Integrated Cryptographic Circuits for Spacecraft Bandwidth and Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cryptographic systems in space vehicles are large, power-consuming, and have limited bandwidth, which is inadequate for next-generation vehicles with restricted power and weight constraints and higher data throughput requirements.

Innovation Solution

Integrated cryptographic processing circuits with multiple cryptographic modules (CMEIs) that enable parallel encryption/decryption, redundancy, and dynamic power management, reducing power consumption and increasing bandwidth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional cryptographic systems are used in space vehicles, then encryption/decryption functionality is provided, but power consumption is high and bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cryptographic system is divided into multiple independent cryptographic modules (CMEIs) that can process data packets in parallel. Each module handles a portion of the data stream, enabling simultaneous encryption/decryption operations that increase overall bandwidth while allowing selective activation to manage power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically activates or deactivates cryptographic modules based on real-time power availability and data throughput requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to changing operational conditions, maximizing productivity when power is abundant and reducing consumption when power is limited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple cryptographic modules are used to increase bandwidth, then data throughput is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cryptographic modules are integrated onto a single integrated circuit board with shared input and output modules. This merging approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate discrete components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the parallel processing capability for high data throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cryptographic modules share common input and output infrastructure, allowing each module to perform both encryption and decryption functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each operation, simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If cryptographic modules are activated for high data throughput, then bandwidth increases, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidcircuit weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple modular cryptographic modules that can be selectively activated. When high throughput is required, more modules are activated; when lower throughput suffices, fewer modules operate, effectively reducing the functional weight of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cryptographic system dynamically adjusts the number of active modules based on real-time throughput requirements, allowing the effective weight (functional mass) to vary with operational demands rather than being fixed at maximum capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If a single cryptographic module is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability is reduced due to single point of failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmodule configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides cryptographic processing across multiple independent modules, eliminating the single point of failure. If one module fails, others continue operating, maintaining system reliability through functional distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular architecture provides built-in redundancy where failed modules can be detected and isolated before complete system failure occurs. The system is designed to cushion against failures by having backup capacity in other modules that can compensate for lost functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12423446B2Integrated cryptographic circuits in space applications

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 TETHERS UNLIMITED INC

AI summary

Cryptographic integrated circuits include an input module configured to receive a stream of input data packets, a plurality of cryptographic modules coupled to the input module, where each cryptographic module includes an input port for receiving an input data packet and an output port for transmitting an output data packet, and is configured to encrypt or decrypt the received input data packet to generate an output data packet, and an output module configured to receive output data packets from the plurality of cryptographic modules and to generate an output data stream comprising the output data packets, where the input and output modules and the plurality of cryptographic modules are mounted on a single integrated circuit board, and wherein the input module is configured to distribute the input data packets among the plurality of cryptographic modules.