Tamper-Resistant Smart Card SoC Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biometric smart cards face challenges with high power consumption, limited user interface capabilities, and security vulnerabilities due to reliance on separate microcontroller units and external power sources, which restrict their functionality and increase the risk of malware attacks.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a plurality of secure, discrete integrated circuit blocks into a single system-on-a-chip (SoC) for biometric smart cards, enabling ultra-low power consumption, secure data storage, and secure data exchange through wireless networks, with cryptographic functionality, sensors, input interfaces, and display components, while minimizing software reliance and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate microcontroller units are used for each function, then functional flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete microcontroller units into a single integrated system-on-chip (SoC) that houses all necessary functional blocks including biometric authentication, cryptographic operations, display control, and communication protocols. This consolidation maintains full functional flexibility while dramatically reducing power consumption by eliminating redundant components and optimizing inter-component communication within the integrated architecture.
2Reliability
If user interface functions are handled on external devices, then malware attack risk is reduced, but user interface functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The smart card integrates a complete user interface system directly into the secure element, including a display controller, biometric sensor, and input interface. This universal design allows the card to function as both a secure authentication device and a standalone user interaction platform, enabling localized UI operations that maintain security while providing comprehensive functionality without relying on external devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If discrete chips are used for each function, then modularity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a modular functional block architecture where distinct operational modules (biometric authentication, cryptographic processing, display control, communication) are defined within the integrated SoC. Each module can be independently configured and activated based on specific application requirements, maintaining manufacturing modularity benefits while reducing overall device complexity through unified integration and centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for secure data management and transfer for secure data transactions are provided. For example, disclosed herein are secure & tamper resistant smart cards configured to immutably store data and securely exchange at least a portion of the data via, for example, wireless networks and/or peer-to-peer networks. The smart cards comprise a plurality of dedicated hardware circuit blocks electrically coupled via a bus interconnection, the plurality of dedicated hardware circuit blocks configured to authenticate users, verify trust amongst the smart card and external devices, and encrypt sensitive data for secure transmission.