Current-Mirror Power Supply for Side-Channel Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic circuit power supply devices are vulnerable to attacks where attackers measure current variations to deduce confidential information, compromising the security of data stored or processed in these circuits.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system that uses a current mirror configuration with transistors and operational amplifiers to regulate the voltage and current, ensuring that the current consumed by the electronic circuit remains constant, making it difficult for attackers to extract confidential information from current variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional power supply device is used to deliver stable voltage to the electronic circuit, then the voltage regulation function is achieved, but the current consumption varies with circuit operation enabling attackers to extract confidential information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful current variations that leak confidential information into a beneficial feature by using a current mirror to create an identical current flow in a separate branch. This mirrored current is then compensated by adding a constant current source, transforming the problematic variable current into a stable total current consumption that protects confidential data while maintaining proper voltage regulation.
2Loss of information
If the current consumption is made constant to protect against attacks, then data security is improved, but the ability to regulate voltage according to circuit needs is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current path into multiple independent branches: one branch contains the electronic circuit under test, another branch contains the current mirror, and a third branch provides constant current compensation. This segmentation allows the voltage regulation function to operate normally in one branch while the other branches collectively maintain constant total current consumption for security purposes.
3Loss of information
If a current mirror configuration is added to achieve constant current consumption, then data protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current mirror configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it replicates the variable current from the electronic circuit branch, provides a pathway for current compensation, and enables the constant current consumption required for security. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device 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
The system effectively protects the electronic circuit against attacks by maintaining a constant current consumption, reducing the risk of data compromise and providing stable voltage supply, thus enhancing security and operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
flow a third current through a second conductor connected to the node, a first branch of a current mirror conducting the third current; consume a fifth current which is an image of the third current
Implementation Method 2
regulate a potential of the node by acting on a gate potential of a transistor electrically in series with a second branch of the current mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment electronic circuit power supply device is configured to: flow, through a first conductor connected to a node, a first current that is an image of a second current consumed by the electronic circuit; flow a third current through a second conductor connected to the node; regulate a potential of the node to a constant value by acting on the third current; flow a fourth constant current through a third conductor connected to the node; and consume a fifth current that is an image of the third current.