SMARTCARD TO PC COMMUNICATION THROUGH PCMCIA INTERFACE

摘要

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