Self-Powered Tamper Detection Using FET Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-powered event detection devices require continuous power sources, leading to limited functionality and security risks due to battery life and potential tampering, and existing solutions are expensive and not well-suited for small volume integration.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered detection device using a FET transistor with a non-volatile memory cell that is activated by a physical or chemical event, transforming the event's energy into an electrical stimulus pulse to store information, with a low energy requirement and integrated sensor and memory for secure tamper event detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power sources (battery) are used to power the sensor and electronic circuit for event detection, then the device can continuously detect and record events, but the device has limited lifetime due to battery life and creates security risks from potential power interruption or tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves itself by directly converting detected physical events into electrical signals that trigger memory storage without requiring external power. The sensor's detection function and power generation function are merged, allowing the device to operate autonomously during tamper events without relying on battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the electronic circuit by using the sensor to directly power the memory writing operation. This separates the power requirement for event detection from the power requirement for data storage, allowing the latter to be self-powered by the event itself.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical means external to the electronic circuit are used to detect tamper events, then the detection method is simple and cost-effective, but the physical structure change is not easily noticed and may go undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function and the electronic signaling function into a single integrated system. The sensor detects physical tamper events and directly generates electrical signals that are stored in memory, combining mechanical detection with electronic recording in one unified mechanism that is both simple to manufacture and precise in detection.
3Reliability
If electrical detection means internal to the electronic circuit are used with continuous power supply, then event detection and recording are reliable, but the device requires expensive power sources and is not suitable for small volume integration
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides both detection and power generation functions, serving the memory writing operation without requiring external power sources. This eliminates the need for expensive power management circuits and reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable event detection and recording.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If a sensor directly converts event energy to electrical signals for memory storage, then power consumption is reduced and security is enhanced, but the energy from physical events may be insufficient to power the memory writing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameters by using high-capacitance memory cells that can be written with very low energy pulses. This parameter adjustment allows the memory writing operation to be powered by the small amount of energy generated by the sensor during tamper events, bridging the gap between limited event energy and memory writing requirements.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, small volume self-powered detection device capable of securely storing tamper events without continuous power, enhancing security and reducing power consumption, while allowing for integration with electronic circuits.
Implementation Method 1
this sensor forming an energy harvester that transforms energy from said physical or chemical action or phenomenon into an electrical stimulus pulse
Data Source
AI summary
The self-powered detection device comprises a non-volatile memory cell and a sensor activated by a physical or chemical action or phenomenon, this sensor forming an energy harvester transforming energy from the physical or chemical action orphenomenon into an electrical stimulus pulse, the memory cell arranged for storing, by using electrical power of the electrical stimulus pulse, at least a bit of information relative to detection by the sensor of at least a first physical or chemical action or phenomenon. The non-volatile memory cell comprises a FET transistor having a control gate, a first diffusion defining a first input and a second diffusion defining a second input. This FET transistor is set to its written logical state from its initial logical state when, in a detection mode, it receives on a set terminal a voltage stimulus signal resulting from the first physical or chemical action or phenomenon.