Scored PCB and Electrical Erase Circuit for Secure Data Destruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable non-volatile memory devices lack the ability to quickly and securely prevent unauthorized access to data without a host computer, as existing methods do not ensure complete destruction of memory data, allowing sensitive information to be potentially recovered.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system that includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a non-volatile memory circuit and a housing, where the PCB and housing are scored to break easily, and an electrical erase circuit that can non-destructively erase data by writing specific patterns, allowing for quick and secure data destruction or erasure without a host computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional portable non-volatile memory devices are used, then data storage and transfer functionality is provided, but the ability to quickly and securely prevent unauthorized access to data is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes pre-configured scoring lines on the PCB and housing that enable rapid physical destruction upon activation. The electrical erase circuit is pre-programmed to write specific patterns to the memory circuit, allowing both destruction and erasure methods to be executed immediately without requiring host computer intervention or time-consuming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable memory device contains its own electrical erase circuit and power source, enabling it to erase or destroy its own data without requiring external host computer intervention. The device can autonomously execute data destruction commands using its internal battery-powered circuitry, eliminating the need for external systems to perform the security function.
2Reliability
If data is stored on portable non-volatile memory devices, then data transport and backup functionality is provided, but complete destruction of memory data cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides two distinct methods for data destruction: physical destruction through scored lines that break the PCB and housing, and logical destruction through the electrical erase circuit that writes specific patterns to the memory circuit. This segmentation of destruction methods ensures comprehensive data protection by addressing both physical and logical recovery possibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The scoring lines, which appear as weaknesses in the device structure, are actually designed to facilitate controlled physical destruction at specific locations. When activated, these scoring lines enable rapid and complete physical breakdown of the memory circuit and housing, converting potential structural weaknesses into a beneficial security feature that prevents data recovery.
3Reliability
If the memory circuit is physically broken, then data retrieval is prevented, but the device cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows the user to choose between permanent physical destruction (breaking the PCB and housing) and reversible logical erasure (writing specific patterns to the memory circuit). The logical erasure method preserves the physical integrity of the device, allowing it to be reused after data destruction, while physical destruction provides permanent security when reuse is not needed.
4Reliability
If the device requires a host computer for data erasure, then erasure functionality is provided, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be executed quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The portable memory device contains its own electrical erase circuit powered by an internal battery, eliminating the requirement for external host computer intervention. The device can autonomously execute data erasure commands using its internal power source and circuitry, dramatically reducing the time needed compared to relying on external computer systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical erase circuit is pre-configured within the device with the capability to write specific patterns to the memory circuit immediately upon activation. The device includes its own power source and control circuitry that can execute erasure operations without waiting for external computer commands or processes, enabling rapid data destruction from the moment of activation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for deliberately preventing unauthorized access to data stored in a non-volatile memory device are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus is configured to destroy the data stored on the memory device. The apparatus may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB), a non-volatile memory circuit electrically connected to the PCB, and a housing of the PCB. The non-volatile memory circuit may be scored to facilitate deliberately breaking the non-volatile memory circuit in response to an external force. In a further embodiment, the apparatus may comprise an electrical erase circuit powered by a power source connected to a switch. The electrical erase circuit may be configured to non-destructively erase the non-volatile memory circuit in response to activation of the switch. The system may further include a leverage tool configured to provide leverage to a non-volatile memory device affected by an external force.