Dual Protective Layers for IC Physical Attack Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit security devices are complex to implement, provide protection only from one side of the chip, and are ineffective against both side-channel and fault attacks, particularly from both sides of the chip.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit device with protective layers on both sides of the chip, acting as physical obstacles to block radiation and electromagnetic interference, combined with a detection circuit to trigger electronic countermeasures upon physical attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryptographic algorithms are used to protect secret information, then mathematical security is provided, but the implementation becomes vulnerable to side-channel attacks and fault attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively detecting potential attacks before they can compromise secret information. Detection circuits continuously monitor for side-channel attack patterns and fault injection attempts, triggering countermeasures in advance to prevent information leakage. This shifts from reactive to proactive security, addressing the vulnerability of cryptographic implementations to physical attacks.
2Reliability
If physical protection layers are added to prevent access to secret information, then protection against physical attacks is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges physical protection layers with electronic detection and countermeasure functions into an integrated security system. The protective structure is combined with monitoring circuits that detect attacks and trigger responses, eliminating the need for separate complex protection mechanisms. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining robust physical and electronic security.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If detection circuits are implemented to monitor physical attacks, then detection capability is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuits are designed to leverage existing circuit operations and power infrastructure, making the monitoring system self-sustaining without requiring additional external power sources. The security monitoring integrates with normal device operation, using existing signal paths and power rails to detect attacks, thereby minimizing additional energy consumption while maintaining continuous detection capability.
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
Provides comprehensive protection against both side-channel and fault attacks by preventing radiation-based intrusions and triggering countermeasures when physical attacks are detected, ensuring secure operation of the integrated circuit.
Implementation Method 1
two protective layers 30A, 30B acting as physical obstacles to prevent the passage of radiations
Implementation Method 2
The detection circuit 40 is configured to measure a capacitance between the two protective layers 30A, 30B
Implementation Method 3
The detection circuit 40 is configured to measure a difference of electrical resistance between the two protective layers 30A, 30B
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor substrate layer and at least one active layer including electronic components and supported by the semiconductor substrate layer. The semiconductor substrate layer and the at least one active layer are sandwiched between two protective layers acting as physical obstacles to prevent the passage of radiations. In addition, the two protective layers are electrically connected to a detection circuit that can monitor an electrical information of the protective layers and detect a physical attack of at least one of the two protective layers, based on the monitored electrical information.