Automotive Serial Bus Scrambling for Low-Complexity Sensor Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced driver assistance systems in vehicles face vulnerabilities to cyberattacks due to their complex data communication networks, which can compromise system performance and safety, and existing security measures often increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of secure serial bus communication methods using a scrambler and descrambler system, where a sensor controller masks data packets with a secret configuration derived from a seed value, and a bus master device tracks the descrambler state for each sensor device, enhancing security without impairing performance or increasing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security measures are implemented to protect against cyberattacks, then system security is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scrambler as an intermediary component that masks data packets using a secret configuration derived from a seed value. This scrambler acts as a mediator between the sensor controller and the communication bus, providing security without requiring complex encryption algorithms or additional security infrastructure, thus improving security while minimizing complexity increases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified copying approach where the same scrambler configuration is replicated across multiple sensor devices in the network. Each device uses identical scrambler logic with device-specific seed values, allowing security to be implemented through simple replication rather than complex unique security protocols for each device, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If security measures are implemented to protect against cyberattacks, then system security is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lightweight scrambler implementation that can be realized with minimal hardware resources, effectively treating the security function as a simple, inexpensive component rather than a complex security subsystem. The scrambler uses basic cryptographic operations that can be implemented with low-cost silicon area, making security affordable for mass-market automotive applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves security through parameter-based differentiation rather than structural complexity. Each sensor device is assigned a unique seed value that generates device-specific scrambler configurations, allowing security to be implemented through simple parameter variation rather than complex hardware differentiation, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
3Reliability
If data packets are masked with scrambling operation, then security against cyberattacks is improved, but communication performance may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by processing data in discrete packets with individual scrambling operations. Each data packet is masked independently using the scrambler, allowing the security function to be applied selectively to only the data portions of communication rather than overhead signals, maintaining communication efficiency while providing security where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic re-initialization of the scrambler using reset signals from the bus master. This periodic action allows the system to maintain secure communication while enabling efficient re-synchronization without requiring complex continuous security management, preserving communication performance through simple periodic security refresh operations
Data Source
AI summary
Secure serial bus communication methods and devices suitable for automotive applications. An illustrative sensor IC includes: a sensor controller that operates a transducer to obtain measurement data formattable as data packets; a scrambler that masks each data packet with a scrambling operation before that data block is sent via a serial bus to a bus controller device, said scrambling operation having a secret configuration and/or secret initial state; and an integrated circuit component that operates on a seed value to derive the secret configuration and/or secret initial state.