SIST ETS 300 641 E1:2003
(Main)Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2) (GSM); Specification of the 3 Volt Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface (GSM 11.12)
General Information
- Abstract
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) defines the aspects of the Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface which are based on 3V technology to be used in the Mobile Station (MS ). It specifies the electrical and logical requirements necessary for the operation of the 3V SIM - ME interface where it differs from GSM 1 1.11 (ETS 300 608) [1]. For all aspects of the SIM - ME interface whic h are not covered by this ETS, GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608) [1] applies.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2003
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 01-Dec-2003
- Due Date
- 01-Dec-2003
- Completion Date
- 01-Dec-2003
Overview
SIST ETS 300 641 E1:2003 specifies the requirements and guidelines for the interface between the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) and Mobile Equipment (ME) in the context of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Phase 2, explicitly focusing on 3 Volt (3V) technology. This standard addresses the electrical and logical characteristics necessary for interoperability and reliability when using 3V SIM cards and compatible mobile devices. Where this standard does not provide specific details, GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608) remains applicable.
By standardizing the 3V SIM-ME interface, SIST ETS 300 641 E1:2003 enables enhanced energy efficiency, supports future-oriented mobile technology, and maintains cross-compatibility within existing GSM infrastructures.
Key Topics
3V Technology for SIM and ME
The standard details how SIMs and MEs should operate at 3V ± 10% as well as legacy 5V ± 10%. It covers identification methods for 3V technology SIMs and management by the ME.Electrical and Logical Interface Specifications
Defines voltage ranges (2.7V to 3.3V for 3V operation), signal characteristics for I/O, clock, and reset lines, as well as current consumption and handling of voltage spikes for robust and safe device communication.Cross Compatibility
Outlines requirements and limitations for devices and SIMs supporting 3V, 5V, or both, ensuring interoperability while clarifying potential risks when using incompatible voltage technologies.Activation, Deactivation, and Supply Voltage Switching
Establishes procedures for powering and managing the SIM card, including how to switch between 3V and 5V operation without damaging hardware or affecting service continuity.Future-Proofing for Emerging Technologies
Recognizes the trend towards even lower voltage technologies in mobile equipment and recommends manufacturers take precautions to prevent damage when newer low-voltage SIMs are inserted into devices not designed for them.
Applications
Mobile Device Manufacturers
Provides a clear technical framework for designing GSM mobile stations (MS) and mobile equipment compatible with both traditional and 3V SIM cards, improving device sustainability and facilitating market access.Telecommunications Operators
Ensures subscribers’ devices remain compatible as SIM technology evolves, supporting smooth migration strategies from legacy systems to more efficient 3V-based operations.SIM Card Producers
Delivers definitive requirements for SIM card voltage tolerances, identification, and operational characteristics, enabling the production of reliable cards compatible across a wide range of GSM-compliant devices.Compliance and Certification Bodies
Supplies a unified set of criteria for validating the interoperability and safety of SIM-ME implementations in the European telecommunications market.
Related Standards
GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608)
The primary reference standard for all aspects of the SIM-ME interface not detailed in SIST ETS 300 641 E1:2003, including 5V operation.GSM 11.12 (ETS 300 641)
The specific technical specification upon which this standard is based, outlining variations for 3V technology within GSM systems.ETSI Technical Specifications and Standards
Other relevant ETSI standards may provide additional protocols, performance criteria, and compatibility requirements for GSM and digital cellular communications.
Keywords: 3V SIM, Mobile Equipment, GSM Phase 2, SIM-ME Interface, SIST ETS 300 641, Subscriber Identity Module, Electrical Specifications, Cross Compatibility, GSM Standardization, Telecommunications Standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST ETS 300 641 E1:2003 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2) (GSM); Specification of the 3 Volt Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface (GSM 11.12)". This standard covers: This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) defines the aspects of the Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface which are based on 3V technology to be used in the Mobile Station (MS ). It specifies the electrical and logical requirements necessary for the operation of the 3V SIM - ME interface where it differs from GSM 1 1.11 (ETS 300 608) [1]. For all aspects of the SIM - ME interface whic h are not covered by this ETS, GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608) [1] applies.
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) defines the aspects of the Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface which are based on 3V technology to be used in the Mobile Station (MS ). It specifies the electrical and logical requirements necessary for the operation of the 3V SIM - ME interface where it differs from GSM 1 1.11 (ETS 300 608) [1]. For all aspects of the SIM - ME interface whic h are not covered by this ETS, GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608) [1] applies.
SIST ETS 300 641 E1:2003 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.070.50 - Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST ETS 300 641 E1:2003 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2003
'LJLWDOQLFHOLþQLWHOHNRPXQLNDFLMVNLVLVWHPID]D¤±6SHFLILNDFLMD9QHJD
YPHVQLNDQDURþQLãNDLGHQWLILNDFLMVNDNDUWLFDPRELOQDRSUHPD6,00(*60
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2) (GSM); Specification of the 3 Volt
Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface (GSM 11.12)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ETS 300 641 Edition 1
ICS:
33.070.50 Globalni sistem za mobilno Global System for Mobile
telekomunikacijo (GSM) Communication (GSM)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN ETS 300 641
TELECOMMUNICATION December 1996
STANDARD
Source: ETSI TC-SMG Reference: DE/SMG-091112Q
ICS: 33.020
Key words: Digital cellular telecommunications system, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)
R
GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2);
Specification of the 3 Volt Subscriber Identity Module -
Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface
(GSM 11.12)
ETSI
European Telecommunications Standards Institute
ETSI Secretariat
Postal address: F-06921 Sophia Antipolis CEDEX - FRANCE
Office address: 650 Route des Lucioles - Sophia Antipolis - Valbonne - FRANCE
X.400: c=fr, a=atlas, p=etsi, s=secretariat - Internet: secretariat@etsi.fr
Tel.: +33 4 92 94 42 00 - Fax: +33 4 93 65 47 16
Copyright Notification: No part may be reproduced except as authorized by written permission. The copyright and the
foregoing restriction extend to reproduction in all media.
© European Telecommunications Standards Institute 1996. All rights reserved.
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ETS 300 641 (GSM 11.12 version 4.1.2): December 1996
Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation and publication of this document, errors in content,
typographical or otherwise, may occur. If you have comments concerning its accuracy, please write to
"ETSI Editing and Committee Support Dept." at the address shown on the title page.
Page 3
ETS 300 641 (GSM 11.12 version 4.1.2): December 1996
Contents
Foreword .5
1 Scope .7
2 Normative references.7
3 Definitions, abbreviations and symbols.7
3.1 Definitions .7
3.2 Abbreviations .7
3.3 Symbols .7
4 3V technology.8
4.1 3V technology SIM.8
4.2 3V technology impact.8
4.3 3V technology SIM Identification.8
4.4 3V technology ME.8
4.5 3V Only ME.8
4.6 Activation and deactivation .8
4.7 Supply voltage switching.9
4.8 Cross compatibility.9
4.9 Outlook.9
5 Electrical specifications of the SIM - ME interface .9
Annex A (informative): Cross compatibility aspects.12
History.13
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ETS 300 641 (GSM 11.12 version 4.1.2): December 1996
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ETS 300 641 (GSM 11.12 version 4.1.2): December 1996
Foreword
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) has been produced by the Special Mobile Group
(SMG) Technical Committee (TC) of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
This ETS defines the aspects of the Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface
which are based on 3V technology to be used in the Mobile Station (MS) within the digital cellular
telecommunications system (Phase 2).
This ETS corresponds to GSM technical specification GSM 11.12 version 4.1.2.
Transposition dates
Date of adoption 4 October 1996
Date of latest announcement of this ETS (doa): 31 March 1997
Date of latest publication of new National Standard
or endorsement of this ETS (dop/e): 30 September 1997
Date of withdrawal of any conflicting National Standard (dow): 30 September 1997
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ETS 300 641 (GSM 11.12 version 4.1.2): December 1996
Blank page
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ETS 300 641 (GSM 11.12 version 4.1.2): December 1996
1 Scope
This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) defines the aspects of the Subscriber Identity
Module - Mobile Equipment (SIM - ME) interface which are based on 3V technology to be used in the
Mobile Station (MS). It specifies the electrical and logical requirements necessary for the operation of the
3V SIM - ME interface where it differs from GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608) [1]. For all aspects of the SIM - ME
interface which are not covered by this ETS, GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608) [1] applies.
2 Normative references
This ETS incorporates by dated and non-dated reference, provisions from other publications. This
normative reference is cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publication is listed hereafter.
The latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
[1] GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608): "Digital cellular telecommunications system
(Phase 2); Specification of the Subscriber Identity Module - Mobile Equipment
(SIM - ME) interface".
3 Definitions, abbreviations and symbols
3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this ETS, the following definitions apply:
3V technology SIM: A SIM operating at 3V ± 10 % and 5V ± 10 %.
3V technology ME: An ME operating the SIM - ME interface at 3V ± 10 % according to this ETS and
5V ± 10 % according to GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608) [1].
3V only ME: An ME only operating the SIM - ME interface at 3V ± 10 % according to this
ETS.
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this ETS, the following abbreviations apply:
ATR Answer To Reset
CLK Clock
IC Integrated Circuit
I/O Input/Output
ME Mobile Equipment
MS Mobile Station
RST Reset
SIM Subscriber Identity Module
3.3 Symbols
For the purposes of this ETS, the following symbols apply:
t fall time
F
t rise time
R
Vcc supply voltage
Vpp programming voltage
V Input Voltage (high)
IH
V Input Voltage (low)
IL
V Output Voltage (high)
OH
V Output Voltage (low)
OL
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ETS 300 641 (GSM 11.12 version 4.1.2): December 1996
4 3V technology
4.1 3V technology SIM
The SIM shall operate on both 5V ± 10 % according to GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608) [1], and on 3V ± 10 %
according to this ETS. If the ME supplies 5V to the SIM, both the ME and the SIM shall operate according
to GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608) [1]. The logical operation of the 3V technology SIM shall be as defined in
GSM 11.11 (ETS 300 608) [1].
Clock stop mode shall be supported by the SIM. The SIM shall indicate "Clock Stop Allowed" in the file
characteristics of the status information as specified in GSM 11.11
...



