Multi-Module IC Power Smoothing via Aggregated Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits with multiple secure modules are vulnerable to Simple Power Analysis (SPA) attacks, which exploit variations in power consumption to determine operational activities, and existing protection methods like shunt regulators are not effective for multiple modules.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a voltage regulator that generates a module auxiliary current for each module, with a main current source delivering a stage current that is higher than the sum of maximum module auxiliary currents, and an intermediate current multiplied by a factor to smooth power consumption, making it difficult to detect variations in module currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shunt regulators are used to protect against SPA attacks, then power consumption smoothing is achieved for single modules, but the solution is not suitable for multiple modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple module auxiliary currents into a single aggregated current that is then smoothed by a common current source. Instead of treating each module separately with individual shunt regulators, the invention merges the protection mechanism at the aggregate level, making it suitable for multiple modules while maintaining SPA attack resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The current source stage is designed to handle multiple different configurations of module currents simultaneously. It can accommodate varying numbers of active modules, different current magnitudes, and dynamic activation patterns, providing a universal protection solution that works across diverse multi-module scenarios.
2Reliability
If a main current source supplies a current higher than the sum of maximum module auxiliary currents, then power consumption is smoothed, but the overall smoothed power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of current magnitude dynamically. The main current source adjusts its output based on the actual needs of active modules rather than constantly supplying the maximum possible current. This parameter adjustment allows smoothing of power consumption while reducing the average energy consumption compared to always maintaining maximum current.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional activatable current sources are used, then current consumption variations increase making detection harder, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control through activatable current sources that can be switched on and off based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adaptively increase current consumption variations when needed to obscure module activities, while remaining simple when full obfuscation is not required. The dynamic nature provides flexibility without permanently increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for smoothing current consumed by an electronic device is based on a series of current copying operations and on a current source delivering a reference current. The reference current is delivered in such a manner that current consumed as seen from the power supply depends on the reference current.