SDR Illumination for Remote Device Characterization via Forced Non-Linear Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for remotely analyzing computing systems are limited by the need for a priori knowledge, physical access, and potential invasiveness, and are not effective in providing precise and generalizable observations of target device characteristics and behavior.
Innovation Solution
The use of a software-defined radio (SDR) system that illuminates target devices with electromagnetic energy to produce forced non-linear emissions, which are then received and analyzed for characterization, allowing remote sensing without requiring knowledge of the device's communication protocols or physical proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If software-defined radio system illuminates target device with electromagnetic energy, then signal detection range and fidelity are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDR system employs periodic illumination of the target device with electromagnetic energy at specific frequencies, allowing the system to accumulate signal information over multiple cycles while maintaining energy efficiency through intermittent rather than continuous transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies illumination frequency and power parameters to optimize the forced non-linear emissions signal strength, enabling detection at greater ranges and with higher fidelity while minimizing energy consumption by operating at optimal parameter points
2Ease of operation
If SDR system performs remote characterization without physical access, then operational non-invasiveness is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The SDR system uses forced non-linear emissions as an intermediary mechanism, where electromagnetic illumination interacts with the target device's internal circuitry to produce detectable emissions that carry information about device operation, enabling remote characterization without direct physical access
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical access requirements with electromagnetic field-based measurement, substituting mechanical/proximity-based characterization methods with remote RF illumination and detection, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling non-invasive remote operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If forced non-linear emissions are used for remote sensing, then applicability to heterogeneous systems is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDR system is designed with universal functionality to characterize diverse heterogeneous devices including computing systems, microcontrollers, and embedded systems, using the same forced non-linear emissions technique across different device types, frequencies, and protocols, thereby achieving broad adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by dynamically adjusting illumination frequency, power, and detection parameters based on the specific target device being characterized, allowing a single versatile platform to adapt to heterogeneous systems without requiring device-specific hardware modifications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables remote and efficient characterization of target devices with improved signal detection range and fidelity, providing detailed operational insights without impacting the target device's operation, and is applicable to various heterogeneous systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmitter circuitry that outputs configured electromagnetic energy that mixes with operational electromagnetic signals in the target device to produce forced non-linear emissions
Implementation Method 2
receiver circuitry configured to receive the forced non-linear emissions from the target device for subsequent analysis and evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments includes an apparatus and method that intentionally illuminate a device with RF energy having specific characteristics (e.g., frequency, power, waveform, directionality, duration, etc.) to make a conductor of the device a transmitter. A method can include identifying data to be transmitted by the one or more conductors and providing a signal to the electrical or electronic circuitry to cause the electrical or electronic circuitry to change state and produce a first signal on the one or more conductors. The one or more conductors can produce a forced non-linear emission (FNLE) that is a mixture of the first signal and an electromagnetic wave incident thereon that, when decoded by an external device, corresponds to the data.