Communications Processor Code Memory Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communications processor devices for AS-Interface networks face challenges in securely integrating code memory with the processor while ensuring safety-relevant data transmission, particularly in preventing unintended code transmission due to manufacturing errors or short circuits, and lack effective monitoring of safety-related sensors.
Innovation Solution
A communications processor device with an integrated code memory storing encrypted codes, where the sensor output signal is used to supply voltage to an external decoder, allowing it to decrypt and transmit the code only when active, thereby replacing traditional switching devices and enabling integration of code memory without spatial separation, while also monitoring sensors for redundancy errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If code memory is integrated with the communications processor, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but safety risks increase due to potential unintended code transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three functional modules: code memory integrated in the communications processor, external decoder separate from the processor, and monitoring device separate from both. This segmentation allows the code memory to be integrated (reducing complexity) while maintaining safety through spatial and functional separation of the decoder and monitoring device that prevent unintended code transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device acts as an intermediary between the decoder and the communications processor. It monitors the data flow and ensures that code transmission occurs only when appropriate, thereby maintaining safety even with integrated code memory. The intermediary prevents direct unmonitored access to the code.
2Reliability
If traditional switching devices are used to control code transmission, then safety monitoring is ensured, but device complexity and circuit design become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors the physical quantity and simultaneously controls the voltage supply to the decoder. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate switching devices, reducing circuit complexity while maintaining safety monitoring capabilities through the sensor's inherent control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor automatically controls the decoder's voltage supply based on the monitored physical quantity without requiring additional control circuitry. The system uses the sensor's output signal directly to enable or disable code transmission, making the control mechanism self-service and eliminating complex switching device circuits.
3Device complexity
If sensor output signal is used directly to supply voltage to the decoder, then circuit design is simplified, but the sensor must generate suitable voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system accommodates different sensor types by allowing parameter changes in the voltage supply path. Voltage supply units with different transformation characteristics can be used to adapt various sensor output signals to the required decoder operating voltage levels, maintaining circuit simplicity while increasing sensor compatibility through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication processor apparatus (1), suitable for monitoring a sensor (18), particularly a safety-oriented sensor, for communication in a network is specified. The apparatus (1) comprises a processor unit (10) for processing incoming signals and for producing and/or providing outgoing signals and a code store (11), integrated in said processor unit, for providing a code for the processor unit (10). In this case, the code is in the code store (11) in encrypted form. To decrypt at least one portion of the code, an external decoder (12) is provided. This decoder (10) is supplied with an output signal (U1, U2) from the sensor (18), or with a voltage derived from this output signal (U1, U2), as a supply voltage.