Deterministic security kernel with hardware-isolated binary kernel and vector phase synchronization

Abstract

(Main claim) Device for deterministic control of technical systems, comprising a hardware-isolated binary core (IBC), a semantic input layer and a biometric validation unit, characterized in that the binary core has a hardware-implemented vector phase synchronization unit that checks biometric real-time signals for conformity with a hardware-encoded reference vector (V-Ref), and that a hard-wired veto unit withholds each output pulse until positive validation by the vector phase synchronization unit:

Description

1. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the deterministic control of technical systems based on programmable logic gates (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). A key feature is the physical separation between a semantic input layer and a safety-critical, hardware-isolated binary core, as well as the authorization of control commands by real-time biometric validation.

[0002] The technical field includes: • Digital circuit technology at the gate level (AND / OR / NOT logic, flip-flops, shift registers) • FPGA / ASIC-based real-time signal processing with deterministic latency limits • Biocybernetic interfaces with HRV and EEG-based signal processing • Safety-critical control systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms 2. State of the art and problem to be solved 2.1 Known solutions and their disadvantages

[0003] In current technology, security kernels for autonomous systems are predominantly implemented as software-based solutions. These have the following inherent disadvantages: • Software-based error correction algorithms are subject to non-deterministic execution times due to OS scheduling, cache effects, and compiler optimizations, and are therefore not immune to system-level manipulation. • Conventional veto mechanisms are based on software interrupts with indeterminate latencies in the millisecond range - insufficient for highly dynamic autonomous systems. • The individual biometric signal signature of a user is not treated as an independent, protectable technical feature for authorization in any known system. • The integrity of the decision path of a security kernel cannot be verified in existing solutions by an externally verifiable hardware signal. 2.2 Purpose of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a device that (a) implements a physically isolated, non-software-configurable binary core at the gate level, (b) ensures a deterministically guaranteed veto latency within the semiconductor gate runtimes, (c) maps the individual biometric signal signature as the primary authorization feature in hardware, (d) detects and blocks asynchronous communication errors by means of a hardware-based FIFO shift register, and (e) makes the integrity of each decision path externally verifiable by means of a hardware-generated signature clock signal. 3. Description of the invention 3.1 System architecture (hardware level) Isolated Binary Core (IBC):

[0005] The physical separation between the semantic layer (speech interface) and the safety-critical binary core is firmly implemented in the FPGA netlist or ASIC mask geometry. Transmission paths run exclusively via defined, unidirectional hardware gates without feedback paths to the semantic layer. Veto unit:

[0006] The veto unit's decision logic operates within the hardware-based gate delays of the semiconductor process used. A deterministic veto latency of a maximum of 3.2 microseconds (0.0032 ms) between signal input in the core and output buffer is physically guaranteed by gate delay chaining. No output signal can leave the physical output buffer before the veto logic has granted permission. Vector Phase Synchronization Unit:

[0007] This unit continuously compares the user's real-time biometric signals with a hardware-encrypted biometric reference vector (V-Ref). The V-Ref is generated from the individual heart rate variability (HRV) and the EEG spectral density in the theta band (4-7 Hz) and stored in an OTP memory. Action is only authorized if a defined coherence threshold is exceeded. 3.2 Functional Logic (Time-Integrated Resonance Testing)

[0008] The approval process is based on a time-integrated resonance check: (a) Continuous calculation of the coherence between incoming user signals and the current system state over a defined period. (b) Action approval is granted only if the coherence threshold is consistently exceeded. (c) In case of detection of an emergency (significant biometric deviation) or plausibility violation: automatic lowering of the veto threshold to the minimum value and immediate system termination via an Axiom 1 interrupt. 3.3 Technical Implementation of the Ethical Kernel (Hard Logic)

[0009] The five security axioms are not implemented as sequential program code, but as a hard-wired cascade of logic gates within the isolated binary core (IBC). This ensures immunity to software manipulation. Priority axiom Hardware element Technical function 1 Survival Hardware interrupt line (master) A negative validation signal triggers an immediate physical interruption of the power supply to the output driver module. 2+3 Efficiency & Plausibility Window comparators (hardcoded) Real-time comparison of all output values ​​against fixed physical limits stored in the chip. 4 Reflex masking Digital low-pass filter (gate level) Suppression of high-frequency, involuntary biological interference signals from the control vector. 5 Asynchronous communication buffering FIFO shift register(First-in-First-Out) A control command is only forwarded if the bit sequence of the input shows a correlation with the V-ref over a defined number of clock cycles. 3.4 Signature clock signal (verification of integrity)

[0010] Upon each successful validation, the binary core outputs a specific, hardware-generated signature clock signal. This signal is characteristic of the underlying decision path and makes the technical integrity of the binary core externally verifiable via a dedicated test signal output of the component and comparable to a reference pattern. 4. Preferred embodiments of FPGA implementation:

[0011] The IBC occupies a physically partitioned region without routing connections to the semantic layer. Timing constraints ensure the 3.2 µs latency limit of the veto unit. Recommended platforms: Xilinx UltraScale+, Intel Agilex, or equivalent. ASIC implementation:

[0012] IBC and veto unit on a dedicated semiconductor layer (separate die) or in a multi-chip module (MCM). Biometric signal processing in a hardware-protected enclave on the same die. Biometric calibration:

[0013] The V-Ref is generated from at least 300 seconds of continuous HRV and EEG measurement and stored immutably in an OTP (One-Time-Programmable) memory. 5. Commercial Applicability

[0014] The invention is industrially applicable in the manufacture and operation of safety-critical control systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms, in particular: • Industrial automation and robotics with biometric operator protection • Medical device technology with safety-critical control requirements • Unmanned systems (UAVs, UGVs) with deterministic safety thresholds • Human-computer interaction systems where the integrity of human-machine communication is safety-relevant

Claims

(Main claim) Device for deterministic control of technical systems, comprising a hardware-isolated binary core (IBC), a semantic input layer and a biometric validation unit, characterized in that the binary core has a hardware-implemented vector phase synchronization unit that checks biometric real-time signals for conformity with a hardware-encoded reference vector (V-Ref), and that a hard-wired veto unit withholds each output pulse until positive validation by the vector phase synchronization unit: (depending on claim 1) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the veto unit is configured such that the decision logic takes place within the hardware-side gate delays of the semiconductor process, ensuring a deterministic veto latency of a maximum of 3.2 microseconds (0.0032 ms) between signal input in the core and output buffer. (depending on claim 1 or 2) Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a hardware-based shift register (FIFO) is provided to compensate for individual asynchronous communication errors (t_com), which blocks the execution of instructions until binary phase synchronization between user parameters and core logic is established. (depending on one of the preceding claims) Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety axioms are implemented as a cascaded arrangement of logic gates (AND / OR / NOT) in the binary core, wherein axiom 1 can override all other logic paths as a master interrupt circuit, axioms 2 and 3 are implemented as window comparators with hardcoded limits, axiom 4 is implemented as a digital low-pass filter at the gate level, and axiom 5 is implemented as a FIFO shift register. (depending on one of the preceding claims) Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the binary core outputs a specific, hardware-generated signature clock signal upon each successful validation, which makes the technical integrity of the decision path externally verifiable by measurement at a dedicated test signal output.