Camouflaged Memory Cell Authentication for Chip Output Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the semiconductor industry, fabless companies that specialize in semiconductor design lack control over the number of semiconductors manufactured, as they outsource fabrication and may receive more chips than ordered.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of hardware metering technology using a memory-type camouflaged cell, where a key is hidden in a camouflaged memory cell and a controller manages power supply based on authentication of the key, allowing fabless companies to control the number of manufactured semiconductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fabless companies outsource semiconductor fabrication to fabrication plants, then production capacity and specialization are improved, but control over the number of manufactured semiconductors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a unique identifier (UID) and authentication logic into the semiconductor device during fabrication. This preliminary action enables the fabless company to control and track manufactured devices later through authentication mechanisms, resolving the loss of control while maintaining outsourcing benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an authentication system where the semiconductor device provides feedback about its manufacturing status and quantity through the embedded UID. This feedback mechanism allows the fabless company to monitor and control the number of manufactured devices even when outsourcing fabrication
2Ease of operation
If hardware metering technology is implemented using traditional methods, then control over semiconductor production is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hardware metering functionality with the existing semiconductor device structure by embedding the UID within the device's memory or logic cells. This integration approach achieves production control without adding separate complex metering systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal memory cells or logic cells that can serve both as functional components of the semiconductor device and as storage for the UID. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating dedicated metering hardware
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for hardware metering using a memory-type camouflaged cell. The apparatus includes memory including at least one camouflaged memory cell in which a key is hidden by a designer in advance and a controller for controlling whether to block the supply of power to the memory. The controller may perform reading a key from a corresponding key location in the multiple memory cells of the memory based on key location information stored in the controller when a key is input from the outside, determining whether the key input from the outside is the same as the key read from the memory, setting an authentic flag based on the determination result, and performing control based on the set authentic flag such that the memory operates normally or the supply of power is blocked.