Masked Data Sign Indicator Circuit Without Unmasking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for more reliable processors that can process masked data without performing unmasking operations, as existing processors often require unmasking to determine sign indicators, which can be inefficient and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A method and circuit that determine the sign indicator bit of a binary datum by processing masked data using additive masking, where the masked datum is processed without unmasking, utilizing conditions such as (H_M+CH_M*2n)≥(MH+2n-1) to determine the sign indicator bit, and calculating carry digits without unmasking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If unmasking operations are performed to determine sign indicators, then the sign indicator can be accurately determined, but the processing time increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (sign indicator and carry digit) from the masked data through mathematical operations on the masked representation itself, rather than extracting the full unmasked data. This allows determining the sign indicator by analyzing properties of the masked datum H_M and mask M without complete unmasking, thus maintaining accuracy while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the masked datum H_M and mask M as intermediaries to determine the sign indicator. Instead of directly unmasking to get the original datum, the method uses mathematical relationships between H_M, M, and the carry digit C_H to infer the sign indicator, thereby avoiding the reliability issues associated with unmasking operations.
2Loss of information
If unmasking operations are performed to process masked data, then complete data access is achieved, but processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the minimum necessary operations to extract the sign indicator and carry digit from masked data. Instead of fully unmasking the data, the method performs selective mathematical operations (addition, comparison) on the masked representation to obtain only the required information, thus maintaining data accessibility while significantly improving processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the masked data structure and mathematical relationships before any unmasking occurs. By pre-establishing the relationship between the masked datum, mask, carry digit, and sign indicator, the method enables direct determination of the sign indicator from masked data, eliminating the need for time-consuming unmasking operations.
3Productivity
If masked data is processed without unmasking, then processing efficiency improves, but the complexity of determining sign indicators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/unmasking-based approach with a mathematical/computational approach. Instead of physically unmasking data through complex operations, the method uses arithmetic operations (addition, multiplication by powers of 2) and logical comparisons on the masked representation, which can be implemented more efficiently in digital circuitry while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space by working directly with the masked datum H_M and mask M as the primary parameters, rather than transforming them back to the original datum. By establishing mathematical relationships in this transformed parameter space (using equations involving H_M, M, C_H, and powers of 2), the method simplifies the processing logic while maintaining efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a circuit and method for determining a sign indicator bit of a binary datum including a step for processing of the binary datum masked with a masking operation, and not including any processing step of the binary datum.