USB Identification Circuit With Voltage-Gated Secure Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securely transmitting electronic device identification information to external devices are vulnerable to unauthorized access and lack robust security controls.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is configured with a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), processors, connecting terminals, and a control circuit that activates identification information transmission only when a voltage within a specific range is applied, allowing secure transmission of identification information to authenticated external devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated cable and dedicated reader are used to transmit identification information, then security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables identification information transmission through universal USB interfaces that can communicate with general-purpose electronic devices. The system uses standard USB connection protocols and authentication mechanisms, eliminating the need for dedicated cables and specialized reader devices while maintaining security through software-based authentication and controlled information release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated cable and dedicated reader are used to transmit identification information, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables identification information transmission through universal USB interfaces that can communicate with general-purpose electronic devices. The system uses standard USB connection protocols and authentication mechanisms, eliminating the need for dedicated cables and specialized reader devices while maintaining security through software-based authentication and controlled information release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If identification information is transmitted without authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements authentication verification before transmitting identification information. The system performs preliminary checks to verify the legitimacy of the connected device, ensuring that only authenticated devices can access the identification information. This preliminary authentication step prevents unauthorized access while maintaining a user-friendly interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system monitors connection status, authentication results, and transmission states. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically controls whether identification information is released, ensuring security requirements are met while providing appropriate user guidance and maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4657288A1Electronic device, and method for providing identification information of electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4657288A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4657288A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4657288A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), at least one processor, a connecting terminal, at least one memory that stores identification information of the electronic device, a first transmission line electrically connected to the connecting terminal and the PMIC, a control circuit electrically connected to the at least one memory, and a switching circuit electrically connected between the connecting terminal and the control circuit. When a voltage applied through the first transmission line from an external electronic device connected to the connecting terminal is within a predetermined first range, the switching circuit may be configured to electrically connect the connecting terminal and the control circuit by changing a state of a switch from a first state to a second state such that the control circuit transmits the identification information to the external electronic device through the connecting terminal by supplying power to the control circuit.