Externally Powered Cold Key Load for Cryptographic Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold key load methods for cryptographic computers using small coin cell batteries are inadequate for supporting cold key fills, as they cannot sustain the high capacity required, leading to weight and space inefficiencies and increased battery maintenance challenges, especially in military applications where Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) reduction is critical.
Innovation Solution
An externally powered cold key load system utilizing a rechargeable battery pack with a variable voltage power module, capable of providing sufficient power for multiple cold key fills, booting, and final key storage, while minimizing weight and logistical burdens, using a connector with a DS-101 protocol to connect the key loader, power module, and cryptographic computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a small coin cell battery is used to power the cryptographic computer, then weight and space are reduced, but the battery cannot support cold key fill operations
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two distinct components: a small coin cell battery for low-power standby operations and an external rechargeable battery pack for high-power cold key fill operations. This segmentation allows each battery type to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and cold key fill capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A variable voltage power module serves as an intermediary between the external battery pack and the cryptographic computer. It manages power conversion and delivery, enabling the external battery to provide the necessary high power for cold key fills while the small coin cell battery maintains cryptographic security during low-power states.
2Reliability
If a high capacity Li-ion battery is used to support cold key fills, then cold key fill capability is achieved, but weight and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two distinct components: a small coin cell battery for low-power standby operations and an external rechargeable battery pack for high-power cold key fill operations. This segmentation allows each battery type to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and cold key fill capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-capacity battery is extracted from the cryptographic computer itself and placed in an external pack. This extraction removes the weight burden from the cryptographic computer while maintaining cold key fill capability through the external power source.
3Reliability
If a high capacity Li-ion battery is used to support cold key fills, then cold key fill capability is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two distinct components: a small coin cell battery for low-power standby operations and an external rechargeable battery pack for high-power cold key fill operations. This segmentation allows each battery type to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and cold key fill capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-capacity battery is extracted from the cryptographic computer itself and placed in an external pack. This extraction removes the volume burden from the cryptographic computer while maintaining cold key fill capability through the external power source.
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
The solution enables multiple cold key fills without frequent recharging, reduces battery maintenance needs, and alleviates SWaP constraints, while using a rechargeable battery to minimize waste and logistical complexity, supporting both reduced size and weight requirements and maintaining cryptographic security.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable battery pack capable of supplying 18 Vdc at 30 A and has an energy storage capacity of about 6 Ampere Hours
Implementation Method 2
a variable voltage power module configured to provide a variable output voltage which is sufficient to perform multiple cold key fills before requiring a recharge
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method of externally powered cold key load injects a voltage into a cryptographic computer without disturbing any data pins. There are several mechanical approaches that are viable, a Y cable implementation, a two cable solution, a direct connect solution, and more. The system includes the ability to provide a variable voltage power source to the cryptographic computer.