Secure Signal Integrity Circuit Board Isolation Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure signal integrity solutions fail to adequately protect sensitive information in computing devices, as malicious actors can access and reverse-engineer encryption/decryption communications signals, including ground return signals, compromising security.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board design with a secure and non-secure portion separated by an isolation gap, where a common ground return element bridges the gap, combining secure and non-secure signals to prevent access and monitoring, while conforming to communications and hardware standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If secure circuits are integrated onto standard circuit boards to comply with hardware standards, then adaptability and system integration are improved, but security is worsened because malicious actors can access and reverse-engineer encryption signals including ground return signals
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into a secure portion and a non-secure portion, physically separating sensitive encryption/decryption circuits from standard circuits. This segmentation prevents malicious actors from accessing secure signals while maintaining standard integration capabilities through controlled interfaces between the two portions.
Solution Approach 2:
An isolation gap acts as an intermediary barrier between the secure and non-secure portions of the circuit board. This gap blocks electromagnetic signals including ground return signals from propagating to malicious actors, while still allowing necessary power and data transmission through controlled coupling elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an isolation gap is introduced to separate secure and non-secure portions of the circuit board, then security is improved by blocking signal access, but device complexity increases due to the need for coupling elements to bridge the gap
Solution Approach 1:
Coupling elements serve as intermediaries that bridge the isolation gap, providing controlled signal and power transmission between secure and non-secure portions. These elements maintain security by being strategically positioned and designed to block malicious access while enabling necessary communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements perform multiple functions: they transmit power from non-secure to secure portions, enable controlled data communication, and maintain the isolation barrier against malicious signal access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dedicated security hardware is used to protect sensitive information, then security is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase compared to standardized integrated solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The secure portion containing dedicated security hardware is designed as a distinct segment on the circuit board, allowing standardized manufacturing processes to be used for both secure and non-secure portions. This segmentation enables economies of scale while maintaining security through physical and electromagnetic isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to protect signal integrity includes a circuit board having a secure portion and a non-secure portion. The secure portion includes a protected circuit operable for storing security relevant data, and a secure portion power-supply element. The non-secure portion includes an unprotected circuit and a non-secure portion power-supply element corresponding to the secure portion power-supply element. The secure portion and the non-secure portion element are separated by an isolation gap. A coupling element bridges the isolation gap between the secure portion and the non-secure portion. The coupling element is electrically connected to the secure portion power-supply element within the secure portion and electrically connected to the non-secure portion power-supply portion.