Protected Real-Time Clock Hardware Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack secure methods for initializing and synchronizing real-time clocks, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access and time alterations, which compromises security and accuracy in computer systems and transactions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a protected real-time clock (PRTC) system that initializes and synchronizes via hardware connections, utilizing a trusted time source and a trusted execution environment, without relying on host software, ensuring secure frequency and phase alignment through methods like IEEE 1588 protocols and hardware connections within the system-on-chip (SoC) during system reset and normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If real-time clock is initialized and synchronized via software, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to vulnerability to unauthorized access and time alterations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated hardware initialization circuit as an intermediary component that mediates between the real-time clock and the system bus. This hardware circuit provides a secure, isolated path for initialization and synchronization operations, preventing direct software access that could compromise security while maintaining operational functionality through controlled hardware interfaces.
2Reliability
If real-time clock is protected via hardware isolation, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the real-time clock system into distinct functional components: a protected initialization circuit, a synchronization interface, and a timekeeping core. This segmentation isolates critical security functions in dedicated hardware blocks that communicate through controlled interfaces, providing security through architectural separation while managing complexity through modular design.
3Measurement precision
If real-time clock uses hardware connections for synchronization, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the hardware initialization circuit automatically performs synchronization operations with the system bus without requiring manual software intervention. The circuit autonomously manages time stamping, synchronization protocols, and security verification, ensuring high precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated hardware-based processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for initializing and synchronizing a protected real time clock via hardware connections. For example, in some embodiments, a protected real time clock on a trusted execution environment may initialize via a hardware connection to a master clock, which is synchronized to a trusted time source via a hardware connection. In some embodiments, a protected real time clock on a trusted execution environment may initialize to a master clock during a system hardware reset sequence. In some embodiments, before a system is running normally, a real time clock on an integrated Intellectual Property agent may initialize and synchronize to a protected real time clock via a hardware connection. In some embodiments, after a system is running normally, a real time clock on a discrete device may initialize and synchronize to a protected real time clock via a hardware connection.