Self-Powered Data Diode System Using Voltage Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data diodes require an external voltage source to operate, which may not be feasible in certain conditions, especially when physically isolating secured networks from unsecured networks.
Innovation Solution
A data diode system that includes a DC converter to invert a negative DC voltage from a secured network into a positive DC voltage, powering a data diode circuit to enable secure communication from an unsecured network to a secured network without an external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data diode is used to provide information security between unsecured and secured networks, then information security is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring external voltage source
Solution Approach 1:
The data diode system powers itself by harvesting energy from the secured network's serial communication lines. The DC converter circuit extracts and converts the negative voltage present on the secured network's data lines into usable positive voltage, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secured network's serial communication lines serve dual purposes: they both transmit data and provide power to the data diode system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power infrastructure and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If external voltage source is provided to power data diode, then data diode operation is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates when external power is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically harvests power from the available secured network connection, requiring no external power source or additional infrastructure. This self-powering capability enables deployment in locations where external power is unavailable, significantly improving adaptability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC converter circuit acts as an intermediary that transforms the negative voltage signal already present on the secured network lines into usable positive power. This intermediary function allows the system to operate using existing network infrastructure without requiring additional power sources.
3Power
If DC converter inverts negative DC voltage to positive voltage, then power is generated for data diode circuit, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC converter circuit is integrated directly into the data diode system, combining the voltage inversion functionality with the data communication interface. This integration reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate power supply components and reducing the number of external connections required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure one-way communication from an unsecured network to a secured network without the need for an external power source, ensuring information security in environments where external power is unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
A DC converter that receives a negative DC voltage from a serial data connection of the secured network and inverts the negative DC voltage to a positive voltage
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
A data diode system enables one-way data flow from an unsecured device to a secured device is disclosed. The data diode system includes at least one data diode that convert a communication received from an unsecured device to a secured communication for transmission to the secured device. The data diode system includes a voltage converter that receives a negative voltage from a serial data port connection of the secured device. The voltage converter converts the negative voltage into a positive voltage in order to power the data diode.