A self-powering tamper detection system architecture, comprising: a power source; a tamper detector, configured to identify a tamper event; a tamper switch, electrically connected to the power source and mechanically connected to the tamper detector; a tamper controller, configured to produce a tamper response when the tamper event is identified; and program memory, configured to store program data; wherein: the tamper detector is configured to mechanically actuate the tamper switch when a tamper event occurs; and the tamper response comprises a disruption of the program data; and characterized in that the tamper detector and the tamper switch together comprise: a printed circuit board, having an aperture therein; and an embedded transformer, including: a chassis strut, disposed perpendicularly to the printed circuit board; a circular primary winding, encircling the aperture; one or more circular secondary windings (268, 270), encircling the aperture; and a moveable ferromagnetic core, configured to move axially within the chassis strut, thereby passing through the aperture; wherein: the circular primary winding comprises a trace on the printed circuit board; the one or more circular secondary windings each comprise a trace on the printed circuit board; and the moveable ferromagnetic core is configured such that a tamper event causes the moveable ferromagnetic core to move axially within the chassis strut. a power source; a tamper detector, configured to identify a tamper event; a tamper switch, electrically connected to the power source and mechanically connected to the tamper detector; a tamper controller, configured to produce a tamper response when the tamper event is identified; and program memory, configured to store program data; wherein: the tamper detector is configured to mechanically actuate the tamper switch when a tamper event occurs; and the tamper response comprises a disruption of the program data; and characterized in that the tamper detector and the tamper switch together comprise: a printed circuit board, having an aperture therein; and an embedded transformer, including: a chassis strut, disposed perpendicularly to the printed circuit board; a circular primary winding, encircling the aperture; one or more circular secondary windings (268, 270), encircling the aperture; and a moveable ferromagnetic core, configured to move axially within the chassis strut, thereby passing through the aperture; wherein: the circular primary winding comprises a trace on the printed circuit board; the one or more circular secondary windings each comprise a trace on the printed circuit board; and the moveable ferromagnetic core is configured such that a tamper event causes the moveable ferromagnetic core to move axially within the chassis strut. the tamper detector is configured to mechanically actuate the tamper switch when a tamper event occurs; and the tamper response comprises a disruption of the program data; and characterized in that the tamper detector and the tamper switch together comprise: a printed circuit board, having an aperture therein; and an embedded transformer, including: a chassis strut, disposed perpendicularly to the printed circuit board; a circular primary winding, encircling the aperture; one or more circular secondary windings (268, 270), encircling the aperture; and a moveable ferromagnetic core, configured to move axially within the chassis strut, thereby passing through the aperture; wherein: the circular primary winding comprises a trace on the printed circuit board; the one or more circular secondary windings each comprise a trace on the printed circuit board; and the moveable ferromagnetic core is configured such that a tamper event causes the moveable ferromagnetic core to move axially within the chassis strut. a printed circuit board, having an aperture therein; and an embedded transformer, including: a chassis strut, disposed perpendicularly to the printed circuit board; a circular primary winding, encircling the aperture; one or more circular secondary windings (268, 270), encircling the aperture; and a moveable ferromagnetic core, configured to move axially within the chassis strut, thereby passing through the aperture; a chassis strut, disposed perpendicularly to the printed circuit board; a circular primary winding, encircling the aperture; one or more circular secondary windings (268, 270), encircling the aperture; and a moveable ferromagnetic core, configured to move axially within the chassis strut, thereby passing through the aperture; wherein: the circular primary winding comprises a trace on the printed circuit board; the one or more circular secondary windings each comprise a trace on the printed circuit board; and the moveable ferromagnetic core is configured such that a tamper event causes the moveable ferromagnetic core to move axially within the chassis strut. the circular primary winding comprises a trace on the printed circuit board; the one or more circular secondary windings each comprise a trace on the printed circuit board; and the moveable ferromagnetic core is configured such that a tamper event causes the moveable ferromagnetic core to move axially within the chassis strut.