Temperature Security Module with Programmable Trim Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing System on Chip (SoC) temperature monitoring systems provide fixed temperature ranges, leading to potential false positives in tamper detection due to process variations, which may not accurately indicate hacking attempts.
Innovation Solution
A temperature security module with programmable trim values, shelf mode, and operating mode trim values, allowing customers to customize temperature ranges and override manufacturer settings, ensuring accurate tamper detection by adjusting temperature thresholds based on deployment modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed temperature ranges are used for temperature monitoring, then the system is simple to implement, but false positives occur in tamper detection due to process variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the temperature monitoring system to dynamically adjust temperature thresholds and ranges based on process variations. Instead of using fixed temperature ranges, the system modifies monitoring parameters (temperature thresholds, hysteresis values, response times) to match actual device characteristics, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static fixed temperature ranges to dynamic adaptive temperature monitoring. The system continuously learns and adapts to process variations, adjusting temperature thresholds and monitoring parameters in real-time based on observed device behavior and environmental conditions, improving detection accuracy without significantly increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturer-provided fixed temperature ranges are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the temperature ranges may not be suitable for customer needs and provide too many false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple temperature range profiles and monitoring parameters that are optimized for different application scenarios. The system comes with pre-defined adaptive profiles that can be selected based on customer needs, reducing the need for complex custom configuration while maintaining high adaptability to different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the temperature monitoring system to automatically adapt to customer-specific conditions without requiring extensive manual configuration. The system autonomously learns optimal temperature ranges and thresholds through initial characterization routines and continuous operation, allowing customers to benefit from adaptive monitoring with minimal setup effort
Data Source
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AI summary
A processing system includes a processor and a temperature security module coupled to provide a temperature tamper signal to the processor. The temperature security module includes a shelf mode trim value, an operating mode trim value, and a programmable temperature trim value. One of the programmable temperature trim value, the shelf mode trim value, and the operating mode trim value, is used based on a deployment mode of the processing system to set a temperature monitor trim value.