Integrated Circuit Design Protection via Unique Identifier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for protecting integrated circuit designs are easily reverse-engineered, allowing unauthorized reproduction, as they rely on simple validity checks that can be disabled by attackers.
Innovation Solution
A unique identifier is generated using an intrinsic characteristic of the integrated circuit, integrated with the design or next state using error correction codes and EXCLUSIVE OR operations, and inverted based on the identifier value to prevent unauthorized operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple validity checks are used to protect integrated circuit designs, then the protection method is easy to implement, but the protection is easily reverse-engineered and disabled by attackers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a unique identifier as an intermediary element that mediates between the design functionality and protection requirements. The identifier is integrated into the design logic through XOR operations, creating a hidden dependency that prevents reverse engineering while maintaining ease of implementation through systematic integration methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to design protection by incorporating a unique identifier that exists in a separate dimension from the functional logic. This identifier is woven into the design through XOR operations, creating a multi-layered protection structure that is difficult to penetrate without compromising the functional dimension
2Reliability
If a unique identifier is integrated with the design using error correction codes and EXCLUSIVE OR operations, then protection against reverse engineering is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection mechanism with the existing design logic by integrating XOR operations and error correction codes directly into the functional pathways. This combination ensures that protection operations are performed concurrently with functional operations, avoiding separate protection circuits and minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The unique identifier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protection key, an error correction reference, and a design-specific dependency. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protection mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maximizing protection effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention relates to an integrated circuit that includes an identifier reader which may be, e.g., a physically unclonable function reader that generates a unique and reproducible identifier for the integrated circuit, and a related method. An error correction code may be employed to correct an error in the value of the reproducible identifier. Values of signals in the integrated circuit are selectively inverted dependent on values of the reproducible identifier, and an error corrector uses the values of the reproducible identifier to restore the values of the signals. The signals may be produced as outputs of look-up tables that selectively invert the values of the signals dependent on the value of the reproducible identifier. The signals may be inputs to the integrated circuit, internal signals, outputs, or state data. A test may validate a state of the integrated circuit and disable operation if the test fails.