Abstract:
An interconnection unit disposed between an electric device (ED) and a host power source, including an isolation unit, an ED connector that is configured to electrically interconnect the ED and the isolation unit, and a power connector that is configured to electrically interconnect the host power source and the isolation unit. The isolation unit prevents unauthorized access of the ED by the host power source during the charging process.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to charging interfaces, and more particularly relates to secure charging interfaces for electronic devices that contain data. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The importance and accompanying difficulty of protecting corporate and personal data continues to present new challenges as technology use becomes increasingly widespread. Simultaneously, the number and types of electronic devices (EDs), such as smartphones and tablet computers, have grown exponentially. For many users EDs have become an integral part of everyday life. 
         [0003]    EDs are used to access and store information both mundane and invaluable. For individuals, this includes banking information, personal communications, and images. Employees receive and transmit corporate data, enter passwords, and access financial information. Government workers may deal with state secrets and tactical or intelligence data. Therefore, the implications of a compromised ED may range from personal inconvenience to serious security breaches. 
         [0004]    Often, EDs are charged using the same connector that is used to transmit data. This situation provides a potential point of access for tapping, hacking, or passively intercepting data from an ED if it is plugged into a compromised charging device. EDs often communicate digitally with their host to handshake and tailor electrical input, requiring an exchange of data. Furthermore, in some instances an ED possessing separate data and power lines may nonetheless unintentionally make vulnerable certain information via a charging conduit. Unsecured power or data circuits may pass electrical signals betraying phone data such as display content, user input, audio signals, and wireless communication data. Thus, every time an ED is plugged into a charger, there is a chance that the device supplying power is maliciously controlled or monitored in some way and that the ED could be compromised. 
         [0005]    These concerns are especially prevalent in public locations such as airports, public transportation, hotels, computers, and even stereo systems. Illicit access techniques include directly accessing data (hacking), intercepting and monitoring data (tapping), and monitoring radiated or conducted electrical signals and/or noise (phreaking) Various specific techniques will be apparent to those of skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. 
         [0006]    The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0007]    Disclosed is an apparatus and method for protecting an electronic device (ED) from unauthorized access. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, an interconnection device is provided, preferably by a trusted source, such as a respected manufacturer. The interconnection device serves as a medium between a host power source and an ED, allowing the ED to be charged securely by preventing unauthorized access of data contained on the ED. Depending on the specific implementation, the interconnection device may be integrated into a broader power supply system or may be a separate detachable secure interconnect (DSI), commonly referred to as a ‘dongle,’ that users may carry with them, so as to protect against potential threats in myriad environments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The foregoing summary, preferred embodiments, and other aspects of the present disclosure will be best understood with reference to a detailed description of specific embodiments, which follows, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an exemplary interconnection unit; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an exemplary interconnection unit showing data and power lines; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an exemplary interconnection unit that is a DSI; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an exemplary interconnection unit integrated into a power supply system. 
       
    
    
       [0014]    Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Disclosed is an apparatus and method for protecting an ED while it is charging. 
         [0016]    Referring to  FIG. 1  that provides a high-level block diagram of an embodiment in use, ED  101  is charged using power source  102 . However, as opposed to ED  101  being directly coupled to power source  102 , ED is coupled to interconnection unit  103 , which serves as a medium to power source  102  and protects data contained on ED  101 . Protected data may reside in various components of an ED, such as in removable memory cards, flash storage, hard drives, etc. 
         [0017]    Generally, EDs should be broadly understood to include such devices as cellular phones (including smartphones), tablet computers, laptops, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, Bluetooth-connectable devices, wearable devices such as smart watches, and other comparable devices. Components may be electrically coupled in various embodiments via numerous connectors such as those adhering to standards such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 or 3.0, mini-USB, micro-USB, FireWire, eSATA, Gigabit Ethernet, THUNDERBOLT (Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif.), LIGHTNING (Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.), etc. Alternatively, connections may be basic wired connections or utilize circuitry components. 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , ED  201  is charged using power source  202 . Interconnection unit  203  includes isolation unit  204 , ED connector  205  and power connector  206 . ED connector  205  serves as an interface between ED  201  and isolation unit  204 , while power connector  206  serves as an interface between power source  202  and isolation unit  204 . In the embodiment, power line  207  and data line  208  run through ED connector  205 , isolation unit  204  and power connector  206 . During the process of charging, isolation unit  204  prevents unauthorized access of ED  201  by host power source  202 . ED connector  205  may optionally be a plug-terminated cable or wiring harness interface. 
         [0019]    In an exemplary embodiment, the isolation unit serves to prevent any flow of data between the ED and the power source by physically terminating the data output of the ED. 
         [0020]    In another exemplary embodiment, the isolation unit limits data communication between the host power source and the ED to charge-related communication by electrically isolating the digital and charging connections. 
         [0021]    In another exemplary embodiment, the isolation unit prevents unauthorized access of the ED by controlling electrical fluctuations across the data line and the power line. This functionality serves to prevent electrical signals from betraying phone data. This may be accomplished by the isolation unit&#39;s production of masking signals on the data line and/or the power line. Specifically, such masking or flooding can be accomplished using specific, pseudo-random or random signals or noise. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , interconnection unit  301  is a DSI that includes isolation unit  302 , ED connector  303 , and power connector  304 . In the embodiment, ED connector  303  is a micro-USB type connector and power connector  304  is a USB type connector. Interconnection unit  301  thus may be detached from an ED and power source so that, for instance, a user can take the DSI with them to secure otherwise untrustworthy power sources. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , power supply system  401  has integrated with it power source  402 , charge controller  403 , power connector  404 , isolation unit  405 , and ED connector  406 . ED  407  is protected from possible security issues due to monitoring or listening occurring in the system by isolation unit  405 . In the embodiment, power connector  404  is merely an outgoing power line from charge controller  403  to isolation unit  405  and ED connector  406  is a power outlet. Such an integrated system can ensure users that their charging interface is ‘clean’ or secure, encouraging user trust and use. Preferably, charge controller  403  has been verified to impart no additional security threats. For instance, the trusted manufacturer of power supply system  401  may examine the die architecture of charge controller  403  and certify that it does not contain unintentionally insecure features, such as ‘back door’ circuitry components. 
         [0024]    In an alternate embodiment, charge controller  403  may be interposed between isolation unit  405  and ED connector  406 . In such an embodiment, verification of charge controller  403  may take on additional importance stemming from more direct disposition in the power supply system in relation to ED  407 . 
         [0025]    Several of the above described functionalities can be implemented alone or in combination to provide a wide range of protection for user EDs. Several of the above described functionalities may be implemented via physical distancing and isolation, line filtering, use of opto-isolators, use of general purpose, custom or programmable ASICs, and other means. Accompanying certification may optionally be employed to engender user trust. 
         [0026]    Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated with respect to embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined, rearranged, etc., to produce additional embodiments within the scope of the invention, and that various other changes, omissions, and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.