Maskable Memory Cell Block Segmentation for DPA Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory circuitry is vulnerable to differential power analysis (DPA) attacks, which threaten the security of confidential information, and current solutions require complex memory cells and high energy consumption to implement secure data transport.
Innovation Solution
The use of maskable memory cells with simplified access logic and reduced bit lines, where only logically valid mask signals are applied to accessed memory cells, allowing for efficient data retrieval while suppressing unnecessary information, thereby reducing the complexity and energy consumption of the read-out system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maskable memory cells are used to protect against DPA attacks, then security is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory array is divided into multiple blocks, each with its own mask bit line. Only the block containing the accessed memory cell receives a valid mask signal, while other blocks receive invalid mask signals. This segmentation allows security to be maintained locally without requiring complex masking logic across the entire memory array.
Solution Approach 2:
Valid mask signals are applied locally only to the specific memory block being accessed, rather than globally to all blocks. This local quality approach ensures that only the relevant memory cells are masked with proper security signals, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security where needed.
2Reliability
If maskable memory cells with full masking logic are implemented, then security against DPA attacks is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex masking logic is extracted from individual memory cells and replaced with simple block-level control. Each memory block has a single control transistor that gates the entire block based on the mask signal, eliminating the need for complex cell-level masking logic and significantly reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying full masking logic to all memory cells, the system applies masking only to the specific block being accessed. Other blocks receive invalid mask signals and remain inactive, consuming minimal energy. This partial action approach maintains security for accessed data while minimizing energy waste.
3Speed
If all bit lines are activated for memory access, then data retrieval speed is improved, but semiconductor area and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The memory array is segmented into multiple blocks along the bit line direction. During access, only the block containing the target memory cell is activated, while other blocks remain inactive. This segmentation allows fast access to the required data without activating the entire bit line network, reducing area and energy usage.
4Reliability
If complex access logic is used to manage mask signals, then security is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mask signal control is merged with the block selection logic. The same control circuitry that selects which memory block to access also controls the mask signal distribution to that block. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex access logic while maintaining security, as the block selection inherently determines which cells receive valid mask signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of masked memory cells organized in at least two groups, each group using an individual mask signal, is operated by providing a logically valid mask signal only for a selected group comprising the memory cell to be accessed while a logically invalid mask signal are used for all groups other than the selected group.