Chip Card Annex Channel for End-of-Life Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chip cards enter an 'end-of-life' state due to abnormalities or attacks, locking up and refusing function to protect sensitive data, making it impossible to determine the cause of the blockage without compromising data security.
Innovation Solution
A method using a secondary operating system to transmit data via a hidden annex channel by modifying a hardware parameter, such as current consumption or electromagnetic fields, allowing state information to be sent in a monodirectional, secure manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the card locks up and refuses functioning to preserve data integrity, then security is improved, but the ability to diagnose the problem is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the diagnostic information transmission function from the standard communication channels by using an annex transmission channel. This allows diagnostic data to be sent separately from normal card operations, enabling problem diagnosis while the card remains in end-of-life state with its data protected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second operating system as an intermediary between the blocked first operating system and the external diagnostic tools. This second OS handles annex channel communications and can transmit diagnostic information without compromising the security restrictions imposed by the end-of-life state on the primary system.
2Loss of information
If standard communication channels are used to transmit data from a blocked card, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but data security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functionality into two separate channels: standard communication channels for normal operations and an annex transmission channel for diagnostic purposes. This segmentation allows diagnostic data to be transmitted through a dedicated path that does not compromise the security restrictions on sensitive data stored in the card.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different security characteristics to different communication channels. The annex transmission channel is designed with specific security properties appropriate for diagnostic data, while the standard channels maintain their original security restrictions for sensitive operations.
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
Enables diagnosis of the end-of-life state without compromising security, allowing for the transmission of encrypted data using minimal additional resources, ensuring the card's security and integrity.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting data using an annex transmission channel defined by the fact of using the controlled modification of a hardware characteristic detectable from outside the card... modifying the electromagnetic fields emitted by this coprocessor enabling use thereof to be detected
Implementation Method 2
said annex channel uses a coding based on the use of a same instruction by modifying the execution clock frequency in order to modify the quantity of current consumed by the card during such execution
Data Source
AI summary
A card including a data transmission mechanism using annex transmission channels. A method is described for the transmission of data by a chip card at an end of its life using hidden communication channels different from standard communication channels of the card. The data are transmitted by modulating a binary signal that results from a modification of a hardware parameter of the card.