Low-Power Secure Key Generator with Volatile Memory Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure data communication systems face vulnerabilities as keys stored in non-volatile memory can be accessed by hackers even when the device is powered off, and keys stored in volatile memory have limited lifespan due to power source constraints.
Innovation Solution
A key generator with a low-power consumption region powered by a battery and a high-power consumption region with continuous power, where the original key is stored in volatile memory, ensuring it is erased when power is lost, and multiple keys are generated based on a single key using shifting and scrambling techniques to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If keys are stored in non-volatile memory, then keys are retained during power failure, but keys can be accessed by hackers even when device is powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the key from non-volatile memory and stores it only in volatile memory within the battery-powered region. This extraction eliminates the vulnerability of hackers accessing keys in non-volatile memory while the device is powered off, as the key now disappears when battery power is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable key storage approach where the key is stored in volatile memory that is intentionally designed to lose its contents when power is removed. This short-living storage特性 becomes a security feature, as the key automatically disappears when battery power is cut, preventing hacker access while maintaining reliability during normal operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If keys are stored in volatile memory powered by battery, then hacker access is prevented during power loss, but useful life of application is limited to battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by generating multiple derived keys from a single original key stored in volatile memory before power loss occurs. These derived keys are distributed to various applications and processes, ensuring continued operation even after the original key is lost when battery power is removed. This preliminary key generation extends the effective duration of the security system beyond the battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of the original key through cryptographic derivation processes, generating multiple derived keys that can function independently. These key copies allow applications to continue operating with their derived keys even after the original key in volatile memory is lost, effectively extending the system's useful life beyond the battery's duration.
3Reliability
If multiple keys are stored in volatile memory, then security is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple key functions into a single original key stored in volatile memory. Instead of storing multiple separate keys, the system generates all necessary derived keys from this single source through cryptographic operations. This consolidation reduces the power consumption associated with maintaining multiple volatile memory storage locations while preserving security through the generation of multiple functional keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The single original key in volatile memory serves multiple functions by generating various derived keys for different applications, processes, and security levels. This multi-functionality allows one key storage location to support the security needs of the entire system, reducing overall power consumption compared to maintaining separate volatile memory storage for each key.
Data Source
AI summary
A key generator including a low-power key adjust circuit, and a high-power key adjust circuit. The low-power key adjust circuit including a storage location to store an original key, a shifter to shift the original key by a number of steps to shift to create a first key, and an output to provide the first key. The high-power key adjust circuit including an input coupled to the output of the low-power key adjust circuit to receive the first key, a scrambler to scramble the first key to create a scrambled key, and select circuitry to select either the first key or the scrambled key to output from the high-power key adjust circuit based on a bit in a configuration register.