Abstract: An IC chip can provide silicon root of trust (RoT) functionality. In described implementations, the IC chip includes a processor, an alert handler, and multiple peripheral devices, which generate alert indications. The alert handler processes the alert indications, which have security implications. The alert handler includes multiple alert receiver modules to communicate with the multiple peripheral devices. The alert handler also includes a controller, multiple accumulation units, multiple escalation timers, and multiple escalation sender modules. These components can be organized into a hierarchy of increasing escalation severity. In operation, the controller classifies an alert and flexibly implements an adaptable alert handler path that is established through the escalation components responsive to the classification and based on a source of the alert. A path can conclude with an escalation sender module commanding an escalation handler to implement a security countermeasure.

Abstract: A preferred thermal energy storage and delivery unit includes a chamber for containing a phase change material and one or more air channel members which pass through the phase change material for conveying air into heat exchange relationship with the phase change material. The unit also includes a fluid circuit for conveying a thermal potential charging fluid, for example engine coolant or refrigerant, into heat exchange relationship with the phase change material. The unit optionally may include a fluid circuit through which engine coolant passes, and a fluid circuit through which refrigerant passes. In this manner, systems which incorporate the unit and selectively provide heated or cooled air to condition an interior vehicle space are provided. Also described are improved vehicular environmental conditioning systems which include a front HVAC unit and a rear thermal storage apparatus, and which are flexibly operated in a number of environmental conditioning and/or thermal storage modes.