Electric Machine Authentication via Induction Challenge-Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods for electric machines are costly and vulnerable to manipulation, as they often require additional hardware components like PUF modules, and are difficult to secure against counterfeiting and duplication.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing the induction effect within electric machines to generate a challenge-response pair, eliminating the need for expensive additional hardware by using a variable related to the voltage in the rotor or stator, which is processed to create a robust authentication mechanism, and optionally triggered by a position sensor or manual activation, allowing for secure communication and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hardware components like PUF modules are used for authentication, then authentication security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication function with existing voltage measurement circuits in the electric machine. The voltage taps and measurement units that already exist for monitoring purposes are repurposed to generate authentication responses, eliminating the need for separate PUF modules or dedicated authentication hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing voltage measurement circuits are given dual functionality: they continue to perform their original voltage monitoring role while simultaneously serving as authentication response generators. This multi-functionality reduces hardware complexity while maintaining authentication security.
2Reliability
If additional hardware components like PUF modules are used for authentication, then authentication security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication functionality is combined with existing voltage measurement infrastructure, eliminating the need to manufacture separate PUF modules. This reduces bill of materials costs and simplifies the manufacturing process by utilizing components that are already present in the electric machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric machine's existing voltage measurement system serves the dual purpose of both monitoring and authentication, making the system self-sufficient for authentication without requiring external or additional specialized components that would increase manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If voltage measurement and processing is performed for authentication, then authentication robustness is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary voltage measurements at specific rotor positions (e.g., when marks align) to establish baseline authentication data. By capturing voltage characteristics at predetermined positions, the system reduces the need for continuous high-precision measurements while maintaining authentication robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system uses feedback from voltage measurements to verify rotor position and authentication credentials. The measurement results are compared against expected values, and the feedback mechanism allows for verification without requiring extremely high measurement precision at all times.
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 approach provides a simple, cost-effective authentication method that is resistant to manipulation, ensuring the authenticity of electric machines and connected devices, while minimizing the need for extra hardware and reducing the complexity of secure communication establishment.
Implementation Method 1
a variable which is a function of induction in the electric machine is determined as the response
Implementation Method 2
the position of the rotor for carrying out the method is determined by a position sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for generating a challenge-response pair in an electric machine as the basis for an authentication. The electric machine has at least one stator and at least one rotor. A voltage signal or current signal which causes induction between the rotor and the stator is generated as the challenge, and a variable which is a function of the caused induction is determined as the response.