A security system for electronic circuits (e.g. electronic circuits contained
within
a secure POS terminal) is provided that is both more tamper resistant, and tamper
responsive and less expensive than the prior art epoxy potting. This is achieved
by inserting an electrical connector between a first and a second circuit board
contained within a case of the POS terminal. The first and the second circuit boards
are any type of circuit board known in the art, including both not limited to,
rigid circuit boards, flexible circuit boards, printed circuit boards, etc. If
the case is opened the connector no longer provides an electrical connection between
the first and the second circuit boards, triggering a tamper detection circuit.
In some embodiments of the invention, a flexible conductive film is wrapped around
the circuit boards and the connector. If a tamperer attempts to penetrate the case
of the POS terminal to disable the tamper detection circuit, the circuit on the
flexible security film is interrupted, in turn triggering the tamper detection
circuit. As a result, the secure POS terminal of the present invention overcomes
the limitations of prior art potted terminals. By eliminating the potting process,
in fact, the cost of manufacturing the terminal is reduced and there is no need
for a special ventilation system. In addition, the circuitry within the terminal
can be accessed for repair and maintenance purposes.
