Motor Vehicle Control Device Code Segmentation for Manipulation Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle control devices are vulnerable to manipulation, such as chip tuning, where memory modules can be replaced or data overwritten, leading to unsafe operating conditions due to unadapted changes in engine characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The code necessary for the control device is divided into a master code, stored in a read-protected area, and a sub-code, stored in a rewritable area, with the master code monitoring the sub-code for unauthorized changes, ensuring only authorized updates and preventing manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the code is stored in a single rewritable memory module, then the code can be updated and reprogrammed during repairs, but the control device becomes vulnerable to unauthorized manipulation and chip tuning
Solution Approach 1:
The code is divided into two distinct segments: a master code stored in a read-protected OTP area of the microcomputer that cannot be altered, and a sub-code stored in a rewritable memory module that can be updated. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both protection against manipulation and ease of repair, as the rewritable sub-code can be updated during repairs while the protected master code prevents unauthorized chip tuning
Solution Approach 2:
The master code acts as an intermediary that monitors and controls access to the sub-code. The master code contains a software function module that detects whether the sub-code has been manipulated, thereby mediating between the need for update capability and protection requirements
2Reliability
If the master code is stored in a read-protected OTP area, then unauthorized alteration and copying are prevented, but the code cannot be updated during repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The code is divided into two distinct segments: a master code stored in a read-protected OTP area of the microcomputer that cannot be altered, and a sub-code stored in a rewritable memory module that can be updated. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both protection against manipulation and ease of repair, as the rewritable sub-code can be updated during repairs while the protected master code prevents unauthorized chip tuning
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of protecting the entire code from modification, only the critical master code is protected in the OTP area, while the less critical sub-code is allowed to be modified in the rewritable memory. This partial protection approach enables updates where needed while maintaining security where essential
3Adaptability or versatility
If memory modules can be replaced or data overwritten via diagnosis interface, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the control device becomes vulnerable to unsafe operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The master code contains a software function module that continuously monitors the sub-code for manipulation. This feedback mechanism detects when the sub-code has been altered or when memory modules are replaced, and can respond by setting error flags or preventing operation, thereby preventing unsafe operating conditions while allowing legitimate adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by having the master code monitor and detect potential manipulations before they can cause harmful effects. The monitoring function proactively identifies unauthorized changes to the sub-code or memory module replacements, preventing unsafe operating conditions before they occur
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for protecting at least one motor vehicle component against manipulation in a control device, which comprises at least one microcomputer (μC) and at least one memory module (2, 3), characterized in that the code which is necessary for operation of the control device (1) is divided into at least one master code (MC) which comprises information essential for operation of the control device (1), and at least one sub-code (SC) which comprises additional information for operation of the control device (1), at least the master code (1) being stored in the microcomputer (μC) and the master code (MC) monitoring the manipulation of the sub-code (SC). The invention furthermore relates to a control device for a motor vehicle component which comprises at least one microcomputer (μC) and at least one memory module (2, 3), the code which is necessary for operation of the control device (1) being divided into at least one master code (MC) which comprises information which is essential for operation of the control device (1), and at least one sub-code (SC) which comprises additional information for operation of the control device (1), and at least the master code (MC) being stored in the microcomputer (μC) and the master code (MC) containing a software function module for detection of manipulation within the sub-code (SC).