Acoustic Wave Chip Backside Attack Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
New techniques have made it possible to attack security chips from their backside, rendering traditional shielding methods ineffective or costly, necessitating efficient detection methods for backside attacks.
Innovation Solution
A chip design that includes an energy source, energy receiver, and determiner to monitor energy transmission parameters, such as acoustic wave properties, to detect changes indicating potential tampering, and prevent further functionality if anomalies are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shielding is employed for protection of the front side of a chip, then security is improved, but it is not suitable for backside protection and requires special and costly processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical shielding structures with acoustic wave-based detection. Instead of using physical barriers or shields that require complex processing, the invention uses acoustic waves propagating through the chip substrate to detect tampering. The acoustic wave generator and receiver monitor changes in wave propagation characteristics caused by substrate thinning or attacks, eliminating the need for complex mechanical shielding on the backside.
2Reliability
If traditional shielding methods are used for backside protection, then security is improved, but special and costly processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic wave detection for traditional mechanical shielding approaches. The acoustic wave generator emits waves through the substrate, and the receiver detects changes in propagation. This method provides backside security without requiring special processing steps or additional costly materials, as it utilizes the existing substrate structure and standard acoustic wave technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip substrate itself serves as the transmission medium for acoustic waves, eliminating the need for separate shielding structures. The existing substrate material and geometry are leveraged for the detection function, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while providing effective backside attack detection.
3Reliability
If acoustic wave detection is implemented, then backside attack detection is achieved, but additional components are added to the chip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the acoustic wave detection functionality with the existing chip substrate structure. The acoustic wave generator and receiver are integrated into the chip, using the substrate itself as the transmission medium. This integration approach minimizes additional components while achieving effective attack detection, as the substrate serves dual purposes: structural support and acoustic wave transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively detects backside attacks by comparing energy transmission behavior to predetermined values, allowing the chip to enter a secure state and prevent operation if anomalies are found, thus enhancing security without costly processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic wave source configured to emit an acoustic wave via the substrate... an acoustic wave receiver configured to receive the acoustic wave via the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a chip is described comprising a substrate; an energy source configured to provide energy to the substrate; an energy receiver configured to receive energy from the energy source via the substrate and a determiner configured to determine a value of a parameter of the energy transmission between the energy source and the energy receiver, to check whether the value matches a predetermined value of the parameter and to output a signal depending on the result of the check.