Pin-Level OTP Encryption for Low-Information Signal Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encryption techniques are ineffective for low-information or simple data signals, such as binary outputs, which are easily intercepted and exploited in embedded systems, compromising the security of hardware roots of trust.
Innovation Solution
Implementing pin-level encryption using a one-time pad (OTP) to add complexity to low-information signals, ensuring each transmission appears differently, making interception and decoding difficult.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional encryption techniques are used on low-information signals, then the system structure remains simple, but the security is compromised because simple binary outputs are easily intercepted and decoded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms low-information binary signals into high-information analog signals by changing the parameter domain from digital to analog. This parameter transformation enables the application of traditional encryption techniques to signals that were previously insecure, resolving the contradiction between security improvement and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that translates simple binary outputs into complex analog waveforms. This intermediary step acts as a bridge between the simple embedded system outputs and the encryption algorithms, allowing secure transmission without requiring complex modifications to the core system architecture.
2Reliability
If pin-level encryption with OTP is implemented, then security of signal transmission is enhanced, but the device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating and storing one-time pad (OTP) key sequences in memory before transmission occurs. This preliminary preparation of encryption keys simplifies the real-time encryption process, as the system only needs to retrieve and apply pre-computed keys rather than performing complex key generation during transmission, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by storing multiple copies of OTP key sequences in memory and utilizing these pre-generated copies for encryption. This approach eliminates the need for complex real-time key generation algorithms, making the system easier to manufacture and implement while maintaining high security standards.
3Ease of operation
If simple binary signals are transmitted, then the communication protocol remains simple, but the signals are vulnerable to interception and hijacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by converting the transmission medium from simple binary digital signals to complex analog waveforms. This parameter transformation maintains ease of operation at the protocol level while dramatically increasing resistance to interception and hijacking, as the analog encryption makes captured signals unusable without the OTP keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the inherent weakness of simple binary signals into a benefit by using the simplicity of the original protocol as a foundation and layering analog encryption on top. The simple protocol structure becomes an advantage by providing a clear, manageable base layer while the encryption layer provides security, effectively converting the vulnerability of simplicity into a structured defense mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of providing pin-level encryption to low-information signals is provided. The system comprises a first system communicatively coupled to a second system. The first system comprises a signal generator configured to generate a signal having a complexity and a mixer circuit configured to receive a key, create a secured message by applying the key to the signal, and transmit the secured message to the second system. The secured message has a complexity that is higher than the complexity of the signal.