Encryption Power Regulator Random Switching Against Side-Channel Attacks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor devices are vulnerable to both power analysis and electromagnetic-field analysis attacks, with recent improvements in electromagnetic field probe sensitivity making it increasingly difficult to protect against electromagnetic-field analysis attacks.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor device incorporating a voltage generator with a series regulator and a shunt regulator, controlled by a controller that randomly switches the shunt regulator between ON and OFF states, to disrupt current and electromagnetic field patterns, thereby masking secret information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic field probe sensitivity is improved, then electromagnetic-field analysis attack capability is enhanced, but security against such attacks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic field probe sensitivityVSAvoidsecurity against electromagnetic-field analysis attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of improved probe sensitivity into a benefit by intentionally introducing controlled current variations through random switching. These variations create electromagnetic field patterns that appear as noise to probes, actually masking the subtle signatures that high-sensitivity probes would otherwise detect, thus turning the probe's sensitivity advantage against the attacker.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The random switching of the shunt regulator changes the electrical parameters (current, voltage, power consumption) during encryption operations. These parameter variations create corresponding electromagnetic field variations that mask the consistent patterns attackers seek, making it impossible for high-sensitivity probes to reliably extract secret information regardless of their measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the shunt regulator operates continuously to maintain current, then power consumption stability is improved, but side-channel information leakage increases due to predictable current patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption stabilityVSAvoidside-channel information leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The shunt regulator transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic random switching between ON and OFF states. This dynamic operation maintains average current stability for power analysis resistance while creating unpredictable instantaneous current patterns that eliminate consistent electromagnetic field signatures, preventing side-channel information leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller pre-determines the random switching sequence before encryption operations begin, establishing a known-good pattern of regulator activation. This preliminary action ensures that current stability is maintained during critical encryption moments while the random nature of the pre-planned sequence prevents predictable patterns from leaking information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250238047A1Semiconductor device, encryption device, and electronic appliance

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 SHARP SEMICON INNOVATION CORP TENRI CITY

AI summary

A semiconductor device supplies power to an encryption circuit. The semiconductor device comprises a voltage generator including a series regulator and a shunt regulator, and a controller configured to randomly switch the shunt regulator between an ON state and an OFF state.