Processor Bit-Mask Generation for Secure Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively prevent spying and attacks on peripheral slave circuits in smart card systems, where data manipulation and unauthorized access are concerns due to the lack of practical protection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A processor arrangement is implemented with a first processor and multiple second processors, each equipped with a bit-mask generator to create processor-specific bit-mask sequences, allowing the first processor to bit-mask data sequences for transmission to specific second processors, ensuring only authorized processors can decode the data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dynamic mask is applied to data for protection, then data security is improved, but the complexity of the data transmission system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data transmission system into multiple independent channels, each dedicated to a specific peripheral device. Each channel has its own static mask value that is uniquely associated with that peripheral. This segmentation allows each peripheral to have its own protected data channel without requiring complex dynamic masking mechanisms, thereby improving security while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different static mask values to different data channels depending on the specific peripheral device. Each peripheral receives a customized mask value that is specific to its identification, creating local security properties tailored to each device. This local quality approach ensures that each peripheral has appropriate protection without requiring a uniform complex system-wide solution.
2Reliability
If processor-specific bit-mask sequences are generated and applied, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the generation and management of masks increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-generates and stores static mask values in a read-only memory structure before the data transmission begins. These pre-computed mask values are associated with peripheral identifiers and are made available for use during normal operation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time mask generation, reducing system complexity while maintaining strong protection against unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copy-protection mechanisms where the static mask values are stored in a protected memory structure that can be read by the processor but cannot be modified or copied by unauthorized devices. The mask values are copied into the data transmission channel in a controlled manner, ensuring that only authorized peripherals with the correct mask can successfully receive and process the data.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor arrangement is provided. The processor arrangement includes: a first processor; a plurality of second processors, each second processor including a bit-mask generator configured to generate a processor-specific bit-mask sequence; wherein the first processor includes a bit-mask generator configured to generate the processor-specific bit-mask sequences of the second processors; wherein the first processor is configured to bit-mask a data bit sequence to be transmitted to one second processor of the plurality of second processors using a processor-specific bit-mask sequence specific to the one second processor, to thereby generate a processor-specific bit-masked data sequence to be transmitted to the one second processor.