Abstract: An integrated circuit device (2) designed to be incorporated in a portable object with memory, in particular of card format. The integrated circuit device (2) comprises at least a capacitor (8) for attenuating-the amplitude of current peaks (Idd) consumed by the integrated circuit device (2). The attenuation of such current peaks is particularly useful for attenuating electric signatures in smart cards.

Abstract: Securing data stored in an electronic component test machine which includes a central processor unit provided with storage means, and a local memory connected to the storage means via a transmission bus. At least one file of test vectors is created to perform the component test. Data contained in the file of test vectors is encrypted. The encrypted test vector file is stored in the storage means of the central processor unit. Prior to each test, the encrypted test vector file is loaded into the local memory via the transmission bus, and then the encrypted data of the test vector files is decrypted and stored in the local memory from where it is retrieved so that the test can be performed. While unencrypted data is stored in the local memory component, access to it by the operator is blocked so that sensitive information contained therein remains secure.

Abstract: The electronic chip (10) comprises an interface (11) enabling it to communicate with a terminal and a processing circuit (13) capable of performing processing when the chip communicates with the terminal. A time base circuit (18) is connected to the processing circuit (13) for generating a first signal (SI) during at least one given moment if processing has not yet been completed at said moment. A restart signal (SR) is transmitted to the interface in response to the first signal with the purpose of indicating to the terminal that the chip is still operating.

Abstract: A connector device for connecting a smart card to a computer comprises a receptacle having an upwardly facing opening for receiving the card. The receptacle contains spring contacts which establish electrical contact with the card contacts, and which serve to connect the card contacts to the computer, and is provided with a projection adjacent the opening to facilitate one-handed withdrawal of the card from the receptacle.

Abstract: A system for consulting an electronic mail server (20) in which a plurality of electronic messages addressed to a user are stored under data (a) identifying that user. The system includes an electronic memory card (40) for storing the identity data (a), and a telephone appliance (10) having a handset (15), an electronic memory card reader (14), a display screen (11), and keys (12a, . . . , 12h) giving access to options displayed on the screen (11). The telephone appliance (10) is suitable firstly for transmitting to the server (20) the identity data (a) as read by the electronic memory card reader (14), and secondly for displaying a list of received electronic messages returned from the server (20) and presented as options on the display screen (11). The user can select a message by pressing the corresponding access key (12a, . . . , 12h).

Abstract: A method for decorating and personalizing a card by printing a decorative element and personalizing data on one surface of the card body. The surface is then coated with a protective layer, and an integrated circuit is implanted in the card body. The personalizing data of the card body is identified and written into the integrated circuit storage zone data corresponding to the personalizing data of the card body.

Abstract: A coin-emptying device for a column-shaped slot machine. A hopper (10) is provided for storing coins and having an outlet opening (11). A coin-discharge drawer (20) is movable between a “closed” first position in which the drawer closes the outlet opening (11) of the hopper (10), and an “open” second position in which the outlet opening (11) of the hopper is cleared so as to enable coins to be transferred from the machine to the outside.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device adapted to be incorporated into a portable article having a memory, in particular of a card format. The device includes a central processor unit, at least one memory, at least one data input/output pad, n address bus lines connecting the central processor unit to the memory and/or to the input/output pad to carry address bits, and D data bus lines connecting the central processor unit to the memory and/or to the input/output pad for conveying data bits. At least one address line from the address bus and the data bus is associated with an additional line for conveying bits that are complementary to the bits conveyed over the address bus line or data bus line.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for an electronic memory card that is capable, without electrical contact, of exchanging information with a reader device. The electronic circuit includes a coupling antenna for communicating with the reader device, and a semiconductor die connected to the antenna. On a support sheet made of plastics material are mounted a coupling antenna provided with two electrical connection terminals; and attached to the electrical connection terminals, a semiconductor die having protruding contacts. A whole intermediate sheet, i.e. one without an opening formed therein, covers the semiconductor die and the support sheet. An outer sheet is placed on the intermediate sheet. The sheets and the semiconductor die are laminated to form a contactless card under heat and pressure such that the semiconductor die becomes embedded into the intermediate sheet.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a personal code of a user of an integrated circuit card received in a reader fitted with a keypad, connected to a computer, and capable of accepting at least one type of card. Formatting instructions are transmitted from the computer to the reader that correspond to the type of the card. A command is sent for authenticating the personal code and the authentication command is verified in the reader. For a qualified authentication command, the reader is put into a secure mode which blocks anyone with fraudulent intentions from intervening in the procedure to obtain the personal code. The personal code is then inputted via the keypad of the reader, formatted for the particular type of card used, and the formatted code and the command for authenticating it are transmitted from the reader to the integrated circuit of the card. The card compares the formatted code with a pre-stored personal code.

Abstract: A read system for reading at least one data item written in a memory (113) of an electronic component (11), the electronic component being suitable for communicating with a terminal and in particular for issuing an “initialization response” message (MRI) in response to an initialization signal (SI) issued by the terminal. The read system searches for the data item (DATA) in the memory (113) and writes the data item in an initialization response message zone. A reader unit (20) issues the initialization signal (SI) when the electronic component (111) is connected to the unit (20), and reads the data item (DATA) in the initialization response message zone. The reader unit also issues the initialization signal (SI) upon actuation of a forced initialization device (23).

Abstract: A secure integrated circuit device comprising, firstly, an active layer (10) made up of a semiconductor material and of circuits integrated into the semiconductor material and having contact tabs (15) on its active face (11) and, secondly, an additional layer (20). The active layer (10) is bonded to the additional layer (20) by an intermediate layer (30) applied to the surface of the active face (11) of the active layer (10). The face (12) of the active layer (10) opposite from its active face (11) is thinned.

Abstract: A communications terminal for communicating in an urban environment. The communications terminal includes a parking meter with a printer and a payment device. The terminal also is provided with a CPU, a modem for communicating with at least one information server, and a user interface for selecting information.

Abstract: An electronic memory card reader (10) for reading a card comprising a card body (11) and electrical contact areas (12). The reader includes a read head (100) having connection elements (112) designed to cooperate with the contact areas (12), an insertion slot (200), an abutment (300) for the card body, defining a processing position in which the areas (12) are in contact with the connection elements (112), and a moving part (400) that is rotatable, and that is capable, firstly, in a closed position, of establishing electrical contact between the elements (112) and the areas (12) in the processing position and, secondly, of moving away from the closed position under the action of a force developed by the card (10) moving in translation. The part (400) is returned to the closed position by resilient return means (600).

Abstract: A method of managing integrity defects concerning data written in a rewritable memory of an electronic component, said electronic component being suitable for performing operations that are capable of modifying at least some of said data and of interchanging information relating to said operations either off-line, directly with a terminal, or else on-line, with an issuer via said terminal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit card with two connection modes. The integrated circuit card includes a card body in which there is embedded a link circuit for linking a contactless coupling element (1) to a module having an integrated circuit (6) connected to conductive areas carried by a support film (4). The link circuit extends in register with conductive areas (18) dedicated to making a contactless link and is connected to said conductive areas by an electrically conductive material (32, 36, 42) filling blind holes (31, 35, 41). The blind holes have sections that increase from a bottom of each hole towards an opening thereof over at least a portion of their height.