Propulsor Engine Controller Frequency Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Propulsor engine control systems are vulnerable to unauthorized access and interference due to the use of open, unsecure communication channels, allowing attackers to intercept or disrupt control signals if they know the communication frequency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a controller that determines a new communication frequency for each session using an algorithm based on a seed from the previous session, generating a random number, and scaling it within a predetermined frequency band, ensuring the new frequency is different from the previous one, thereby establishing secure communication sessions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed communication frequency is used for control signals, then communication simplicity is maintained, but security against unauthorized access and interference deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication simplicityVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication frequency is changed dynamically for each communication session between the controller and propulsor engine. Instead of using a fixed frequency, the system implements frequency variation where each session uses a different frequency selected from a predetermined frequency band, making it difficult for attackers to intercept or interfere with control signals while maintaining communication simplicity through automated frequency management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency parameter of the communication channel is changed between different communication sessions. The controller determines a new frequency for each session based on a predetermined frequency band, transforming the static frequency parameter into a dynamic one that varies with each session to enhance security while preserving ease of operation through systematic parameter management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If communication frequency changes for each session, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidfrequency management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A predetermined frequency band is established in advance before communication sessions begin. The controller and propulsor engine both have pre-configured knowledge of the available frequency band, allowing them to automatically select and switch frequencies without complex real-time calculations or external coordination, thus improving security while limiting complexity through pre-planning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller autonomously determines and switches communication frequencies without requiring external intervention or complex coordination systems. The propulsor engine similarly autonomously adapts to the new frequency, with both devices self-managing the frequency changes based on predetermined parameters, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3435569B1Determining a frequency for propulsor engine communication sessions
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 ROLLS ROYCE NORTH AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3435569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3435569B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3435569B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system that includes a propulsor engine and a controller configured to determine a frequency for a new communication session on a communication channel based on a frequency of a previous communication session, wherein the frequency for the new communication session is different than the frequency of the previous communication session. The controller is configured to establish the new communication session via the communication channel with the propulsor engine and to exchange information with the propulsor engine at the frequency for the new communication session via the communication channel.