IC Metal Shield Antenna for Fault Injection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits are vulnerable to attacks such as probing and fault injection, particularly those using external electromagnetic radiation, which conventional methods struggle to protect against effectively, especially when faced with sophisticated double fault injection methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a metal shield in the integrated circuit's interconnection part, configured as a receiving antenna, to detect electromagnetic radiation by identifying signals greater than a threshold, with adjustable sensitivity through a variable resistor, and incorporating verification and protection means to prevent damage from overvoltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a metal shield is used to detect electromagnetic radiation for fault injection attacks, then detection capability is improved, but the shield may be damaged by overvoltages from intense electromagnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places protective diodes in parallel with the metal shield before exposure to electromagnetic fields. These diodes act as pre-positioned protection elements that clamp excessive voltages, preventing damage to the shield while allowing normal detection operations
Solution Approach 2:
The protective diodes serve as intermediary elements between the electromagnetic field and the metal shield. They absorb and redirect excessive energy away from the shield, mediating the interaction between the external field and the sensitive detection component
2Measurement precision
If the metal shield is configured as a receiving antenna for detection, then sensitivity to electromagnetic fields is improved, but the circuit becomes more susceptible to overvoltage damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of intense electromagnetic fields (which cause overvoltages) into a beneficial detection signal. By using the same metal shield structure for both detection and protection, the system leverages the electromagnetic interaction for sensing while using protective elements to prevent damage from the same interaction
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
Effectively protects integrated circuits against both probing and fault injection attacks by detecting electromagnetic fields indicative of fault injection, while ensuring the integrity of the shield and preventing damage from overvoltages, thereby enhancing security and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
detection via the metal shield of said electromagnetic radiation, the detection comprising a placement of the shield in a receiving antenna configuration and a detection of at least one signal greater than a threshold circulating in the shield
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Integrated electronic circuit comprising a protection device (DIS) comprising a metal shield (BCL) produced in its interconnection part (INT), and detection means (3) comprising the metal shield (BCL) and configured to detect a presence external electromagnetic radiation representative of a fault injection attack.