Charge Storage Circuitry for Side Channel Attack Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic circuitry is vulnerable to side channel attacks, which aim to extract information by analyzing changes in physical parameters such as power or energy consumption, posing a risk to security and safety-critical functions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a charge storage circuitry that provides isolated power to protected circuitry using a network of capacitors and switches, decoupling the local power supply from the global power supply to obscure variations in voltage, current, or power consumption, thereby reducing the visibility of processing activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protected circuitry is directly connected to global power supply, then power distribution is simple and efficient, but power consumption variations reveal processing activities to side channel attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces charge storage circuitry as an intermediary between the global power supply and protected circuitry. This intermediary decouples the direct connection, allowing power to be transferred through stored charge rather than direct conductive paths, thereby masking power consumption variations and preventing side channel attacks while maintaining power distribution functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple independent charge storage circuits, each capable of isolating specific portions of the protected circuitry from the global power supply. This segmentation allows selective isolation of vulnerable circuits while maintaining power supply to non-sensitive portions, balancing security requirements with system functionality
2Reliability
If charge storage circuitry is used to isolate power supply, then side channel attack vulnerability is reduced, but power distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple charge storage circuits are merged into a coordinated system where they collectively provide isolation for the entire protected circuitry block. The circuits work in unison under centralized control, sharing common control signals and coordination mechanisms, which reduces the overall complexity compared to implementing separate isolation circuits for each individual circuit element
Solution Approach 2:
The charge storage circuitry serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a power buffer, an isolation barrier, and a control element. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional component, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving security goals
3Reliability
If multiple charge storage circuits are used to provide isolated power, then power isolation effectiveness is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge storage circuits are configured with asymmetric roles where certain circuits are dedicated to charging phases while others are dedicated to discharging phases. This asymmetric allocation optimizes the isolation effectiveness by ensuring that at least one circuit is always in a state that provides isolation, while the other circuits perform complementary functions, thereby achieving enhanced isolation without proportionally increasing complexity
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 solution effectively reduces the vulnerability of protected circuitry to side channel attacks by masking power consumption patterns, ensuring that the protected circuitry operates with a constant power level and minimizing exposure of power variations on global supply lines.
Implementation Method 1
A first of the plurality of charge stores is capable of receiving power from the power input, and a second of the plurality of charge stores is capable of outputting power to the power output
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Power is received from a first power signal at a first of a plurality of charge stores. A second power signal is output from a second of the plurality of charge stores. The second power signal is isolated from the first power supply.