Charge-Retention Access Counter for Power-Off Resource Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic circuits face challenges in protecting secret information from fraud attempts and controlling access to resources, as existing mechanisms either consume power non-productively or can be bypassed by cutting off power supply, and ciphering/deciphering units are vulnerable to misuse due to lack of effective access control.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling access to electronic circuit resources using a charge retention circuit with capacitive elements and transistors, where a counter increments or decrements with each access, automatically resetting over time, allowing for temporary or definitive blocking of access based on thresholds, independent of power supply, and compatible with current integrated circuit technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protection mechanisms (countermeasures) are implemented to protect secret information, then security against fraud attempts is improved, but information processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time-consuming protection mechanisms from the critical information processing path. By placing counters and detection logic in separate, non-critical paths that do not block the main information flow, the system maintains security monitoring while allowing uninterrupted processing of legitimate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring access counters and thresholds before any fraud attempts occur. The system proactively monitors and counts access patterns, establishing security boundaries in advance rather than reacting after violations occur, thus preventing time losses during actual security incidents.
2Reliability
If protection mechanisms are implemented to protect secret information, then security against fraud attempts is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-based counter resets. Instead of continuous monitoring and power consumption, the system uses periodic reset cycles where counters are automatically reset after predetermined time intervals. This allows the circuit to enter low-power states between monitoring periods while maintaining security oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic counter reset functionality that operates independently of continuous external control. The counters automatically reset based on predetermined time conditions without requiring constant power or external intervention, enabling the security system to maintain protection while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
3Reliability
If access control mechanisms are implemented to control resource usage, then resource protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the access control system into independent, modular counter units. Each resource can have its own dedicated counter module that operates autonomously, allowing complex resource protection to be built from simple, repeatable units rather than requiring a monolithic complex control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by using variable counter thresholds and time intervals that can be configured for different resources. Instead of requiring complex unique control logic for each resource, the system maintains simplicity through parameterization, where the same basic counter structure adapts to different protection requirements by changing numerical parameters rather than structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively limits access to resources, preventing fraudulent use by automatically resetting counters, reducing power consumption, and maintaining security even when the circuit is not powered, while being compatible with existing technologies and countermeasures.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitive element (C1) having a first electrode (121) connected to a floating node (F) and having its dielectric space (123) designed (by its permittivity and/or by its thickness) to exhibit non-negligible leakages along time
Implementation Method 2
having its dielectric space (123) designed (by its permittivity and/or by its thickness) to exhibit non-negligible leakages along time
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a circuit for controlling the access to at least one resource of an electronic circuit, in which a test of the value of a counter over at least one bit conditions the access to the resource, the counter being automatically reset after a time period independent from whether the circuit is powered or not.