RTC Security IC With Chassis Intrusion Detection and Memory Clear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses with embedded real-time clocks (RTC) are vulnerable to intrusion attacks where an intruder can modify the system time, compromising data security.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit (IC) with a memory, controller, intrusion detector, and memory clear circuit is implemented to detect chassis opening events, clear sensitive data, and protect the system time by storing timestamps and random values, ensuring only authorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the RTC stores sensitive data in memory for system time management, then the functionality and utility of the RTC is improved, but the security risk increases as intruders can modify the system time by accessing the memory

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRTC functionalityVSAvoidintrusion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring security mechanisms before intrusion occurs. The intrusion detection circuit is pre-set to monitor specific memory addresses, and the memory clear circuit is pre-positioned to immediately erase sensitive data when intrusion is detected, preventing potential data compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary security mechanism between the RTC memory and potential intruders. The intrusion detection circuit acts as a mediator that monitors access patterns and triggers the memory clear circuit to erase data, creating a protective barrier that prevents direct access to sensitive information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system adds intrusion detection and memory clearing mechanisms to enhance security, then the security level is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple security functions into a unified circuit architecture. The intrusion detection circuit and memory clear circuit are integrated within the same IC device, sharing common control logic and signal pathways, which reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive security functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by automatically detecting intrusions and clearing memory without external intervention. The intrusion detection circuit autonomously monitors memory access, and upon detecting suspicious activity, automatically triggers the memory clear circuit to erase data, eliminating the need for manual security management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12500147B2Integrated circuit (IC) and electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 NUVOTON

AI summary

An embodiment of an IC is provided. The IC includes a memory, a controller, an intrusion detector and a memory clear circuit. The memory is configured to store sensitive data. The controller is configured to access the memory. The intrusion detector is configured to detect whether an intrusion event is present in response to an input signal. The memory clear circuit is configured to clear the sensitive data of the memory when the intrusion detector detects the intrusion event.