Hardware security module appliance
AssigneeEntrust Security UK Limited
InventorsDaniel Patrick EVES, Med TALLY, Giacomo ZANICHELLI
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hardware security module (HSM) appliance that include one or more HSM(s) is described. The HSM appliance provides improved cooling of HSM appliance components including the HSM(s), improved maintenance, and improved security. In an embodiment, the HSM(s) and a processor module that controls operation of the HSM(s) are positioned relative to one another whereby the HSM(s) and the processor module overlap one another. In another embodiment, cooling air ducting may cover the HSM(s) and the processor module, with the cooling air ducting directing cooling air over the HSM(s) and the processor module.
Claims20
A hardware security module appliance comprising:
- a housing defining an interior space;
- a hardware security module disposed in the interior space, the hardware security module having at least one cryptographic key stored thereon;
- a processor module disposed in the interior space, the processor module is in communication with the hardware security module and controls operation of the hardware security module;
- the hardware security module and the processor module are positioned relative to one another within the interior space whereby the hardware security module and the processor module overlap one another.
A hardware security module appliance comprising:
- a housing defining an interior space;
- a hardware security module disposed in the interior space, the hardware security module having at least one cryptographic key stored thereon;
- a processor module disposed in the interior space, the processor module is in communication with the hardware security module and controls operation of the hardware security module;
- a cooling system within the interior space;
- the cooling system includes cooling fans adjacent a first end panel of the housing that draw cooling air into the interior space, cooling air outlets in a second end panel of the housing opposite the first end panel through which cooling air drawn into the interior space exits the interior space, cooling air ducting that extends from the cooling fans to the cooling air outlets, and the cooling air ducting covers the hardware security module and the processor module and directs cooling air that is drawn into the interior space over the hardware security module and the processor module before the cooling air flows to the cooling air outlets.
A hardware security module appliance comprising:
- a housing defining an interior space;
- a hardware security module disposed in the interior space, the hardware security module having a plurality of cryptographic keys stored thereon;
- a processor module disposed in the interior space, the processor module is in communication with the hardware security module and controls operation of the hardware security module;
- a cooling system within the interior space;
- the cooling system includes cooling fans adjacent a first end panel of the housing that draw cooling air into the interior space, cooling air outlets in a second end panel of the housing opposite the first end panel through which cooling air drawn into the interior space exits the interior space, and cooling air ducting that distributes cooling air from the cooling fans within the interior space;
- and
- at least two of the following:
- a) the hardware security module and the processor module are positioned relative to one another within the interior space so that sides of the hardware security module and the processor module overlap one another;
- b) the cooling air ducting extends from the cooling fans to the cooling air outlets, and the cooling air ducting covers the hardware security module and the processor module and directs cooling air that is drawn into the interior space over the hardware security module and the processor module before the cooling air flows to the cooling air outlets;
- c) the cooling air ducting is configured whereby the cooling air flowing through the cooling air ducting is turned less than 90 degrees;
- and
- d) each cooling fan has a discharge axis, and the discharge axis of at least one of the cooling fans extends through the hardware security module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.