Security Manager Isolating Malfunctioning Sub-Systems in Interconnect Architectures
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Solution Overview
Problem
In interconnect-centric device architectures, where multiple intelligent sub-systems communicate directly without a central application engine, there is a risk of security threats and energy wastage due to malfunctioning sub-systems, which can cause financial losses and data breaches.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect malfunctioning sub-systems and reduce their resources by switching off processing elements, using a security manager to send control signals and manage power/clock signals, thereby isolating the faulty sub-systems and preventing misuse or energy wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple intelligent sub-systems communicate directly without a central application engine, then device complexity and processing capability are improved, but security risks and energy wastage increase due to malfunctioning sub-systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a security manager as an intermediary component that monitors sub-system integrity and controls resource allocation. The security manager receives integrity information from sub-systems, determines whether they are malfunctioning, and sends control signals to interconnect nodes to restrict or terminate resource access, thereby resolving the security risk in interconnect-centric architectures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary integrity checking mechanisms where sub-systems continuously provide integrity information (such as hash values or status signals) to the security manager before potential malfunctions can cause harm. This allows the system to proactively identify and isolate problematic sub-systems before they can flood power or steal confidential information
2Duration of action of moving object
If resources of malfunctioning sub-systems are not reduced, then continuous operation is maintained, but energy wastage and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the system can adjust resource availability to sub-systems based on their operational status. The security manager dynamically determines whether to restrict, reduce, or terminate resources based on integrity assessments, allowing the system to maintain operation of healthy sub-systems while isolating malfunctioning ones to prevent energy wastage
3Reliability
If resources are reduced for detected sub-systems, then security and energy efficiency are improved, but device functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies resource restriction locally to only those sub-systems that are determined to be malfunctioning, while other healthy sub-systems continue to operate with full resources. The security manager sends targeted control signals to specific interconnect nodes regarding specific problematic sub-systems, ensuring that security measures are applied precisely where needed without affecting overall device functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
A method comprising: detecting a sub-system to be controlled in a reduced resource mode in a device having an interconnecting system architecture; sending a resource reducing request to an interconnect node of the sub-system, the interconnect node belonging to a first power/clock signal domain; and reducing resources of processing elements of the sub-system belonging to a second power/clock signal domain.