Kigen iSIM

Ultimate security of device identities with integrated SIM (iSIM).

iSIM makes it cheaper for chipset and device makers to integrate cellular connectivity into IoT designs while offering all the advantages of eSIM.

What is an integrated SIM (iSIM)

iSIM is the next generation of SIM technology with the potential to revolutionize cellular IoT connectivity forever. It moves the SIM from a separate chip into a dedicated silicon area which sits alongside the application processor and/or cellular radio on a purpose-built system-on-chip (SoC).

Benefits of iSIM technology

While a physical SIM card requires a dedicated slot on a smart device and eSIM/eUICC needs a dedicated chip to initiate setup, iSIM isn’t soldered onto the device’s circuit board. Instead, an iSIM has a dedicated space on the system on chip (SoC), where it is protected by a tamper-resistant element (TRE). Just like eSIM, iSIMs allow connectivity providers to remotely provision network profiles. This convergence opens up new use cases in security and offers numerous benefits:

98% smaller

iSIM is significantly smaller than eSIM, reducing the circuit board footprint and releasing more valuable silicon real estate.

Up to 50% cheaper

Fewer components and simplified PCB design help reduce manufacturing and logistical costs. This offers the potential of significant savings for large-scale IoT deployments.

Up to 70% Less power

iSIM can massively reduce standby power consumption compared to multi-chip designs [based on selected configurations], which is a real game-changer for IoT devices with a built-in lifetime battery.

Flexible subscription deployment models

iSIM can support either a classic SIM OS providing a fixed network subscription or an eSIM OS with the flexibility to have the subscription changed for a manufacture-once ship-anywhere model.

Industry standardised

Just like SIM and eSIM, iSIM conforms to industry standards and offers an equivalent level of protection for subscription credentials. Kigen’s partner ecosystem has demonstrated industry’s first EAL5+ certified iSIM hardware opening a new class of IoT.

Additional capabilities

Integrated at the heart of the device and securely personalized, iSIM can act as a root-of-trust for payment, identity and critical infrastructure applications. Work with the world’s most extensive and mass-market tested iSIM capabilities through Kigen’s partner ecosystem.

See how iSIM Pioneers are innovating

Hear the latest insights from Kigen’s pioneering ecosystem on how iSIM technology is maturing and scaling IoT deployments.

Start today on iSIM

Kigen’s partner ecosystem brings the experience of supporting large-scale IoT roll-outs with iSIM technology with eight out of ten module vendors. To start with your choice of field-ready iSIM and connectivity, get in touch with our experts.

Let’s talk

Explore use cases

World’s first multi-carrier iSIM for IoT is here

Enterprises can activate global connectivity via embedded iSIM and change carriers with a pre-loaded integrated SIM solution .

Read now »

iSIM design masterclass

Experts from Kigen and Quectel reveal how device makers can build for scale with iSIM in this special edition of Quectel masterclass.

Watch now »

iSIM success: asset tracking

See how customers have found success with iSIM in tracking of lost assets in large micro-mobility fleets across multiple cities while enhancing data integrity.

Read case study »

Building a secure system-on-chip (SoC) with iSIM

Building a secure SoC with iSIM requires a SIM or eSIM OS implemented on a Secure Enclave that is integrated into a System-on-Chip (SoC) and uses the devices non-volatile memory. We offer a full software solution, integrated with many market-leading Secure Enclaves from Kigen’s vast network of partners, to build iSIM in ultra-fast time.

Introduction to SIM Cards

A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is a small chip that is inserted into a mobile device and stores important information such as the device’s phone number, network security keys, and other network information. The SIM card is what allows a phone to connect to a cellular network and make calls, send texts, and access the internet.
Over the years, the technology and design of SIM cards have evolved. The introduction of eSIM (embedded SIM) and iSIM (instant structured illumination SIM) has changed the way we think about SIM cards and cellular connectivity.

What is it and How is it Different from eSIM?

Instant structured illumination SIM is a new type of SIM card that is different from both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs. While traditional SIM cards are physical chips that can be inserted and removed from a device, eSIMs are embedded directly into a device’s hardware and cannot be removed.
iSIM, on the other hand, is a combination of both physical and embedded SIM technologies. It can be used in a similar way to traditional SIM cards and can also be integrated into a device’s hardware as an embedded SIM. This allows for greater flexibility and ease of use for consumers and developers alike.

Benefits

The use of this technology offers several benefits, including:
Network Security: These provide enhanced network security compared to traditional SIM cards and eSIMs. They use advanced encryption algorithms to protect sensitive subscriber identity information and cellular network data.
Form Factors: These can be used in a variety of form factors, including nano SIM cards and other smaller sizes. This allows for greater flexibility in device design and makes it possible to integrate this technology into smaller devices such as smartwatches and other wearables.
Developer Program: iSIM technology offers a robust developer program that includes developer tools and a developer hub. This allows developers to easily integrate iSIM technology into their devices and provides access to a wealth of resources and support.
Instant Structured Illumination Microscope: The use of structured illumination technology in iSIMs makes it possible to use iSIMs in medical imaging and fluorescence microscopy applications. This makes it possible to capture high-resolution images of live cells and single molecules.

Applications

iSIM technology can be used in a variety of applications, including:
Consumer electronics: iSIM technology can be integrated into consumer electronics such as the Samsung Galaxy S23, making it possible to provide cellular connectivity without the need for a physical SIM card slot.
IoT Solutions: iSIM technology can be used in IoT (Internet of Things) solutions to provide secure and reliable connectivity for a wide range of devices.
Medical Imaging: iSIMs can be used in medical imaging applications such as structured illumination microscopes to capture high-resolution images of live cells and single molecules.
Image Processing: The use of structured illumination technology in iSIMs makes it possible to use iSIMs in image processing applications, providing advanced image processing capabilities.

developer program

structured illumination

samsung galaxy

Conclusion

iSIM technology offers a new way of thinking about SIM cards and cellular connectivity. With its combination of physical and embedded SIM technologies, iSIM offers greater flexibility and ease of use for consumers and developers alike. Its robust developer program and advanced security features make it a great choice for a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, IoT solutions, medical imaging, and image processing.
In conclusion, iSIM is a game-changer in the world of SIM cards and cellular connectivity.
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