Auxiliary Logic Circuit for Randomized Current Consumption Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for masking current consumption in integrated circuits are either costly, complex, or ineffective in isolating the current consumption of logic circuits from other components, and existing methods require doubling the number of logic gates or using numerous components.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary circuit within the integrated circuit that includes capacitors and switches controlled by a random-signal generator to modify current consumption profiles, allowing for attenuation, increase, or diversion of current, depending on a random criterion, thereby masking the current consumption of logic circuits without affecting other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-rail technique is used to mask current consumption, then current consumption is smoothed, but the number of logic gates must be doubled and real estate cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the current consumption masking function into separate segments: the original logic circuit remains unchanged, and an independent auxiliary circuit is added specifically for masking purposes. This segmentation allows the masking function to be isolated from the functional logic, avoiding the need to double the entire logic gate structure while still achieving current consumption smoothing.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary circuit acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the logic circuit, inserting a mediating structure that smooths current consumption without requiring modifications to the logic gates themselves. This intermediary approach allows current masking while preserving the original logic circuit integrity.
2Reliability
If existing masking solutions are implemented, then current consumption is masked, but the solutions are complex and require many components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the current consumption masking function from the main logic circuit structure, placing it in a separate auxiliary circuit. This extraction allows the masking function to be implemented with minimal components independent of the logic circuit complexity, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining masking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary circuit changes the current consumption parameters by adding controlled current paths that smooth the overall current draw. By modifying current parameters through the auxiliary circuit rather than restructuring the logic gates, the solution achieves masking with fewer components.
3Reliability
If conventional current masking methods are used, then current consumption is smoothed, but they cannot isolate logic circuit consumption from other components
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary circuit is specifically designed to be connected only to the logic circuit's power supply path, creating a localized current smoothing effect that isolates the logic circuit's consumption characteristics from other components. This local quality approach allows selective masking of only the logic circuit consumption without affecting or being affected by other circuit components.
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
The solution effectively masks current consumption of logic circuits, making it difficult to analyze, and is implemented using simple circuits and conventional fabrication processes, enhancing the random nature of current consumption profiles.
Implementation Method 1
An auxiliary circuit within the integrated circuit that includes capacitors and switches controlled by a random-signal generator to modify current consumption profiles
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a circuit includes a supply terminal, a reference terminal, a logic circuit coupled between the supply terminal and the reference terminal, and an auxiliary circuit coupled to the logic circuit. The auxiliary circuit includes a plurality of switches configured to be controlled to produce random criterions. Each random criterion causes, on each transition of an output signal of the logic, an attenuation of a current flowing between a supply terminal of the circuit and a reference terminal of the circuit; or an increase of the current flowing between the supply terminal of the circuit and the reference terminal of the circuit; or an additional current flowing through the logic circuit on a current path not passing through the supply terminal; or no change in the current flowing between the supply terminal of the circuit and the reference terminal of the circuit.