Cross-Domain Glitch Detection Circuit for Multi-Voltage Chip Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glitch detection circuits are limited to operating within a single voltage domain and cannot reliably translate signals from a 'voltage glitched' domain to other domains, making it difficult to detect and respond to power supply glitches across different voltage domains in integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A cross-domain glitch detection system using a supply power glitch detection circuit in a first power domain and a ratioed inverter in a second power domain, allowing the detection of power glitches and asserting or de-asserting signals in other domains to alert them of the attack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional glitch detection circuits are used within a single voltage domain, then the circuit structure is simple, but the detection capability is limited and cannot translate signals across voltage domains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a level translator circuit as an intermediary component between different voltage domains. This level translator translates voltage levels from the first power domain to the second power domain, enabling the glitch detection signal to be communicated across domains. The level translator acts as a mediator that resolves the voltage domain incompatibility while maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The glitch detection system is segmented into separate voltage domain components: a first power domain with its own glitch detection circuit, a level translator for domain conversion, and a second power domain with independent logic blocks. This segmentation allows each domain to operate independently while maintaining detection capability across domains through the level translator interface.
2Reliability
If a cross-domain glitch detection system is implemented, then the detection coverage is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The level translator circuit serves multiple functions: it translates voltage levels between domains, preserves glitch signal integrity, and enables bidirectional communication capability. By making this component multi-functional, the overall system achieves reliable cross-domain detection without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component handles multiple critical tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The level translator acts as a mediator that isolates the two power domains while enabling signal transfer. This intermediary approach improves reliability by preventing glitch propagation between domains while still allowing detection, rather than directly coupling the domains which would increase complexity and potential failure points.
3Speed
If signal translation from voltage glitched domain is attempted, then the response capability is improved, but the signal reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The level translator is designed to translate voltage levels before the glitch signal becomes corrupted. By performing the voltage level conversion in advance, in the first power domain where the signal is still intact, the system maintains signal reliability while enabling fast response in the second power domain. This preliminary translation action prevents signal degradation during cross-domain transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the translated signal from the first power domain is monitored and used to control logic blocks in the second power domain. This feedback loop ensures that glitch detection information is reliably transmitted and acted upon, maintaining both response speed and signal reliability through continuous verification and control.
Data Source
AI summary
A glitch detection circuit includes a supply power glitch detection circuit in a first power domain and a ratioed inverter in a second power domain different than the first power domain. The glitch detection circuit may be used in a method to detect cross-power domain glitches.