Configurable IC I/O Encryption Circuits for Data Security

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated circuit (IC) devices lack configurability in encryption and decryption algorithms, making them vulnerable to data interception and alteration, and proprietary nature restricts users from selecting preferred security measures.

Innovation Solution

Implementing configurable decryption and encryption circuits within IC devices that allow selection of algorithms from various cryptographic standards, along with key wrapping and authentication, to secure data transmission and reception through input/output interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If IC devices use proprietary and non-configurable encryption/decryption algorithms, then data security is provided, but users cannot select preferred security measures and the devices are vulnerable to attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidconfigurability of encryption algorithms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configurability of encryption and decryption algorithms in IC devices. The system allows users to select and configure different cryptographic standards (AES, DES, 3DES, RC4, RC5, RC6, IDEA, SAFER, Serpent, Twofish, Blowfish, CAST, LOCHS, MARS, Rijndael) through programmable logic circuits. This dynamic configuration capability resolves the contradiction by making the previously fixed proprietary algorithms changeable while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of algorithm configurability from fixed to variable. By implementing a configurable interface that allows selection of different cryptographic standards and key lengths, the system transforms the static encryption/decryption functionality into a dynamic parameter-driven system. This enables users to adapt security parameters to their specific needs while maintaining robust data protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If IC devices apply encryption and decryption algorithms to I/O data, then data protection against interception and alteration is achieved, but the proprietary nature restricts user control over security measures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against interception and alterationVSAvoiduser control over security measures
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to independently configure and control encryption/decryption settings in IC devices. Through the configurable interface, users can select their preferred cryptographic algorithms, manage keys, and adjust security parameters according to their specific requirements. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by empowering users to control their own security measures rather than being restricted to proprietary defaults.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal encryption/decryption framework that supports multiple cryptographic standards within a single IC device. The configurable logic circuits can be programmed to handle various algorithms (AES, DES, 3DES, RC4, RC5, RC6, IDEA, SAFER, Serpent, Twofish, Blowfish, CAST, LOCHS, MARS, Rijndael), making the device adaptable to different security requirements and applications while maintaining ease of use through a unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230126961A1Systems And Methods For Securing Input/Output Data
Publication Date: 2023.04.27 ALTERA CORP
  • US20230126961A1 patent drawing
  • US20230126961A1 patent drawing
  • US20230126961A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for decrypting and/or encryption information received by and/or transmitted from an integrated circuit (IC) device input/output (I/O) interface. A decryption circuit is configurable to apply a first decryption algorithm selected from a plurality of decryption algorithms to received information. An encryption circuit is configurable to apply a first encryption algorithm selected from a plurality of encryption algorithms to transmitted information. A key wrapping circuit is configurable to wrap decryption and/or encryption keys associated with the first decryption and/or encryption algorithm. A firewall circuit is configurable to prevent unauthorized access to the wrapped decryption and/or encryption keys. The decryption and/or encryption circuits are reconfigurable to apply a second decryption algorithm and/or a second encryption algorithm to the received information and/or the transmitted information.