Vulnerability Evaluation in Circuit Layouts Using Fault Interceptors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting faults in integrated circuits are excessively costly and time-consuming, particularly during the pre-silicon design phase, as they require iterative full tape-out cycles to address security vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
A computerized mechanism is introduced that incorporates fault interceptors into the circuit layout, virtually induces faults by modeling physical phenomena such as laser beams or electromagnetic irradiation, and evaluates vulnerability by detecting timing violations, allowing for early detection and mitigation of faults before they cause harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fault detection methods are used in integrated circuits, then fault detection capability is provided, but the process becomes excessively expensive and time-consuming requiring iterative full tape-out cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating interceptors into the circuit layout before final fabrication, allowing faults to be detected in the design phase rather than after manufacturing. This enables vulnerability evaluation to be performed virtually on the layout, eliminating the need for expensive iterative tape-out cycles and significantly reducing time to market while maintaining reliable fault detection.
2Reliability
If traditional fault detection methods are used in integrated circuits, then fault detection capability is provided, but the process becomes excessively expensive requiring iterative full tape-out cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a virtual copy of the circuit layout that includes interceptors, allowing fault simulation and detection to be performed computationally rather than through physical manufacturing iterations. This virtual modeling approach eliminates the need for expensive full tape-out cycles while maintaining comprehensive fault detection capability, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
3Measurement precision
If interceptors are incorporated into the layout for vulnerability evaluation, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but the layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing interceptors at specific strategic positions within the circuit layout rather than uniformly throughout. These interceptors are positioned to monitor critical paths and potential vulnerability points, providing enhanced fault detection accuracy at key locations while minimizing the overall complexity increase compared to distributing interceptors throughout the entire circuit.
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 the development of fault-tolerant electronic circuitry that intercepts intrusions effectively, reducing the likelihood of harmful faults and increasing the reliability of the circuitry, thereby reducing the costs and time associated with fault detection and correction.
Implementation Method 1
The physical phenomenon is a virtual laser beam having an intensity represented by a time factor and a diameter according which the layout is divided into partitions of cells and nets
Implementation Method 2
The physical phenomenon is a modeled electromagnetic irradiation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
There is provided a computerized mechanism for vulnerability evaluation in a layout having circuitry units as interceptors, comprising receiving a layout with interceptors incorporated therein at prearranged positions, virtually inducing faults in the layout by modeling a physical phenomenon that affects timings in the layout, detecting timing violations in the layout responsive to the induced faults based on discrepancies between the timings and provided specifications thereof determining vulnerability of the layout to faults according to detected faults, and wherein the method is performed on an at least one computerized apparatus configured to perform the method.