Integrated Tamper Shield Housing for Secure Circuit Board Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices lack effective protection against physical tampering, which can compromise sensitive data stored in memory devices, as they do not adequately detect and respond to unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a tamper-resistant security shield and pressure-sensitive switches into the electronic device's housing, coupled with security electronics that zeroize data upon detecting tampering or disengagement of the shield, providing comprehensive protection for both covered and uncovered areas of the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tamper sensitive material is disposed to detect attempted access to the memory device, then the security against physical tampering is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing components and integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tamper sensitive material with the housing structure to form an integrated security shield. The security shield is formed by integrating the tamper sensitive material into the housing, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the device and simultaneously acts as a security shield with tamper detection capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated security components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving security reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the security shield covers only a first area of the circuit board, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the protection coverage is insufficient as a second area remains uncovered
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into two areas: a first area covered by the security shield with tamper sensitive material, and a second area covered by the housing structure. This segmentation allows different security measures to be applied to different regions, balancing manufacturing cost with comprehensive protection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary security layer that covers the second area of the circuit board, complementing the security shield that covers the first area. This intermediate housing structure extends protection to areas not directly covered by the tamper sensitive material, ensuring comprehensive coverage without requiring expensive full-board protection.
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
Ensures that sensitive data is rendered unobtainable by immediately zeroizing memory device contents upon detection of tampering or unauthorized access, thereby maintaining data security even in potentially hostile environments.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pressure sensitive switches
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses disclosed herein provide for a tamper resistant electronic device. The electronic device can include a circuit board, housing, a security shield, one or more pressure sensitive switches, and security electronics. The security shield can cover a first area of the circuit board and be configured to sense tampering. The security shield can also be integrated into the first part of the housing, wherein a second area of the circuit board is covered by the housing and is outside of the security shield, both the first area and the second area having electronics therein. The security electronics on the circuit board can be coupled to the security shield and the one or more pressure switches, and can be configured to zeroize data stored on the circuit board if the security shield senses tampering or if one or more of the one or more pressure sensitive switches is disengaged.