Pseudo-Random Signal Jamming for IC Side Channel Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits emit electromagnetic signals that can be analyzed to reveal their operations and data, posing a risk of side channel attacks, necessitating effective jamming of these signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using metal antennas above interconnect regions of integrated circuits to transmit pseudo-random electrical signals, independent of the circuit's logic, to obscure the overall electromagnetic emissions, thereby reducing the signal-to-noise ratio and making side channel analysis more difficult.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic signals are emitted by the integrated circuit during normal operation, then the circuit functions correctly, but the emitted signals can be analyzed to reveal operations and data (side channel attacks)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same electromagnetic emission mechanism that causes vulnerability to create a beneficial counteracting signal. By driving an antenna with a pseudo-random signal, the circuit generates a strong electromagnetic emission that deliberately masks the information-bearing emissions, converting the harmful emission property into a protective shielding mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by generating a masking electromagnetic signal before an attacker can analyze the circuit's operational emissions. The pseudo-random signal is continuously transmitted through the antenna to preemptively obscure any information that might be extracted from the circuit's normal electromagnetic emissions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a metal antenna with pseudo-random electrical signal is placed above the integrated circuit zone, then electromagnetic emissions are jammed and security is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by utilizing existing circuit elements for dual purposes. The metal interconnect tracks that originally served only as electrical connections are repurposed to form the antenna structure, and the same interconnect region serves both as a functional circuit element and as the jamming signal transmission medium
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the antenna structure with the existing metal interconnect tracks of the integrated circuit. Rather than adding a separate antenna component, the design combines the functional interconnect metallization with the antenna geometry, integrating the jamming function into the existing circuit layout
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pseudo-random electrical signal is transmitted through the antenna, then the signal-to-noise ratio decreases making analysis difficult, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting the pseudo-random masking signal only during specific operational conditions or for specific zones of the circuit that are most vulnerable to side-channel attacks. The signal can be selectively enabled or disabled based on the operational state, providing protection when needed while conserving energy during other periods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively jams electromagnetic signals, making it harder to deduce the operations performed by the integrated circuit, thereby enhancing its security against side channel analyses.
Implementation Method 1
passing through said at least one antenna an electrical signal having at least one pseudo-random property
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for jamming electromagnetic radiation liable to be emitted by at least one portion of an interconnect region located above at least one zone of an integrated electronic circuit produced in and on a semiconductor substrate. The device includes an antenna located above the at least one zone of the circuit and generating circuit coupled to the antenna and configured to generate an electrical signal having at least one pseudo-random property to pass through the antenna.