Semiconductor Memory Random Converter Power Attack Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor memory devices are vulnerable to power attacks, where data can be accessed unauthorizedly by analyzing power consumption patterns during write operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a random converter that randomizes data written to the memory unit by performing logical operations with generated random numbers, managed using flag information to alter power consumption curves and protect against unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is written directly to the memory unit without randomization, then the write operation is simple and fast, but the device is vulnerable to power attacks where data can be accessed by analyzing power consumption patterns
Solution Approach 1:
A random converter is introduced as an intermediary component between the CPU and memory unit. This converter receives data from the CPU, applies randomization through logical operations with stored random numbers, and then writes the randomized data to the memory unit. The random converter manages random numbers and address information separately, allowing the memory to store randomized data while maintaining the ability to retrieve original data through reverse randomization during read operations.
2Reliability
If randomization is applied to all data writes, then power attack resistance is improved, but the time and computational resources required for data processing increase
Solution Approach 1:
Random numbers are generated and stored in advance in the random converter before actual data writing occurs. The random converter maintains a pool of pre-generated random numbers and corresponding address information, so that when data needs to be written, the randomization process can proceed quickly using these pre-prepared random numbers rather than generating them on-the-fly during each write operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a random converter is introduced to randomize data, then power consumption patterns are altered to prevent power attacks, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The random converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a random number generator, a randomization engine for write operations, and a reverse randomization engine for read operations. By consolidating these functions into a single component that manages both random numbers and address information, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor memory device according to some embodiments includes a random converter that receives data and address information including a start address value and an end address value of the address from a central processing unit (CPU), generates and stores at least one random number for each address value from the start address value to the end address value, performs a logical operation on the random number and the data corresponding to the address, and responsively generates randomized data to be stored in memory. Accordingly, the semiconductor memory device randomizes a power consumption signature that can occur when data is stored, thereby writing and reading data in a manner that is resistant to a power attack.