IC Data Protection via Lockout Words and Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with non-volatile memory face challenges in securely protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and invasive probing, as encryption keys are often stored in memory and can be compromised if access is permitted.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of lockout words in non-volatile memory to prevent external access, combined with ring oscillator noise addition and metal shielding to protect sensitive signals, ensures secure data protection by locking out access during normal operations and shielding against invasive probing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If encryption keys are stored in non-volatile memory for data protection, then data security is improved, but the memory becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access and key compromise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidunauthorized access vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory space into protected and unprotected regions using lockout words. Specific memory locations containing encryption keys are isolated and protected from general read/write access, while other memory areas remain accessible. This segmentation allows the system to maintain data security in critical areas without sacrificing overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring lockout words in non-volatile memory during manufacturing or initialization. These lockout words establish access restrictions before the system operates, ensuring that encryption keys are protected from unauthorized access from the outset. The lockout mechanism is set up in advance rather than reactively responding to security threats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If lockout words are implemented in non-volatile memory to prevent external access, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess protectionVSAvoidmemory control structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic lockout mechanism that operates without continuous external control. The lockout words in non-volatile memory automatically prevent external read/write access to protected areas, and the system autonomously manages the locked state. This reduces the need for complex external control logic while maintaining strong access protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If metal shielding is added to shield sensitive signals from invasive probing, then signal security is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal protectionVSAvoidfabrication process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing metal shielding structures within existing memory device layers. The shielding is integrated into the multi-layer construction of the memory device, with conductive layers positioned between signal paths and external environments. This nested approach provides signal protection while utilizing the existing manufacturing infrastructure for layer deposition and patterning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If ring oscillator noise is added to protect sensitive signals, then resistance to invasive probing is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal obfuscationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using ring oscillators that generate noise signals at specific frequencies and time intervals. The oscillators are activated during critical operations when sensitive data is being accessed or transmitted, providing noise masking only when needed. This periodic activation reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous noise generation, while still maintaining effective protection during vulnerable periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution effectively locks out unauthorized access to sensitive data and shields against invasive manipulation, ensuring secure data protection through both indirect and direct means, even in the presence of errors or external interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

ring oscillator noise addition to protect sensitive signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNoise addition:

Implementation Method 2

metal shielding to protect sensitive signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS9202073B2Security measures for data protection

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC

AI summary

This document discusses, among other things, security measures for shielding or protecting data or sensitive signals on an integrated circuit (IC). The systems and methods disclosed herein can allow erasing sensitive data when access is not locked, locking out access to sensitive data during normal operations through both indirect and direct means, and shielding sensitive signals from invasive probing or manipulation.