Layered PCB Compartment Isolation With Data And Power Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in electronic components, computers, and IoT devices face security risks due to miniaturization, which combines sensitive data and software, leading to unauthorized access and tampering, especially in environments where security is critical.
Innovation Solution
A compartmentalized PCB design with isolated portions and integrated data and power filters, using vias for electromagnetic interference shielding and separate data/power ports, to prevent unauthorized data transfer and power leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PCBs are miniaturized to reduce size and cost, then manufacturing cost and device size are reduced, but security against unauthorized access and tampering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB is divided into multiple isolated compartments, each with its own power and data ports. This segmentation allows sensitive data to be physically separated from other circuit elements, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining a compact overall design. The compartmentalization structure enables security-critical functions to be isolated in dedicated regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the PCB are assigned different security levels and functional characteristics. High-security areas contain sensitive data with enhanced protection measures, while other areas handle less critical functions. This local differentiation of security quality allows the design to maintain high security where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire board.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple types of data and software are combined on a single PCB, then device size and cost are reduced, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB integrates multiple data types and software functions within a single board by creating distinct compartments for each. Each compartment handles specific data types (e.g., sensitive personal data, operational data, control software) with appropriate isolation measures, allowing functional integration while maintaining security boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
Filter circuits are introduced as intermediary elements between different compartments to control data flow and prevent unauthorized access. These filters act as mediators that allow legitimate communication between compartments while blocking malicious interference, enabling multiple data types to coexist securely on the same PCB.
3Reliability
If data filters are added to prevent data leakage, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data filtering functionality is extracted as a separate, dedicated component rather than being embedded throughout the entire circuit. This extraction allows the filter to be designed and optimized independently, then integrated at specific interface points between compartments, reducing the overall complexity burden on the main circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The data filter is designed to perform multiple security functions simultaneously, including preventing data leakage, blocking unauthorized access, and filtering electromagnetic interference. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If power filters are added to isolate power compartments, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power filtering is extracted as a separate module that interfaces between power compartments. This modular approach allows the power filter to be designed independently and integrated at specific power distribution points, minimizing its impact on the overall circuit complexity while achieving effective power isolation for security purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The power filter performs multiple functions including electrical isolation, electromagnetic shielding, and power regulation. By combining these functions in a single component, the design achieves enhanced security through power compartmentalization without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enhances security by isolating data and power compartments, protecting against unauthorized access and tampering, while maintaining performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion can have vias defining an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield portion for the first portion. The second portion can have a plurality of vias defining an EMI shield portion for the second portion of the PCB.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a printed circuit board (PCB) that has layers and includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can have a data port and a power port. A first layer is associated with data of the first portion of the PCB, and a second layer is associated with power of the first portion of the PCB. The second portion can have a data port and a power port. A third layer is associated with data of the second portion, and a fourth layer is associated with power of the second portion. The first portion or the second portion can have vias defining an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. The apparatus can include a power filter and a data filter that can, respectively, isolate power and data of the first portion from the second portion.