Volatile Memory Key Generation via Startup State

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic key storage methods in communication devices are vulnerable to hacker attacks due to the permanent existence of keys in non-volatile memories, which can be compromised by invasive and non-invasive methods.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit method that generates an electronic key using both volatile and non-volatile memories, where the key is created upon startup and destroyed upon shutdown, utilizing stable and non-stable data storage cells with a helper dataset to enhance security and randomness, and is only available for a short time, making it difficult for hackers to access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If electronic keys are stored in non-volatile memories for repeated use, then the key availability is improved, but the security against hacker attacks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey availabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to hacker attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by generating electronic keys temporarily in volatile memory for each startup procedure. The keys are short-lived and automatically destroyed when the device shuts down, preventing hackers from extracting permanent keys from non-volatile memory. Each key is effectively disposable after use, eliminating the security risk of storing reusable keys in persistent storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the electronic key storage dynamic rather than static. Keys are generated on-demand in volatile memory during startup procedures and automatically cleared upon shutdown. This dynamic approach ensures keys exist only temporarily during operation, combining repeated usability with enhanced security against extraction attacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electronic keys are generated using stable data storage cells in volatile memory, then the security is improved, but the key reconstruction capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against attacksVSAvoidkey reconstruction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses stable data storage cells as an intermediary between the non-volatile memory (which stores helper data) and the volatile memory (where keys are generated). These stable cells maintain their logical states across startup procedures, enabling reliable key reconstruction while remaining physically located in volatile memory, thus providing both security and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distributing stable data storage cells with specific logical states during manufacturing. These cells are prepared in advance to ensure they will consistently adopt the same logical state during startup procedures, enabling reliable key generation without requiring complex reconstruction algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If random data storage cells are used for key generation, then the randomness is improved, but the key stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverandomness of key sequenceVSAvoidkey stability across operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a heterogeneous memory structure where different types of data storage cells coexist in volatile memory. Stable data storage cells maintain consistent logical states for reliable key generation, while non-stable cells provide randomness. Each cell type serves its specific local function, combining both randomness and stability in the overall key generation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8199912B2Security storage of electronic keys within volatile memories

Publication Date: 2012.06.12 NXP BV

AI summary

It is described a method for providing an electronic key within an integrated circuit (100) including both a volatile memory (102) and a non-volatile memory (104). The described comprises starting up the integrated circuit (100), reading the logical state of predetermined data storage cells (102a) assigned to the volatile memory (102), which data storage cells (102a) are characterized that with a plurality of start up procedures they respectively adopt the same logical state, and generating an electronic key by using the logical state of the predetermined data storage cells (102a). Preferably, the predetermined data storage cells (102a) are randomly distributed within the volatile memory (102). It is further described an integrated circuit (100) for providing an electronic key. The integrated circuit (100) comprises a volatile memory (102) comprising predetermined data storage cells (102a), which are characterized that with a plurality of start up procedures they respectively adopt the same logical state, and a non-volatile memory (104) having information stored upon regarding the predetermined data storage cells (102a). Thereby, the electronic key is defined by the corresponding logical states of the predetermined data storage cells (102a).