formed with an uneven structure (not shown) that fits into the uneven structures 35 and 36.

[0007]

However, in the configuration of the above-mentioned conventional IC card, if either the fitting structure of the IC card or the fitting structure of the host device is damaged, erroneous insertion is prevented. Becomes impossible,
Depending on the pin arrangement, the IC card or I
There is a problem that C may be damaged. In particular, for example, a flash memory (FEEPROM; FlashElectrical) requiring a power supply of 12 V (volt)
ly Erasable Read Only Memory (ROM that can be collectively electrically erased), a host device used by inserting an interface card, etc., when an IC card that requires a power supply of 5 V is incorrectly inserted into a host device, and a 5 V power supply line Is connected to a 12V power supply. Therefore, IC
Depending on the components in the card, overheating or fire may occur, which is very dangerous.

Also, as shown in FIG.
Even if a plurality of functions are provided to one IC card, if the number of connectors is increased in the same manner, waste resulting in an increase in cost occurs. Further, when selecting a function, the front and back and the front and back of the IC card to be inserted are switched, so that there are four insertion directions. Since the two insertion directions are incorrect, the user needs to confirm the correct insertion direction. Furthermore, after a few years, the mark of the insertion direction displayed on the IC card becomes faint, making it difficult to confirm the insertion direction, increasing the risk of erroneous insertion, or forcibly inserting in the wrong direction. This increases the possibility of damaging the fitting structure and the connector pins.

[0009] In addition, in the case of an IC card that is connected to a host device and used by being connected to another external device (for example, an earphone, a microphone, a telephone line, or the like), a connector is provided at one end of the IC card. A terminal for connecting an external device must be provided at the end. In this case, since two connectors as shown in FIG. 6 cannot be provided, a conventional IC card connected to an external device can only have one type of function.

As described above, the conventional IC card has various problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and multifunctional IC card which is free from damage due to erroneous insertion.

[0012]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided:
In order to solve the above problem, the C card includes a plurality of integrated circuits (for example, FEEPROM and ROM) having different functions (for example, a memory function and a game function), and each integrated circuit is connected to a host device (for example, an electronic device). An IC card having a connector connected to a notebook or a personal computer), comprising a plurality of pins arranged in the connector of the IC card, and among the plurality of pins, an address signal and data input / output to / from each integrated circuit. signal
The pins of the chip enable signal are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the arrangement of the plurality of pins in the connector , and the pins of the address signal are connected to the address terminals of each integrated circuit, The pin is connected to the data terminal of each integrated circuit by the pin of the chip enable signal.
While the chip enable terminal of the integrated circuit down supports, Ru are connected, each of the integrated circuits, said Chippui
The chip enable signal is supplied to the enable terminal
Sometimes it is possible to communicate with the host device
It is characterized in that it comprises.

In the IC card according to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of pins of address signals and data signals input / output to / from each integrated circuit are connected to a connector capable of connecting two integrated circuits having different functions to a host device. , A chip enable that is commonly connected to each integrated circuit and is output to each integrated circuit
Each of the signal pins has an independent connection to each integrated circuit.
Are arranged in a single row on so that the connection, one pin of the address signal and the data signal and the chip enable signal, with respect to the center line of the array of pins in the connector, that will be symmetrically disposed, the Each integrated circuit is
When the chip enable signal is supplied,
It is characterized in that communication with the host device is enabled .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect , the IC card further includes a terminal for connecting to an external device (for example, an earphone, a microphone, or a telephone line) other than the host device. The IC card connector is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the IC card connector is provided.

[0015]

According to the configuration of the first aspect, first, the types of signals input / output via a plurality of pins arranged in the connector of the host device are determined by the host device. On the other hand, in the connector of the IC card according to the present invention, among the plurality of pins connected to the plurality of integrated circuits, the pins for the address signal, the data signal, and the pin for the chip enable signal are respectively connected to the plurality of pins in the connector. Are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the pin arrangement, regardless of whether the IC card is connected to the host device upside down or connected upside down, the corresponding pin of the host device is connected to the IC card. The types of signals (address signals and data signals and chip enable signals ) with the pins of the connector do not change. Further, the pins of the address signal in the connector of the IC card are connected to the address terminals of each integrated circuit, the pins of the data signal are connected to the data terminals of each integrated circuit, and the chip enable.
The signal signal pin is the chip enable end of the corresponding integrated circuit.
Is connected to the child, Chippuinebu the chip enable terminal
Communication between the integrated circuit to which the
Communication becomes possible.

Therefore, regardless of whether the IC card is connected to the host device face up or back, the integrated circuits and the host device can appropriately exchange address signals and data signals . That is, it is only necessary to mount the IC card with at least two types of integrated circuits and provide at least two types of functions, and turn over the IC card and connect it to the host device.

As a result, first, the address signal pins and
Since the data signal pins can be used in two ways, the cost of the IC card can be reduced while having multiple functions. Second, the IC card of the present invention can be inserted in only two directions. Whatever is inserted, erroneous insertion that damages the pins or damages the IC card or the integrated circuit of the host device is described. No. Therefore,
Safety against incorrect insertion is ensured.

Next, according to the configuration of claim 2, in the connector that can connect the two integrated circuits to the host device,
Pin address and data signals, are connected in common to the two integrated circuits Rutotomoni, is output to the integrated circuit
Each chip enable signal pin is
Is independently connected to the road are arranged in a row in so that,
Further, the plurality of pins are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the arrangement of the plurality of pins in the connector. Therefore, the signal types (address signal and data signal) between the corresponding pins of the host device and the pins of the connector of the IC card do not change whether the IC card is connected to the host device face up or back. .

As a result, a single connector can be used for two purposes , ie , a front connection and a back connection.
That is, a single connector can be used for two types of integrated circuits mounted on an IC card. Further, since there are only two insertion directions of the IC card, front and back, identification of the insertion direction becomes easy.

Next, according to the third aspect of the present invention, a connector capable of supporting at least two purposes is provided at one end of the IC card, and an external device other than the host device is provided at the other end on the opposite side. And a terminal connected to the terminal. This allows the IC card to have, for example, a voice recording / playback function,
A plurality of functions including a modem function for enabling data communication can be provided, so that the use of the IC card can be further expanded.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The IC card 1 according to the present invention includes a connector 2 provided at one end as shown in FIG. 3, and the IC card 1 is inserted into a slot 4 of the host device 3 as shown in FIG.
A plurality of different functions can be used while the single connector 2 is connected to the connector of the host device 3 when the front side is inserted with the front side facing upward and when the back side is inserted with the rear side facing upward. ing.

For example, when the IC card 1 is inserted into the host device 3 with its front side facing upward, the IC card 1 can be used as a memory card for increasing the storage amount of data handled by the host device 3, and the back side of the IC card 1 can be used. Is inserted into the host device 3 facing upward, the IC card 1 can be used as a game card for enjoying a game displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 5 of the host device 3.

In correspondence with these two different functions, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the IC card 1 has two types of semiconductor storage devices. That is, for example, FEEPROM (Flash Electrically
Erasable Read Only Memory 6 is mounted, and for example, a ROM 7 is mounted corresponding to the game card function.

In place of the above-mentioned FEEPROM 6,
An SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) may be mounted. In addition, as the host device 3 described above, for example,
An electronic organizer, a notebook personal computer, a pocket-sized personal computer, and the like can be given.

Next, the pin arrangement for allowing the single connector 2 to be inserted into both sides as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The most important feature of the present invention in the pin arrangement is that a plurality of pins for inputting and outputting various signals are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the pin arrangement of the connector 2 according to the type of signal. is there.

More specifically, the ground pins GG, the 5V power pins V1 and V1, the 12V power pins V2 and V2, First card enable pin CE-1 / second
Card enable pin CE-2, write enable pin WE / WE, read enable pin RE / RE, address pins A0-A8 / A9-A17, and data pin D
0 to D3 and D4 to D7 are provided.

In this embodiment, as an example, 18 address pins and 8 data pins are provided. However, in order to arrange the connector 2 symmetrically with respect to the center line of the connector 2, an arbitrary even number of pins are arranged. It should just be done.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first card enable pin CE-1 is connected to the chip enable terminal CE 'of the ROM 7, and the second card enable pin CE-2 is connected to the chip enable terminal CE of the FEEPROM 6. And address pins A0-A.
Reference numeral 17 is connected to the address terminals A0 'to A17' of the ROM 7 and the address terminal A of the FEEPROM 6.
It is also connected to 0 "to A17". Similarly, data pins D0-D7 are connected to data terminals D0'-D7 'of ROM7.
And the data terminal D of the FEEPROM 6
It is also connected to 0 "to D7".

However, the address terminals A0 'to
A17 ′ and the connection relationship between the address pins A0 to A17,
The connection relationship between the address terminals A0 "to A17" of the FEEPROM 6 and the address pins A0 to A17 is exactly opposite. That is, in the ROM 7, the address terminals A0 'to A17' and the address pins A
0 to A17, respectively, while FE
In the EPROM 6, the address terminals A0 "are connected to the address pin A17, the address terminal A1" is connected to the address pin A16, and so on.
17, address terminals A in the order of decreasing numbers.
0 "to A17" are connected to each other.

Similarly, the data pins D0-D7 are connected to the data terminals D0'-D7 'of the ROM 7 in the order of increasing numbers.
Are connected to the data terminals D0 "to D7" of the FEEPROM 6 in the order of decreasing numbers.

The address pins A0 to A17 and the data pins D0 to D7, which are commonly connected to both the FEEPROM 6 and the ROM 7, have the above-described connection relationship because the IC card 1 is turned upside down. This is necessary so that the correspondence with the types of signals input to and output from the pins of the host device 3 does not change even if the signal is inserted into the slot 4.

Also, one write enable pin WE
Is not necessary in the case of an IC card equipped with a ROM, and is therefore empty, and the read enable pin RE
Are connected to the read enable terminal RE 'of the ROM 7. The other write enable pin WE and read enable pin RE are connected to the write enable terminal WE ″ and read enable terminal RE ″ of the FEEPROM 6.

The first and second card enable pins CE-1 and CE-2 are connected to the FEEPROM 6 or R
A chip enable signal CE-H that enables the OM 7 to communicate with the central processing unit of the host device 3 is supplied from the host device 3. However, the connector provided in the slot 4 of the host device 3 has only one pin for outputting the chip enable signal CE-H.

Thus, when the IC card 1 is inserted into the slot 4 with the front side, the chip enable signal CE
−H is supplied to the second card enable pin CE-2, while the chip enable signal CE-H is supplied to the first card enable pin CE-1 when the IC card 1 is inserted into the slot 4 with the IC card 1 facing down. Is done.

Pin Arrangement on Host Device 3 and IC Card 1
The relationship between the write enable pin WE and the read enable pin RE is the same as that of the first and second card enable pins CE-1 and CE-2. That is, the connector of the host device 3 has only one pin for outputting a write enable signal which is a signal for instructing data writing to the FEEPROM 6.
There is only one pin for outputting a read enable signal for instructing the OM 7 to read data.

Thus, when the IC card 1 is inserted into the slot 4 in a face-up state, the write enable signal and the read enable signal are transmitted to the write enable pin WE.
And FEEPRO via read enable pin RE
The read enable signal is supplied to the ROM 7 via the read enable pin RE when the IC card 1 is supplied to the M6 and inserted into the slot 4 with the IC card 1 facing down.

Further, the address pins A0 to A17 and the data pins D0 to D7 are arranged so as to correspond to the address bus and the data bus of the host device 3, respectively, so that the host device 3 accesses the IC card 1. The method is the same regardless of the front and back of the IC card 1.

In the above configuration, when the IC card 1 is inserted into the slot 4 of the host device 3 with the front side facing upward, the chip enable signal CE-H is output to the FEEPROM 6 via the second card enable pin CE-2. Supplied to For example, when the chip enable signal CE-H is at the high level, the data pins D0 to D7 become high impedance, so that data cannot be input / output. When the chip enable signal CE-H becomes the low level, When the data pins D0 to D7 become low impedance, communication between the FEEPROM 6 and the host device 3 becomes possible.

In this state, first, the host device 3
5V to access the specific address of PROM6
5V power is supplied to the IC card 1 via the power supply pin V1, and 18V via the address pins A0 to A17.
Bit address signal AD-H in parallel with FEEPR
Output to OM6. Thereby, the card attribute information written at the specific address of the FEEPROM 6 is read out in parallel as 8-bit data via the data pins D0 to D7. As a result, the host device 3 recognizes what function the IC card having is connected. In this case, the host device 3 recognizes that the FEEPROM type memory card has been connected. Based on this recognition result, a voltage of 12V is supplied to the FEEPROM 6 via the 12V power supply pin V2.

Subsequently, the host device 3 sends an address signal AD-H designating the address of the FEEPROM 6 for reading / writing data via the address bus of the host device 3 and the address pins A0 to A17 of the IC card 1. , FEEPROM 6 and read / write the data signal DH to / from the designated address via the data pins D0 to D7, so that the IC card 1 can be used as a memory card.

On the other hand, with the back side of the IC card 1 facing upward,
When the chip is inserted into the slot 4 of the host device 3, the chip enable signal CE-H is supplied to the ROM 7 via the first card enable pin CE-1 this time, so that communication between the ROM 7 and the host device 3 becomes possible.

In the same manner as when reading out the card attribute information from the FEEPROM 6, the host device 3 accesses the other 5V power supply pin V
1, and supplies an 18-bit address signal AD-H to the ROM 7 in parallel via address pins A0 to A17.
As a result, the card attribute information written at the specific address of the ROM 7 is read out in parallel as 8-bit data via the data pins D0 to D7. As a result,
The host device 3 recognizes that the game card has been connected.

Subsequently, the host device 3 supplies an address signal A for specifying an address of the ROM 7 from which data is read.
DH is output to the ROM 7 via the address bus of the host device 3 and the address pins A0 to A17 of the IC card 1, and the data pins D0 to D
7 to read the data signal DH. That is, the host device 3 can use the game software stored in the ROM 7 and can use the IC card 1 as a game card.

In the above embodiment, the case where the IC card 1 is used as a memory card and a game card has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the front side of the IC card 1 can be used as an English-Japanese translation card, and the back side can be used as a Japanese-English translation card. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the front side of the IC card 1 can be used as a modem card for performing data communication, and the back side can be used as a voice recording / reproducing card.

In order to be able to use the IC card 1 as a voice recording / reproducing card, it is necessary to provide a terminal 9 for connecting an earphone or a microphone at the end opposite to the connector 2. Also, in order to enable the IC card 1 to be used as a modem card, a telephone for connecting the cord 8 connecting the IC card 1 to a modular jack of a telephone line, for example, is also provided at the end opposite to the connector 2. It is necessary to provide a line connection terminal.

Therefore, in the conventional IC card, a connector for connecting to the host device and a terminal for connecting to an external device other than the host device can be provided at only one location at the opposite end of the IC card. IC of the present invention
Like card 1, it was impossible to have two types of functions, a modem card and a voice recording / playback card. However, according to the present invention, a single connector 2
, Two types of integrated circuits can be mounted, so that two types of functions including a function used by connecting to an external device can be provided. In addition, since the insertion direction can be either face-up or face-down, the IC card 1
It is easy to identify the function corresponding to the direction of the arrow. Also, IC
Inserting the card 1 in either direction does not result in erroneous insertion that damages the pins or damages the IC of the host device 3 or the integrated circuit of the IC card 1, so that the safety against erroneous insertion is ensured. I have.

[0048]

As described above, the IC card according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of pins arranged in the connector of the IC card, and inputs and outputs to and from each integrated circuit among the plurality of pins. Address and data signals and chips
The enable signal pins are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the arrangement of the plurality of pins in the connector.
Is, and the pin of the address signal to the address terminals of the integrated circuits, pin the data signal to the data terminal of each integrated circuit, the pin of the chip enable signal corresponding
Connected to the chip enable terminals of the integrated circuit.
On the other hand, each of the integrated circuits is connected to the chip enable terminal.
When the chip enable signal is supplied to the
It is configured to be able to communicate with the strike device .

Therefore, regardless of whether the IC card is connected to the host device upside down or connected upside down, each integrated circuit and the host device can appropriately exchange address signals and data signals. Therefore, the address signal pins and
At least two types of integrated circuits
Can be used for Therefore, the cost can be reduced while the IC card has multiple functions. Further, insertion of the IC card in either direction does not result in erroneous insertion that damages pins or damages the integrated circuit of the IC card or the host device, so that safety against erroneous insertion can be ensured. This has the effect.

In the IC card according to the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, the address signal and the data signal input / output to / from each integrated circuit are connected to the connector capable of connecting the two integrated circuits having different functions to the host device. Are connected to each integrated circuit in common and output to each integrated circuit.
Each chip enable signal pin is
Is independently connected to the road is arranged in a single row on so that,
The address and data signals and chip rice
One pin of Buru signal, with respect to the center line of the array of pins in the connector, that will be symmetrically disposed, the
Each integrated circuit is supplied with the above chip enable signal.
Communication with the host device
This is a configuration that works.

Therefore, a single connector is used for two purposes , ie , a front connection and a back connection.
That is, a single connector is shared by two types of integrated circuits.
Therefore, two types of integrated circuits can be mounted on the IC card. Furthermore, since there are only two insertion directions for the IC card, it is possible to easily identify the insertion direction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, as described above, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the terminal for connecting to an external device other than the host device is connected to the side provided with the connector of the IC card. This is a configuration provided on the opposite side.

Therefore, the IC card can be provided with a plurality of types of functions including a function of using an external device, such as a voice recording / reproducing function and a modem function for enabling data communication. This has the effect that the use of the card can be further expanded.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a plurality of pins in a connector of an IC card according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a method of using the IC card for a host device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing an internal configuration of the IC card.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing connections between pins arranged in FIG. 1 and an integrated circuit and a host device mounted on an IC card.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing another method of using the IC card for a host device.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a conventional IC card.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 IC card 2 Connector 3 Host device 6 FEEPROM (integrated circuit) 7 ROM (integrated circuit) 9 terminals

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06K 19/00-19/077 B42D 15/10 G06F 3/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An IC card including a plurality of integrated circuits having different functions and having a connector for connecting each integrated circuit to a host device, comprising: a plurality of pins arranged in a connector of the IC card; Address and data signals and chip enable signals input / output to / from each integrated circuit.
Pin No. is, are respectively arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the array of pins in the connector, and to the address terminals of the pins of the address signal each integrated circuit, the pin of the data signal each to the data terminal of the integrated circuit, the
The chip enable signal pins correspond to the integrated circuit chip
While the flop enable terminal, Ru are connected, each integrated circuit chip to the chip enable terminal
The host device when the enable signal is supplied;
An IC card capable of communicating with a personal computer. 2. A plurality of pins of address signals and data signals input / output to / from each integrated circuit are connected to a connector capable of connecting two integrated circuits having different functions to a host device. Output to each integrated circuit
Each of the enabled chip enable signal pins
It is arranged in a single row to so that is independently connected to the product circuit, the address signal and the data signal and Chippuine
Pin Buru signal, with respect to the center line of the array of pins in the connector, while that will be symmetrically disposed, each integrated circuit, the chip enable signal is supplied of
Communication with the host device when
IC card characterized by being able to perform. 3. The IC according to claim 1, wherein a terminal for connecting to an external device other than the host device is provided on a side opposite to a side on which a connector of the IC card is provided.
card.