Secure Module Intrusion Detection via PCB Slot Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for detecting opening or intrusion in electronic payment terminals, such as those using 'false keys' with elastomer and carbon pads, are vulnerable to attacks and not suitable for new types of payment terminals, making them unreliable for secure data protection.
Innovation Solution
A secure module comprising two printed circuits with a flexible printed circuit connecting them, featuring secure elements that extend through slots to contact the covers when closed, enhancing detection reliability and simplicity of assembly by using identical secure elements for both the enclosure and housing detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If false keys with elastomer and carbon pads are used to detect opening, then intrusion detection capability is provided, but the solution becomes vulnerable to attacks and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the secure element with the printed circuit board by extending the secure element directly from the PCB, eliminating the need for separate false key components. This integration makes the intrusion detection system more reliable and resistant to attacks, as the secure element becomes an inherent part of the circuit board structure rather than a detachable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a slot in the printed circuit board as an intermediary structure that allows the secure element to extend through and make contact with the cover. This slot mechanism provides a reliable detection pathway while maintaining the integrity of the secure element, enabling detection of housing opening without exposing the secure element to external attacks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If false keys with plastic extensions are used, then detection of upper half-shell fitting is enabled, but the solution is complex and vulnerable to circumvention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the secure element from its traditional separate implementation and integrates it directly into the printed circuit board. This eliminates the need for plastic extensions and separate false key components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining detection capability for upper half-shell fitting and intrusion detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated secure element serves multiple functions: it detects opening of the housing, verifies proper fitting of the upper half-shell, and provides intrusion detection capability. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated structure rather than multiple separate components, reducing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
3Reliability
If secure elements are integrated into printed circuits with slots, then invulnerability to external attacks is reinforced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secure element fabrication process with the printed circuit board manufacturing process. By extending the secure element directly from the PCB during the same manufacturing cycle, the solution reinforces invulnerability to attacks while avoiding the need for separate assembly steps, thus maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot for the secure element is pre-formed in the printed circuit board during manufacturing, before final assembly. This preliminary action enables the secure element to be integrated seamlessly, reinforcing security against attacks while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by preparing the structure in advance rather than requiring complex post-assembly operations.
4Ease of operation
If identical secure elements are used for both enclosure and housing detection, then assembly simplicity is improved, but detection precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements identical secure elements that serve multiple detection purposes: detecting opening of the secure enclosure and detecting opening of the housing. This universal design simplifies assembly by using standardized components throughout, while the slot mechanism ensures adequate detection precision for both functions through proper geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
While the secure elements themselves are identical, the slots in which they are placed have specific local geometries optimized for their respective detection functions. This local quality adjustment ensures that identical secure elements can achieve the required detection precision for both enclosure and housing monitoring without compromising assembly simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure module of an electronic payment terminal including a housing, including first and second printed circuits each having an inner side located facing each other with electronic components, and a flexible printed circuit extending from the first to second printed circuit on part of their perimeter and forming, with the printed circuits, a secure enclosure for the components, the secure module including a secure element extending from the first or second printed circuit, on which it is connected to a circuit for detecting opening of the housing, to the second printed circuit respectively the first printed circuit, facing a slot passing through the second printed circuit, respectively the first printed circuit, via which a secure element comes into contact with the upper or lower cover of the closed housing.