Integrated Circuit Anti-Cloning via Function Lock Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuits lack an anti-clone function, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting, as cloned ICs can perform all functionalities identically to genuine ones, resulting in significant losses for manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a function lock circuit with a random number source, entanglement circuit, and memory to generate and store unlocking codes, ensuring the IC can only function correctly when enabled with a command signal, thereby preventing unauthorized cloning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional IC design is used, then the IC can be manufactured with micro-volume, power efficiency, and high performance, but the IC lacks anti-clone function and can be completely counterfeited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the IC into two independent parts: a core circuit that performs the main function and a function lock circuit that provides security. The function lock circuit includes a random number source, entanglement circuit, and memory, which are segmented separately from the core circuit. This segmentation allows the security function to be added without redesigning the entire IC architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an entanglement circuit as an intermediary between the random number source and the core circuit. The entanglement circuit generates unlocking codes based on random numbers and stores them in memory, acting as a mediator that controls the functionality of the core circuit without being part of its main logic.
2Reliability
If the IC enters a locking condition by default, then counterfeiting is prevented, but the IC cannot function without a command signal to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The IC is designed to automatically enter a locking condition upon initialization, before any function execution occurs. The function lock circuit is pre-configured with a random number source and memory structure that enables it to lock the core circuit by default. This preliminary locking action ensures security is established before the IC is put into service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the function lock circuit continuously monitors the state of the core circuit and adjusts the locking status accordingly. When a valid unlocking code is generated through the entanglement circuit, the feedback mechanism transitions the system from locked to unlocked state, allowing controlled operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a core circuit and a function lock circuit. The core circuit includes at least one function block circuit. The function lock circuit is coupled to the core circuit. The function lock circuit includes a random number source, an entanglement circuit, and a memory. The random number source is configured to generate a random code. The entanglement circuit is coupled to the random number source and the core circuit and configured to generate an unlocking code according to the random code and a command signal. The memory is coupled to the entanglement circuit and configured to store the unlocking code. The at least one function block circuit of the core circuit is determined to be locked/unlocked according to a presence of the unlocking code.