Tamper Detection Logic with Programmable Registers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems that contain sensitive information lack effective protection against unauthorized access, as they can be compromised through physical tampering such as drilling or temperature extremes, without pre-configured security measures to detect and respond to such breaches.
Innovation Solution
A system with an enclosure containing host logic and security intrusion logic, which includes tamper blocks with state machines controlled by user-programmable registers to detect and respond to security breaches by initiating configurable trigger events, using multiplexers and pulse generators to monitor various input signals for signs of tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical tampering protection measures are added to protect sensitive information, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security intrusion logic is nested within the enclosure along with the host logic, creating a hierarchical protection structure where the security logic monitors and protects the host logic. The tamper blocks are further nested within the security intrusion logic, forming multiple layers of protection that detect and respond to physical tampering attempts without requiring external security systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The security intrusion logic is pre-configured with user-programmable registers that define trigger events and response actions before any tampering occurs. The tamper blocks are pre-programmed to monitor specific input signals and automatically initiate predetermined response actions (such as data encryption or system shutdown) when security breaches are detected, eliminating the need for real-time decision-making and reducing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user-configurable security features are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security intrusion logic serves multiple functions through its user-programmable registers: it can detect various types of tampering (physical, environmental), configure different trigger events (motion detection, temperature thresholds), and initiate multiple response actions (data encryption, system shutdown, alarm activation). This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated security logic unit that can be programmed for different security scenarios, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The security system employs dynamic configuration through user-programmable registers that allow the trigger events and response actions to be modified based on specific security requirements. The state machines within the tamper blocks can transition between different operational modes and states, enabling the system to adapt its behavior dynamically in response to different tampering scenarios and environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises an enclosure, host logic contained in the enclosure, and intrusion security logic also contained in the enclosure. The intrusion security logic is coupled to the host logic and configured to detect a security intrusion to the system and to respond to a security intrusion with a user-configurable trigger event. The intrusion security logic implements at least two tamper blocks, each tamper block configured to monitor one more input signals and initiate a trigger event when a security breach of the enclosure is detected. At least one of the tamper blocks comprises a state machine whose operation is controlled by way of user-programmable registers.