Flexible PCB Security Cover for Tamper-Resistant Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensitive data information stored in electronic circuit components is frequently embezzled through unauthorized physical attacks, highlighting a need for enhanced protection methods beyond software encryption.
Innovation Solution
A security cover utilizing a flexible PCB with a receiving space and opening is used to enclose key components on a PCB, triggering data destruction upon physical attack by creating disconnections or short circuits in the circuitry, thereby preventing data extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software encryption is used to protect sensitive data, then data security is improved, but the system remains vulnerable to physical attacks and unauthorized decryption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the protection system into two independent parts: software encryption for logical security and a physical security cover with tamper detection circuits for physical security. The security cover segments the protected components from external access, creating separate protection layers that address different attack vectors simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The security cover implements preliminary anti-action by detecting physical tampering attempts before unauthorized data extraction can occur. The tamper detection circuits monitor the security cover's integrity and trigger data destruction or system lockdown in advance, preventing the harmful effect of physical attacks before they can compromise the encrypted data.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a security cover with tamper detection is implemented, then physical protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security cover employs a flexible PCB as the structural framework, which provides the necessary mechanical protection and circuit integration in a thin, adaptable form factor. This flexible shell approach achieves physical protection without requiring bulky or overly complex structural components, maintaining relative simplicity while providing effective tamper resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into the security cover structure: mechanical protection, tamper detection, data destruction control, and system lockdown capability are all integrated into a single unified component. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each security function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flexible PCB encloses key components, then accessibility for attacks is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible PCB serves as both the enclosing structure and the circuit carrier, eliminating the need for separate rigid enclosures and simplifying the manufacturing process. Its flexibility allows it to conform to the shape of the protected components and be integrated directly into the existing PCB assembly workflow, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the added protection layer.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is available for the field of electronic circuit protection, and provides a security cover for enclosing a protective area on the protected PCB and protecting the components in this area. The security cover comprises a flexible PCB that is folded with a receiving space and an opening in a side in the space. The flexible PCB is covered on the protective area of the protected PCB and encloses the components in the protective area. The flexible PCB triggers the related circuits to remove or destroy the information on the components in this protective area in case of physical attack. The present invention is to enclose the key components on PCB via the flexible PCB with the receiving space so as to prevent the key components from being attacked.