Anomaly Detection in Integrated Circuits Using Pulse Width Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for detecting malicious modifications, such as Trojans, in integrated circuits (ICs) are not comprehensive enough to address the broad variety of threats and require reliance on trustworthy design and manufacturing processes, which can be unreliable due to global production and varying IC complexities.
Innovation Solution
A fully digital technique using pulse width characterization and re-configurability to detect anomalies in ICs like FPGAs and ASICs, leveraging existing digital logic to propagate pulses of varying widths and detect differences in capacitive loading, logic gate modifications, and circuit aging without requiring golden references.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current techniques for detecting malicious modifications are used, then detection capability is provided, but detection sensitivity and comprehensiveness are insufficient to address the broad variety of threats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IC into multiple paths and uses multiple pulse generators and detectors to test different segments independently. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of various threat types by testing each path separately, improving both detection sensitivity and versatility against different malicious modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pulse width parameter to vary detection sensitivity. By using pulses of different widths, the system can detect different types of anomalies - narrower pulses detect capacitive loading changes while wider pulses detect logic gate modifications, thereby addressing a broad variety of threats with enhanced sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If additional circuitry is added to enhance detection capability, then anomaly detection sensitivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing digital logic elements serve multiple functions - they act as both functional circuitry and test components. The pulse generators use existing logic gates, and the detectors use existing digital circuits, eliminating the need for additional dedicated test circuitry while maintaining high detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The IC tests itself by using its own existing digital logic resources as pulse generators, pulse detectors, and signal paths. This self-service approach enables comprehensive anomaly detection without requiring external test equipment or additional circuitry, maintaining simplicity while improving detection sensitivity.
3Measurement precision
If golden references are used for comparison, then detection accuracy improves, but reliability decreases due to potential compromise of reference standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces statistical analysis as an intermediary between the measured path characteristics and the anomaly detection decision. Instead of directly comparing to potentially compromised golden references, the system uses statistical methods to determine if measured values fall within expected ranges, providing reliable detection without trusting external reference standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of path characteristics (pulse width, delay, capacitive loading) under normal operating conditions to establish baseline statistical parameters. This preliminary action creates internal reference data that is more reliable than external golden references, enabling accurate anomaly detection without compromising trustworthiness.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer readable medium described herein relate to techniques for characterizing and/or anomaly detection in integrated circuits such as, but not limited to, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In one example aspect of certain example embodiments, a fully digital technique relies on the pulse width of signals propagated through a path under test. In another example aspect, the re-configurability of the integrated circuit is leveraged to combine the pulse propagation technique with a delay characterization technique to yield better detection of certain type of Trojans and the like. Another example aspect provides for running the test through reconfigurable path segments in order to isolate and identify anomalous circuit elements. Yet another example aspect provides for performing the characterization and anomaly detection without requiring golden references and the like.