Embedded SIM
Conventionally, SIM cards are manufactured in the ISO 7816-1 shape, rectangular with a corner cut off – just like the one in your mobile phone. For many applications this works well – the user simply inserts the SIM and can later move it to another phone, or replace it with a SIM from another operator.
For M2M applications there are a number of disadvantages of using this SIM format, including:
- the cost of the connector
- the requirement for a physical contact (15 years of vibration in a car will mean the contact will almost certainly fail)
- the size of the card
- the operating temperature range
- the risk of theft
Eseye can supply the SIM card functionality in a surface mount (QFN 8) package for M2M applications. The QFN package is soldered to the circuit board during manufacture, and can remain inactive until required. The chip SIM can be configured for any required network or for the AnyNet service which use the network with the best signal.
The chip SIM addresses all of the above issues, but in turn presents one requirement – as the SIM is now an integral part of the device it cannot be replaced, which could lock the device to the initial operator for the lifetime of the device.
Eseye has foreseen this issue and has developed its own SIM applications and over the air (OTA) programming capabilities to be able to re-programme the operator(s) which are available – Eseye's Remote Operator Programming solution.
Eseye has therefore uniquely addressed all of the issues and provides a totally future-proof solution.
Markets where this functionality is particularly valued include Automotive, Air Transport and Smart Metering.
No-one can foresee which new operators may emerge in 10 years’ time. With Eseye you don’t have to.
