EV Battery Module Authentication Using Embedded Secure Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicle battery packs face challenges in authenticating and verifying the integrity of battery modules, which requires additional hardware and software, introducing latency and complexity in communication between modules and the central controller.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with secure elements in both battery modules and a controller, utilizing cryptographic algorithms for authentication operations, and a battery management system to manage and maintain charge and life state data, facilitating secure pairing and minimizing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hardware and software are added to authenticate and verify battery modules, then security and authenticity verification are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element is designed to perform multiple functions including authentication, verification, and cryptographic operations within a single integrated component. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive security capabilities while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate security systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure element acts as an intermediary component between the controller and battery modules, handling all authentication and verification operations. This mediator approach centralizes security functions, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining robust authenticity verification.
2Reliability
If additional authentication hardware and software are implemented, then security is improved, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication credentials and cryptographic keys are pre-provisioned in the secure element during manufacturing. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming authentication key exchange and setup procedures during normal operation, reducing communication latency while maintaining integrity verification.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex multi-step authentication protocols are replaced with efficient cryptographic verification using pre-provisioned keys. This substitution of mechanical/authenticated procedures with streamlined cryptographic operations reduces the time required for integrity verification while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If secure elements with cryptographic algorithms are added to each battery module and controller, then authentication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element is implemented with a standardized design and interface across all battery modules and the controller. This homogeneous approach ensures consistent authentication capability throughout the system while simplifying configuration and management, as the same component type is used everywhere with uniform programming and key management.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a battery system is provided for use in a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of battery modules; a controller operatively coupled to the battery modules; a plurality of secure elements, wherein each of said battery modules contains at least one of said secure elements and wherein the controller contains at least one of said secure elements, and wherein said secure elements are configured to perform one or more authentication operations by executing a cryptographic algorithm. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of configuring a battery system is conceived.