Dual-Rail Storage Circuit for DEMA-Resistant Precharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security-relevant circuits are vulnerable to differential electromagnetic analysis (DEMA) attacks, and current solutions either increase processing speed significantly or require high automation and design complexity, making them inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A storage circuit design that includes an input stage, a storage stage, an output stage, and a control circuit, where the control circuit generates an activation signal based on the charge state of the output stage to store values efficiently, utilizing dual-rail logic with precharge states to mask data transitions and reduce emission profiles dependent on valid logic values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precharge states are implemented to resist DEMA attacks, then security against differential electromagnetic analysis is improved, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit automatically detects its own charge state through the control circuit monitoring the output stage, and self-regulates by generating activation signals to transition to precharge states without external control, making the security mechanism autonomous and efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit implements periodic precharging of line nodes between data transitions, creating regular intervals where nodes are brought to precharge states to mask electromagnetic emissions, thereby resisting DEMA attacks while maintaining operational efficiency
2Productivity
If efficient precharge control is implemented, then processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit receives feedback signals from the output stage indicating the charge state of line nodes, and uses this feedback to automatically generate appropriate activation signals for precharging, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes security without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit serves multiple functions: it monitors the charge state of output stage nodes, determines when precharging is needed, generates activation signals for precharge transistors, and coordinates the timing of precharge operations, consolidating complex control logic into a single multi-functional unit
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a description is given of a storage circuit including an input stage configured to provide a value to be stored, a storage stage configured to store the value to be stored, an output stage configured to output a value stored by the storage circuit, and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive a signal from the output stage, which signal indicates the charge state of the output stage, and, if the charge state of the output stage is equal to a predefined precharge state, to output an activation signal to the storage stage, and wherein the storage stage is configured to store the value to be stored, provided by the input stage, in reaction to the activation signal.