Blockchain Test Data Authentication for Low-Storage In-System Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of securely transferring and processing large amounts of test data for in-system testing (IST) in complex ICs without consuming on-target device storage resources and preventing tampering, particularly in automotive and data center applications, where IC failures can pose safety and security risks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a scalable data structure using an ordered set of blocks, such as a blockchain, where each block includes a digest of the next block and is authenticated using cryptographic hashes and digital signatures, allowing the target device to process the data block-by-block while ensuring integrity and preventing tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If test data is stored on external storage and loaded at runtime, then on-target device storage resources are preserved, but security risks increase due to potential tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by computing cryptographic hashes of test data blocks and storing them in an ordered set (blockchain structure) before the actual test execution. This pre-computation and pre-storage of authentication data ensures that when test data is loaded at runtime from external storage, its integrity can be immediately verified without consuming on-target storage resources for the original test data, thus preventing tampering while preserving storage resources.
2Productivity
If large amounts of test data are transferred at high speed, then productivity increases, but data corruption risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by creating a verification mechanism where cryptographic hashes of test data blocks are computed and stored in an ordered set. During high-speed data transfer, the target device can verify each received block by computing its hash and comparing it with the stored hash in the blockchain structure. This continuous verification feedback ensures data integrity even during high-speed transfers, preventing corruption while maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If cryptographic authentication is performed on all test data, then security improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing test data into discrete blocks and creating an ordered set of blocks (blockchain) where each block contains a cryptographic hash of the next block. This segmentation allows the target device to verify only the authentication data (hashes) rather than processing the entire test data set, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining security. The actual test data can be processed in parallel without sequential cryptographic verification overhead.
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
This approach enables high-speed test data transfer without consuming on-target device storage, reduces security risks, and mitigates the risk of data corruption during authentication and use, while maintaining efficient processing and compliance with safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
A block generator is configured to form an ordered set of blocks... Each block can include a respective data block payload... The target device can authenticate each block
Implementation Method 2
authenticated using cryptographic hashes and digital signatures
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a memory and a processing device, operatively coupled to the memory, to perform operations including receiving, from a storage device, a data block of a blockchain, wherein the data block includes a data block payload comprising test data of an in-system test to be performed on a target device, which is external with respect to the storage device, determining whether the data block is valid by authenticating the data block, and in response to determining that the data block is valid, performing the in-system test on the target device by processing at least a portion of the test data extracted from the data block payload.