Wireless Power Authentication Using PUF Over Inductive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless charging systems lack effective authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and ensure secure data exchanges, particularly in scenarios where advanced functions are accessed, such as vehicle-to-device interactions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for mutual authentication using a physically unclonable function (PUF) where a wireless-power receiver and transmitter establish a first inductive coupling to transfer power and communicate responses through the power signal, with the receiver generating a second response for subsequent authentication, leveraging a microcontroller to modulate the power signal and adjust responses based on metrics like temperature and location to maintain security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless charging systems incorporate authentication safeguards, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication communication channel with the existing power transfer inductive coupling. The same magnetic field used for power transfer also carries authentication data, eliminating the need for separate authentication hardware and reducing device complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupling system performs multiple functions: it transfers power and simultaneously enables authentication communication. This multi-functionality avoids adding dedicated authentication hardware, thus improving security without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If additional hardware is added for authentication, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines authentication communication with the existing power transfer infrastructure. By modulating authentication data onto the power transfer magnetic field, the system eliminates the need for separate authentication antennas or communication channels, thereby avoiding additional hardware while improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing inductive coupling system serves dual purposes: power transfer and authentication. The system leverages its own operational characteristics (the magnetic field it already generates) to perform authentication, rather than requiring external or additional dedicated components.
3Reliability
If authentication communication uses a separate channel, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges authentication communication with the power transfer channel. By encoding authentication data in the magnetic field already present during power transfer, the system achieves reliable communication without adding separate communication hardware, thus maintaining communication reliability while avoiding increased device complexity.
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
This approach provides a secure authentication process without additional hardware, ensuring isolated communication and preventing unauthorized access by utilizing the power signal for authentication, thus enhancing security in wireless power transfer systems.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive coil configured to receiver a power signal from a wireless-power transmitter during couplings with the wireless-power transmitter wherein the power signal induces a charging current in an analog circuit coupled with the inductive coil
Implementation Method 2
a microcontroller configured to modulate the power signal to communicate a first response to a physically unclonable function to the wireless-power transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mutual authentication that includes establishing a first inductive coupling between a wireless-power receiver and a wireless-power transmitter to transfer power from the wireless-power transmitter to the wireless-power receiver by a power signal and using the power signal to transmit a first response to a physically unclonable function to the wireless-power transmitter. The method further including generating a second response to the physically unclonable function and communicating information derived from the second response to initiate a mutual authentication process between the wireless-power receiver and the wireless-power transmitter during a subsequent inductive coupling.