Secure Element Thermal Management Using Joule Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secure access systems, particularly those using RFID, are limited to a narrow temperature range, making them ineffective in cold weather environments, and existing solutions for expanding this range are either impractical or cost-ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled integrated circuit with a heat-transfer element, such as a surface mount resistor, is positioned on a common substrate with the secure data processing element, allowing it to generate heat when necessary, thereby extending its operational temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a complex temperature control system is implemented to expand operating temperature range, then the system can operate in cold weather, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element itself generates the heat it needs by activating its internal processor to perform cryptographic operations, eliminating the need for external heating systems. The element monitors its own temperature and self-regulates by controlling when to execute these operations, creating a self-contained thermal management solution that expands operating range without adding system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The processor within the secure element serves dual purposes: performing its primary cryptographic data processing functions and simultaneously generating heat to maintain operational temperature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heating components, reducing overall system complexity while enabling cold weather operation
2Temperature
If a complex temperature control system is implemented to expand operating temperature range, then the system can operate in cold weather, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element generates its own heat using its internal processor, eliminating the need for external heating components, thermal management hardware, and associated control systems. This self-contained approach significantly reduces bill of materials costs and simplifies manufacturing processes while enabling extended temperature operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the heating function from the external system and relocates it within the secure element itself. By removing the need for separate heating components, thermal sensors, and control circuitry, the solution reduces component count and assembly complexity, directly lowering manufacturing costs
3Temperature
If the secure element operates below its nominal temperature range, then it can function in cold weather, but performance and reliability degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element continuously monitors its own temperature and uses this feedback to determine when to activate heating operations. The element adjusts its processing schedule based on thermal conditions, executing cryptographic operations to generate heat when temperature drops below optimal ranges, thereby maintaining reliable operation across extended temperature ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The secure element proactively generates heat before performance degradation occurs by monitoring temperature trends and initiating cryptographic operations in advance. This preliminary heating action prevents the element from entering suboptimal temperature zones, maintaining reliability rather than merely recovering from degraded performance
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 secure data processing in an extended temperature range, ensuring reliable operation of secure access systems in colder conditions while being cost-effective and easy to implement.
Implementation Method 1
The heat-transfer element, such as a surface mount resistor, is configured to generate heat as prompted by any of several events
Implementation Method 2
The heat-transfer element is configured to transfer thermal energy, such as heat, to the secure element
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-controlled integrated circuit configured with a secure data processing element, and method of manufacture of same, is disclosed. Specifically, the temperature-controlled integrated circuit, comprising a secure data processing element operable within a nominal operating range, is configured with a heat-transfer element which allows the secure data processing element to operate in an extended operating range.