Homomorphic Encryption for Secure Digital Circuit Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for secure digital circuit emulation methods that protect sensitive data represented in hardware design languages from reverse engineering by third parties and cybersecurity attackers, as existing technologies fail to ensure secure processing and operational security.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for digital circuit emulation using homomorphic encryption, which converts digital circuit representations in hardware design language files into encrypted forms, allowing secure execution with encrypted inputs and outputs, preventing reverse engineering through the use of a hardware design tool chain and an encrypted circuit emulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If digital circuit representation is processed in plaintext for emulation, then emulation execution speed is improved, but security against reverse engineering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces homomorphic encryption as an intermediary mechanism that allows the emulation system to process encrypted data directly without decryption. The encrypted circuit representation and encrypted inputs are processed through specially designed encrypted logic gates, producing encrypted outputs that maintain security while enabling functional emulation. This mediator (homomorphic encryption scheme) bridges the gap between security requirements and execution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the encryption parameter from a static state (encrypted at rest) to a dynamic state (encrypted during computation). By implementing homomorphic encryption, the system changes the parameter of data encryption status throughout the emulation process, allowing computations to be performed on encrypted data and producing correct encrypted results without ever exposing plaintext during execution.
2Reliability
If digital circuit representation is encrypted for security, then security against reverse engineering is improved, but emulation execution capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encryption approach by creating specialized encrypted logic gates for different logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, etc.). Each encrypted gate type is designed to handle specific operations on encrypted data, allowing the emulation system to process complex circuits by composing these segmented encrypted operations. This segmentation enables execution capability while maintaining encryption throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional decryption-then-execution mechanics with homomorphic encryption mechanics. Instead of decrypting the circuit representation and inputs before processing, the system substitutes this with direct encrypted computation using homomorphic properties. This substitution eliminates the security vulnerability of plaintext processing while maintaining full emulation functionality.
3Speed
If traditional emulation methods are used, then processing speed is improved, but protection against cybersecurity threats deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary encryption action to the circuit representation and inputs before emulation processing begins. By encrypting the data in advance using homomorphic encryption and designing the emulation system to work directly with encrypted data, the system prevents cybersecurity threats from accessing sensitive information during processing. This preliminary protective action maintains processing speed while eliminating security vulnerabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for digital circuit emulation with homomorphic encryption include: receiving, by a hardware design tool chain, a customization file containing a predetermined set of one or more cells; converting, by the hardware design tool chain, a first digital circuit representation in a set of hardware design language (HDL) files into a second digital circuit representation based on the predetermined set of cells in the customization file; receiving, by an encrypted circuit emulator, a set of encrypted inputs; and executing, by the encrypted circuit emulator, the second digital circuit representation using the set of encrypted inputs to generate a set of encrypted outputs.