Abstract: An electronic component includes a first trace configured to transmit a first signal and a second trace configured to transmit a second signal. The electronic component further includes a layer of conductive material separated from the first and second traces by a layer of insulative material. The electronic component further includes a first vertical wall formed in direct contact with the layer of conductive material. The electronic component further includes a second vertical wall formed in direct contact with the layer of conductive material. The second vertical wall is separated from the first vertical wall by a void, and the void extends between the first trace and the second trace.

Abstract: Aspects include a cryptographic hardware security module having a secure embedded heat pipe and methods for assembling the same. The cryptographic hardware security module can include a printed circuit board having one or more components. The cryptographic hardware security module can further include an encapsulation structure having a top can and a bottom can. The top can is fixed to a first surface of the printed circuit board and the bottom can is fixed to second surface of the printed circuit board opposite the first surface. A heat pipe is positioned between the top can and the component. The heat pipe includes two or more 180-degree bends. A portion of the heat pipe extends beyond a secure region of the encapsulation structure.

Abstract: A structure of a circuitry substrate for securing an area from tampering is disclosed. The structure includes a circuitry substrate with at least one of a top tamper enclosure and a bottom tamper enclosure covering a component in a protected area of the circuitry substrate. The top and bottom tamper enclosures are adhesively bonded to a surface of the circuitry substrate, and a tear initiation site is added to a side of the perimeter of circuitry substrate bordering the protected area that includes at least one tamper enclosure, such that the tear initiation site is located and configured to enable propagation of a delamination of at least one internal layer of the circuitry substrate and a severing of a security circuit when a removal force is applied to the at least one of the top tamper enclosure and the bottom tamper enclosure.

Abstract: An electronic component includes a first trace configured to transmit a first signal and a second trace configured to transmit a second signal. The electronic component further includes a layer of conductive material separated from the first and second traces by a layer of insulative material. The electronic component further includes a first vertical wall formed in direct contact with the layer of conductive material. The electronic component further includes a second vertical wall formed in direct contact with the layer of conductive material. The second vertical wall is separated from the first vertical wall by a void, and the void extends between the first trace and the second trace.

Abstract: A tamper detection system may include organic material and a tamper detection circuit embedded in the organic material. A portion of the organic material is ablated away to form an incision in the organic material. A portion of the tamper detection circuit obstructs a fragment of the ablation path. The tamper detection circuit remains intact. The incision enables a gas flow between a first side of the organic material and a second side of the organic material.

Abstract: Tamper-respondent assemblies are provided which include an enclosure mounted to a circuit board and enclosing one or more components to be protected within a secure volume. A tamper-respondent sensor covers, at least in part, an inner surface of the enclosure, and includes at least one tamper-detect circuit. A monitor circuit is disposed within the secure volume to monitor the tamper-detect circuit(s) for a tamper event. A pressure connector assembly is also disposed within the secure volume, between the tamper-respondent sensor and the circuit board. The pressure connector assembly includes a conductive pressure connector electrically connecting, at least in part, the monitor circuit and the tamper-detect circuit(s) of the tamper-respondent assembly, and a spring-biasing mechanism to facilitate breaking electrical connection of the conductive pressure connector to the tamper-detect circuit(s) with a tamper event.

Abstract: An electronic system can be used to monitor temperature. The electronic system can include a characterized dielectric located adjacent to a plurality of heat-producing electronic devices. The electronic system can also include a leakage measurement circuit that is electrically connected to the characterized dielectric. The leakage measurement circuit can be configured to measure current leakage through the characterized dielectric. The leakage measurement circuit can also be configured to convert a leakage current measurement into a corresponding output voltage. A response device, electrically connected to the leakage measurement circuit can be configured to, in response to the output voltage exceeding a voltage threshold corresponding to a known temperature, initiate a response action.

Abstract: An electronic system can be used to monitor temperature. The electronic system can include a characterized dielectric located adjacent to a plurality of heat-producing electronic devices. The electronic system can also include a leakage measurement circuit that is electrically connected to the characterized dielectric. The leakage measurement circuit can be configured to measure current leakage through the characterized dielectric. The leakage measurement circuit can also be configured to convert a leakage current measurement into a corresponding output voltage. A response device, electrically connected to the leakage measurement circuit can be configured to, in response to the output voltage exceeding a voltage threshold corresponding to a known temperature, initiate a response action.

Abstract: Aspects include a cryptographic hardware security module having a secure embedded heat pipe and methods for assembling the same. The cryptographic hardware security module can include a printed circuit board having one or more components. The cryptographic hardware security module can further include an encapsulation structure having a top can and a bottom can. The top can is fixed to a first surface of the printed circuit board and the bottom can is fixed to second surface of the printed circuit board opposite the first surface. A heat pipe is positioned between the top can and the component. The heat pipe includes two or more 180-degree bends. A portion of the heat pipe extends beyond a secure region of the encapsulation structure.

Abstract: Tamper-respondent assemblies are provided which include an enclosure mounted to a circuit board and enclosing one or more components to be protected within a secure volume. A tamper-respondent sensor covers, at least in part, an inner surface of the enclosure, and includes at least one tamper-detect circuit. A monitor circuit is disposed within the secure volume to monitor the tamper-detect circuit(s) for a tamper event. A pressure connector assembly is also disposed within the secure volume, between the tamper-respondent sensor and the circuit board. The pressure connector assembly includes a conductive pressure connector electrically connecting, at least in part, the monitor circuit and the tamper-detect circuit(s) of the tamper-respondent assembly, and a spring-biasing mechanism to facilitate breaking electrical connection of the conductive pressure connector to the tamper-detect circuit(s) with a tamper event.

Abstract: A tamper detection system may include organic material and a tamper detection circuit embedded in the organic material. A portion of the organic material is ablated away to form an incision in the organic material. A portion of the tamper detection circuit obstructs a fragment of the ablation path. The tamper detection circuit remains intact. The incision enables a gas flow between a first side of the organic material and a second side of the organic material.

Abstract: An electronic system can include an electronic module and a trace circuit that provides a perimeter that encloses the electronic module. A sensing circuit within the electronic system can be configured to detect a discontinuity in the perimeter. In response to detecting the discontinuity in the perimeter, the sensing circuit can initiate, from a response device, a response signal.

Abstract: A uniform thickness flex circuit is taught that uses more than one dielectric layer. A first dielectric layer is more flexible and capable of reliably bending at a radius of curvature at which a second dielectric layer cannot be reliably bent. The second dielectric layer has at least one more desirable electrical characteristic than the first dielectric area, for example leakage. Use of the uniform thickness flex circuit to protect sensitive material in an electronic enclosure is also described.

Abstract: A uniform thickness flex circuit is taught that uses more than one dielectric layer. A first dielectric layer is more flexible and capable of reliably bending at a radius of curvature at which a second dielectric layer cannot be reliably bent. The second dielectric layer has at least one more desirable electrical characteristic than the first dielectric area, for example leakage. Use of the uniform thickness flex circuit to protect sensitive material in an electronic enclosure is also described.

Abstract: An electronic system can be used to monitor temperature. The electronic system can include a characterized dielectric located adjacent to a plurality of heat-producing electronic devices. The electronic system can also include a leakage measurement circuit that is electrically connected to the characterized dielectric. The leakage measurement circuit can be configured to measure current leakage through the characterized dielectric. The leakage measurement circuit can also be configured to convert a leakage current measurement into a corresponding output voltage. A response device, electrically connected to the leakage measurement circuit can be configured to, in response to the output voltage exceeding a voltage threshold corresponding to a known temperature, initiate a response action.

Abstract: An electronic system can include an electronic module and a trace circuit that provides a perimeter that encloses the electronic module. A sensing circuit within the electronic system can be configured to detect a discontinuity in the perimeter. In response to detecting the discontinuity in the perimeter, the sensing circuit can initiate, from a response device, a response signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a video image having multiple focal lengths includes a multi-focal lens system and a drive mechanism capable of moving the multi-focal lens system through a cyclic path. A plurality of optical images are formed as the multi-focal lens system moves through the cyclic path. An image pickup device is capable of converting each of the plurality of optical images into a corresponding image signal. An image processor is operative to preferably form a composite image signal wherein individual elements of the optical images are selected to provide preferred focus characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a video image having multiple focal lengths includes a multi-focal lens system and a drive mechanism capable of moving the multi-focal lens system through a cyclic path. A plurality of optical images are formed as the multi-focal lens system moves through the cyclic path. An image pickup device is capable of converting each of the plurality of optical images into a corresponding image signal. An image processor is operative to preferably form a composite image signal wherein individual elements of the optical images are selected to provide preferred focus characteristics.

Abstract: A dielectric substrate having an embedded inductor wherein each turn of the inductor traverses several layers such that the top and bottom of each turn of the inductor are parallel to each other but are in different layers and the sides of each turn of the inductor traverse at least one layer to connect the top and bottom of the inductor.

Abstract: A dielectric substrate having an embedded inductor wherein each turn of the inductor traverses several layers such that the top and bottom of each turn of the inductor are parallel to each other but are in different layers and the sides of each turn of the inductor traverse at least one layer to connect the top and bottom of the inductor.