IC Security Ring Layout for Physical Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits (ICs) are vulnerable to physical attacks that can compromise data security and enable reverse engineering, necessitating effective protection against such tampering.
Innovation Solution
A security ring architecture for ICs, comprising a first die with functional circuitry surrounded by a first security ring and a second die with protection circuitry enclosed by a second security ring, which communicates to detect tampering and initiate remedial actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional IC design without security rings is used, then device complexity is low and manufacturing is simple, but the IC is vulnerable to physical attacks and data security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The IC device is segmented into multiple functional components: functional circuitry, protection circuitry, first security ring, and second security ring. Each component has a specific function, with the security rings forming protective boundaries around the critical inner regions, enabling modular design that improves security without requiring complete redesign of the entire IC
Solution Approach 2:
The security rings are nested around the inner regions containing functional and protection circuitry. The first security ring surrounds the functional circuitry, while the second security ring surrounds the protection circuitry, creating concentric protective layers that protect critical components from physical tampering attacks
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If security rings with probing signals are added to detect tampering, then physical attack detection capability improves, but device complexity and signal routing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second security ring acts as an intermediary between the first security ring and the protection circuitry. It receives probing signals from the first security ring, forwards them to the protection circuitry for analysis, and returns responses, thereby enabling tamper detection without requiring direct complex signal routing between all components
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through probing signals that travel from the first security ring through the second security ring to the protection circuitry and back. The protection circuitry analyzes the probing responses to determine physical status, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that enables continuous monitoring of physical integrity
3Reliability
If multiple security rings and protection circuitry are implemented, then reliability against physical attacks improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the security function into separate rings and protection circuitry modules, each component can be manufactured and tested independently before integration, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a monolithic security design
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein describe a security ring for integrated circuit. In an example, a first die includes functional circuitry within an inner region, and a first security ring surrounding the functional circuitry. A second die includes protection circuitry (e.g., tamper detection circuitry) within an inner region, and a second security ring surrounding the protection circuitry. The first security ring sends probing signals to the protection circuitry via the second security ring, receives probing responses from the protection circuitry via the second security ring, determines a physical status of the protection circuitry based on the probing responses, and initiates a remedial action if the physical status of the protection circuitry indicates physical tampering of the protection circuitry.