Interleaved Connector Capacitance Detection for Physical Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices fail to quickly detect and respond to physical penetration attempts, which can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, especially in secure devices handling encrypted information, due to the lack of effective methods to identify subtle changes in physical security breaches.
Innovation Solution
The use of an interleaved connector with multiple layers of conductive and insulating materials, which changes capacitance when subjected to penetration attempts, allowing for rapid detection of breaches through capacitance monitoring by electrodes, even with minimal disturbances, and accommodating manufacturing tolerances and misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional physical security standards (PCI/FIPS) are implemented, then device security is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical security structures with a capacitive sensing system that uses electrical fields to detect physical penetration attempts. The interleaved connector with conductive and insulating layers creates a capacitive structure that can sense disturbances without requiring complex mechanical security features, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical force or displacement to capacitance. By monitoring capacitance changes in the interleaved connector, the system can detect subtle penetration attempts with high sensitivity. This parameter change allows for simpler hardware implementation that meets security standards at lower cost.
2Measurement precision
If traditional penetration detection methods are used, then detection capability is limited, but response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical detection methods with rapid capacitive sensing. The capacitive structure responds instantaneously to physical disturbances, enabling real-time detection of penetration attempts. This electrical sensing method provides both high measurement precision for subtle changes and rapid response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the interleaved connector to function as a capacitive sensor before any penetration attempt occurs. The conductive and insulating layers are already positioned to create the sensing field, so no additional setup or activation is needed when a breach is attempted. This preliminary configuration enables immediate detection and response.
3Measurement precision
If subtle penetration attempts are detected, then security is improved, but detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the interleaved connector serve dual functions: its primary function as a electrical connector and its secondary function as a capacitive security sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection sensitivity for subtle penetration attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the security detection function with the existing electrical connector structure. By integrating the capacitive sensing capability into the interleaved connector itself, the system achieves sophisticated detection without adding separate complex detection mechanisms. The conductive and insulating layers that make up the connector also form the sensing structure.
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 solution enables rapid and reliable detection of various types of physical penetration attempts, including slight deformations and pinhole disturbances, reducing the time an attacker has to access sensitive data and minimizing manufacturing complexities and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a controller to check a capacitance of an interleaved connector installed at the device. The interleaved connector includes a substantial number of layers of conducting material interspersed with insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
An example device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes an interleaved connector including a plurality of layers of conducting material interspersed with insulating material. A plurality of electrodes are to identify a change in capacitance of the interleaved connector to indicate a penetration of the device.