Communication Isolator Using Signal Conversion for Secure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyber security measures, such as software firewalls and uni-directional signal transmission, fail to ensure reliable communication integrity and feedback, making networks vulnerable to cyber threats and sabotage.
Innovation Solution
A communication isolator that physically isolates control systems using bi-directional communication through conversion of digital and analog signals into electrical signals, ensuring only pre-defined signals are exchanged, thereby preventing unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If software firewall or alert setting is used to monitor and defend intrusion, then security monitoring capability is improved, but network reliability and feedback reception deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated security device as an intermediary component positioned between the control area and security area networks. This device physically receives and processes feedback signals while maintaining network isolation, allowing security monitoring without compromising the reliability of the control network. The intermediary device acts as a buffer that enables security functions without direct integration into the control system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If uni-directional signal transmission is used to prevent intrusion, then security protection is improved, but feedback signal reception and communication reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct functional zones: a control area network and a security area network, separated by a security device. This segmentation allows unidirectional signal transmission from control to security areas while enabling the security device to independently receive and process feedback signals. The segmentation creates isolated communication paths that prevent intrusion while preserving necessary feedback capabilities through dedicated channels.
3Reliability
If bi-directional communication is implemented to enable feedback, then network reliability is improved, but vulnerability to intrusion and cyber threats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security device serves as an intermediary that enables bi-directional communication functionality while maintaining security isolation. It physically receives feedback signals from the control area and processes them in the security area, allowing reliable communication without creating direct bidirectional pathways that could transmit viruses or cyber threats. The intermediary architecture permits necessary feedback while blocking harmful factors through physical separation and controlled signal processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication isolator configured to perform network communication with a first control system and a second control system includes a first communication device configured to receive a first communication signal corresponding to a first signal with respect to an output from the first control system, obtain first data by decoding the first communication signal, and generate a second signal corresponding to the first data by using a pre-stored look-up table, and a second communication device configured to receive the second signal from the first communication device, convert the second signal into second data by using the look-up table, encode the second data into a second communication signal, and transmit the second communication signal to the second control system.