Shenzhen Goodix Technology has been granted a patent for an improved Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) device. The device combines a modem and an integrated Subscriber Identity Module (iSIM) on a single chip, reducing cost and energy consumption. Identical components of the modem and iSIM are designed as shared components, with a secure hardware arbiter managing access to prevent information leaking. The shared components include cryptographic accelerators used for network authentication, provisioning, secure boot, firmware encryption, integrity checking, encryption of network packets, and end-to-end data protection. GlobalData’s report on Shenzhen Goodix Technology gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Shenzhen Goodix Technology, AI-assisted biometric recognition was a key innovation area identified from patents. Shenzhen Goodix Technology's grant share as of September 2023 was 47%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Patent granted for an improved narrowband iot device with shared components
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11778456B2) describes a Narrowband Internet of Things (IoT) device with enhanced security features. The device includes a modem and an integrated Subscriber Identity Module (iSIM) combined on a single chip. The modem and iSIM share identical components, which are cryptographic accelerators used for various security functions.
The shared components are utilized by the iSIM for network authentication, provisioning, and end-to-end data protection. They are also used by the modem for secure boot, firmware encryption and integrity checking, and encryption of network packets. A secure hardware arbiter manages access to these shared components, preventing information leakage. The hardware arbiter includes a timer to prevent blocking of the shared components.
In the event of an attacker executing code on the modem or application processor, the hardware arbiter allocates a resource or component. Importantly, the hardware arbiter never releases the resource or component again, ensuring continued protection against potential attacks.
The hardware arbiter also specifies that a resource can only be used for a certain time. Once the timer has expired, the resource is forced to be released, further enhancing security measures.
Real-time operating is ensured by the hardware arbiter, which releases a blocked component either through a modem request or after the timer has expired.
To remove any remaining information after usage of the shared components, the hardware arbiter provides reset and/or RAM cryptography processing. This ensures that all sensitive data is securely removed.
The cryptographic accelerators, including an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) core, are reset to remove all remaining information. An access protection module grants access to either the iSIM or modem, with the other party having to wait until usage is finished.
The hardware arbiter obfuscates the access time to prevent side channel attacks, further bolstering the device's security.
In summary, this patent describes a Narrowband IoT device with enhanced security features. By sharing cryptographic accelerators and utilizing a secure hardware arbiter, the device ensures secure network authentication, provisioning, firmware encryption, and data protection. The hardware arbiter prevents information leakage, allocates resources in the event of an attack, and securely removes all sensitive information after usage. These features contribute to the device's robust security measures and protection against potential threats.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
