Secure Peripheral Pairing Using Silicon Key Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secure functions on electronic devices can be compromised if a secure circuit is removed and replaced with a different one, leading to operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A secure circuit on a peripheral device is paired with a secure circuit on a host device using encrypted connections established via cryptographic material, ensuring secure data exchange opaque to the application processor, allowing secure functions to operate even when the peripheral is paired outside a factory environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secure circuits are paired in a factory environment only, then security is maintained, but adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Silicon keys are embedded within the secure circuit during manufacturing as a preliminary security measure. These keys enable the secure circuit to be paired with host devices outside the factory environment while maintaining security, thus resolving the contradiction between security and pairing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The silicon key acts as an intermediary element that facilitates secure pairing between the peripheral device's secure circuit and the host device's secure circuit. This intermediary enables trusted communication outside the factory environment without compromising security
2Reliability
If encrypted connections are established between secure circuits, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secure circuit pairing functionality with the existing peripheral device connection framework. The encrypted connection between secure circuits is integrated into the overall device communication architecture, reducing the need for separate complex cryptographic infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provided techniques to enable peripherals configured to provide secure functionality. A secure circuit on a peripheral device can be paired with a secure circuit on a host device outside of a factory environment without compromising security by verifying silicon keys that are embedded within the secure circuit during manufacturing.