Dual Rail Data Bus Manipulation Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security measures for integrated circuits, such as smart cards, are inadequate in detecting manipulation attempts, particularly radiation attacks, due to limited sensor sensitivity and high costs associated with complex analog circuits, which are not optimal for mass-produced articles.
Innovation Solution
A circuit arrangement with a detector circuit that outputs an alarm signal upon identical logic states on complementary data lines, exploiting the physical effect of ionizing radiation on reverse-biased pn junctions to increase detection probability, and using digital circuits sensitive to radiation effects, reducing energy conversion and access times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex analog circuits are used for radiation detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog radiation detection circuits with a digital evaluation circuit that processes signals from simplified sensors. The digital circuit evaluates sensor outputs and determines radiation events through logical operations rather than analog signal processing, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple identical sensor elements that can be mass-produced using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. These sensors are replicated across the chip, allowing for high-volume manufacturing at low cost while providing sufficient detection coverage through the collective output of multiple sensors.
2Reliability
If conventional security measures are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but detection capability against radiation attacks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into separate components: simple sensor elements that convert radiation events to electrical signals, and a digital evaluation circuit that processes these signals. This segmentation allows the sensors to remain simple and easy to manufacture, while the complexity of radiation pattern recognition is handled by the digital evaluation logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor elements are designed to automatically convert radiation-induced charge events into electrical signals without requiring complex external processing. The sensors self-generate usable signals that can be directly evaluated by digital circuits, eliminating the need for complex analog signal conditioning and amplification stages.
3Measurement precision
If analog circuits are used for radiation detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive analog signal processing circuits with low-power digital evaluation circuits. Digital logic operations consume significantly less power than analog amplification and signal conditioning, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while reducing overall energy consumption of the radiation detection system.
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
Enhances detection sensitivity and reduces energy conversion, allowing for efficient operation with shorter access times and lower voltage differences without the need for expensive analog circuits, effectively addressing radiation attacks and maintaining security without increasing costs.
Implementation Method 1
This exploits the physical effect that, in the case of reverse-biased pn junctions, a charge separation and, as a result, a short circuit are effected if an ionizing radiation, that is to say a radiation that generates electron-hole pairs, such as photons or alpha-particles acts on the pn junction.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit arrangement having complementary data lines of a dual rail data bus, wherein in a regular operating phase the complementary data lines carry complementary signals, and in a precharge phase the complementary data lines assume an identical logic state or the same electrical potential. The circuit arrangement also has a device for detecting manipulation attempts, the device having a detector circuit, which outputs an alarm signal upon the occurrence of an identical logic state on both data lines in the regular operating phase.