USB Port Data Bus Switch for Secure Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a solution within computing devices to control and disable features of integrated USB ports to prevent data transfer and enhance security, as existing solutions require external hardware devices.
Innovation Solution
A USB disconnection switch system that determines if a USB port is in electrical communication with hardware components and, based on predefined conditions, controls a switch to disconnect the data bus, thereby disabling data transfer while allowing power transfer to maintain charging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the USB port remains integrated and constantly connected to hardware components, then ease of operation and charging capability are maintained, but security risk increases due to potential data theft and malware installation
Solution Approach 1:
The USB interface is segmented into separate data bus and power bus connections. The switch selectively disconnects the data bus while maintaining power bus connectivity, allowing charging to continue while preventing data access. This segmentation enables independent control of data and power transfer functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the USB port's connectivity state based on detected conditions (e.g., unauthorized devices, security threats). The switch can transition between connected and disconnected states for the data bus, enabling adaptive security responses while preserving charging functionality through maintained power bus connection.
2Reliability
If an external hardware device is used to block data pins, then data transfer prevention is achieved, but device complexity increases and integration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The switch mechanism is integrated within the computing device's USB port architecture, merging the data connection and power connection into a single unified interface. This eliminates the need for separate external blocking devices while maintaining both charging capability and data transfer prevention functionality through the integrated switch control.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch acts as an intermediary component between the USB port and the hardware components (processor, memory). It mediates the data connection by selectively connecting or disconnecting the data bus based on security conditions, while allowing the power bus to remain connected for charging operations.
3Reliability
If the data bus is disconnected to prevent data theft, then security is improved, but loss of time occurs during reconnection for legitimate data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is pre-configured and ready to rapidly transition between connected and disconnected states. When a security threat is detected, the disconnection action is immediate without requiring gradual shutdown or complex shutdown sequences, minimizing the time the system remains vulnerable and reducing reconnection delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal serial bus (USB) disconnection switch system, method, and computer program product are provided. In use, it is determined that a USB port integrated with a computing device is in electrical communication with at least one hardware component of the computing device via a data bus. Additionally, it is determined that a first predefined condition of the computing device is satisfied. Further, a switch is controlled to disconnect the data bus from the at least one hardware component of the computing device, based on the determination that the USB port is in electrical communication with the at least one hardware component via the data bus and the determination that the first predefined condition of the computing device is satisfied.