I/O Pin Security via Multiplexer and Control Register
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems lack effective security measures to protect access to input/output (I/O) pins, which are not typically safeguarded by firewalls.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes a multiplexer, a logic circuit, and a control register to securely manage access to I/O pins through a multi-step security protocol, ensuring only authorized peripheral device functions can access the pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firewalls are implemented to protect access to resources, then security is improved, but I/O pins remain vulnerable because they are not protected by firewalls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary security mechanism between the peripheral device functions and the I/O pins. This intermediary layer (comprising multiplexer and control register) acts as a mediator that authenticates and authorizes access requests, ensuring that only permitted functions can access specific pins. This resolves the contradiction by providing targeted security protection to I/O pins without requiring comprehensive system-wide firewall implementation.
2Reliability
If a multiplexer and control register are added to secure I/O pin access, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security function into discrete, modular components: a multiplexer for signal routing and a control register for authorization management. Each component performs a specific security-related function independently, allowing the security mechanism to be implemented with minimal added complexity. The segmentation enables clear separation of concerns between access control logic and physical signal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer and control register structure serves multiple functions: it authenticates peripheral device functions, authorizes access requests, routes signals, and manages pin assignment. By making these components multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated security hardware for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
3Reliability
If a multi-step security protocol is implemented for I/O pin access, then security is improved, but access time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The control register pre-stores authorization information and access credentials for permitted peripheral device functions. Before actual access occurs, the system has already prepared and cached the necessary security tokens and mapping information. This preliminary action allows the multiplexer to quickly match incoming access requests against pre-validates entries, significantly reducing the time required for authentication while maintaining strong security.
Solution Approach 2:
The security protocol incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control register continuously monitors and updates authorization status based on current system state and access requests. This feedback loop allows for rapid validation decisions by comparing request attributes against stored authorization data, enabling fast security checks without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus minimizing access time delay.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a multiplexer, an input/output (I/O) pin, a logic circuit, and a control register. The multiplexer has multiple inputs, an output, and a selection input. The logic circuit is coupled between the multiplexer and the I/O pin. The logic circuit has a first input. The control register includes first and second bit fields corresponding to the I/O pin. The first bit field is coupled to the selection input of the multiplexer, and the second bit field is coupled to the first input of the logic circuit.