Battery Control IC Two-Step Authentication for Security and Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of non-authentic battery packs can lead to overcurrent or overheating in electronic devices, causing failures, and existing authentication methods either have low security or are too time-consuming due to the limitations of common key and public key systems, especially when using low-end controllers.
Innovation Solution
A two-step authentication system is implemented, where the battery pack is first authenticated using a common key system to enable discharge and then using a public key system to enable charge, reducing authentication time and enhancing security, even with low-end controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a common key authentication system is used for battery pack authentication, then authentication time is reduced and discharge operation is enabled, but security against non-authentic battery packs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is segmented into two independent parts: a common key authentication system for discharge operations and a public key authentication system for charge operations. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific purpose - the common key system provides fast authentication for discharge while the public key system provides high security for charging, resolving the contradiction between speed and security.
2Reliability
If a public key authentication system is used for battery pack authentication, then security against non-authentic battery packs is improved, but authentication time increases and charging operation is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
Different authentication methods are applied to different operations based on their specific requirements. The common key system is used locally for discharge operations where speed is prioritized, while the public key system is used locally for charge operations where security is prioritized. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by matching the authentication method to the operational context.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If authentication systems are implemented to prevent non-authentic battery pack usage, then safety against overcurrent and overheating is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery control IC is designed to universally support both common key and public key authentication systems, as well as control both discharge and charge operations. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle multiple authentication protocols and operational modes, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery authentication system includes a battery pack, and a host device connected to the battery pack to charge the battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery, a discharge switch that turns on and off discharging of the battery, a charge switch that turns on and off charging of the battery, and a control integrated circuit (IC) that controls the battery. The control IC includes a charge/discharge control circuit that controls the discharge switch and the charge switch, and an authentication circuit that performs a process for performing an authentication with the host device. The authentication circuit is configured to perform a process associated with a first authentication. The charge/discharge control circuit is configured to control the discharge switch to be turned on when the first authentication is established. The authentication circuit is configured to perform a process associated with a second authentication.