Individual Security Circuits for Tamper-Resistant Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tamper-resistant electronic devices face challenges in maintaining security due to deterministic security circuit patterns, which can be predicted through localized analysis, and the availability of multiple devices allows for deducing the security circuit pattern over time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to manufacture electronic devices with individual security electric circuits having pseudo-random patterns, where each security electric circuit is configured differently and its electric characteristics are used to configure a monitoring circuit, making it difficult to predict the security circuit scheme.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If deterministic security circuit patterns are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but security level deteriorates because patterns can be predicted through localized analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of security circuit configuration from deterministic to pseudo-random patterns. Each security circuit is assigned a unique pseudo-random pattern that cannot be predicted from localized analysis, thereby improving security while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through automated pattern generation and assignment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different pseudo-random patterns to different local regions (security circuits) within the electronic device. Each security circuit has its own unique pattern characteristics, making local analysis insufficient for predicting the overall security scheme and preventing tampering through pattern deduction
2Productivity
If multiple devices are manufactured with identical security circuits, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but security deteriorates because patterns can be deduced over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by assigning unique pseudo-random pattern parameters to each security circuit instance. This allows mass production with high efficiency while ensuring that each device has distinct security characteristics that cannot be deduced from other devices, even when multiple devices are manufactured with identical functional structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the security circuit design into a standardized functional structure combined with unique pseudo-random pattern segments. This segmentation enables efficient manufacturing of identical functional components while incorporating individualized security patterns that prevent cross-device pattern deduction and enhance overall security
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If security circuits are made thin and arranged in low-pitch meshes, then detection difficulty is improved, but vulnerability increases due to shunting that insulates portions of the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the monitoring approach by measuring electrical characteristics (such as resistance) of the thin security circuits and comparing them against expected ranges for their specific pseudo-random patterns. This allows detection of shunting events that insulate circuit portions, as the electrical characteristics would deviate from the expected values for the unique pattern being monitored
Data Source
AI summary
Manufacturing a batch is provided which includes a plurality of items of an electronic device, the items including a plurality of corresponding main modules having a same functional structure substantially identical for the items. The method includes defining at least one security electric circuit, of an enclosure component for enclosing each item, adapted to protect the item from tampering, the security electric circuits having individual configurations substantially different among the items, for use in forming the security electric circuit with the corresponding configuration on each enclosure component. Additionally, the method includes determining one or more electric characteristics of each security electric circuit for use in configuring a monitoring circuit of the corresponding main module, the monitoring circuit being adapted to the corresponding security electric circuit for detecting the tampering, according to the electric characteristics of the corresponding security circuits.