Nanopyramid Optical Scrambler for IC Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical probing techniques such as PEM and LVP pose security concerns as they can be used to extract sensitive information from integrated circuits, and existing countermeasures require additional power and complex integration, limiting their effectiveness in passive modes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating nanopyramid structures within transistors to scramble optical measurements during attacks, which are fabricated using CMOS-compatible techniques, allowing for passive operation without additional power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective optical layers with LEDs and photon detectors are integrated into CMOS circuits, then security against backside probing attacks is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful optical reflection function from the transistor structure and replaces it with nanopyramid structures that perform the security function passively. The nanopyramids are integrated into the existing CMOS transistor layout without requiring separate protective layers, LEDs, or detectors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanopyramid structures provide passive optical scrambling without requiring external power or control signals. The structures inherently scatter incident light through their geometric shape, eliminating the need for active components like LEDs and detectors that would increase device complexity and power consumption.
2Reliability
If protective optical layers with LEDs and photon detectors are used, then security against backside probing attacks is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security function directly into the existing CMOS transistor manufacturing process by forming nanopyramid structures within the transistor architecture. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective optical layers and additional components like LEDs and detectors, thereby reducing manufacturing steps and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanopyramid structures serve multiple functions: they maintain the electrical functionality of the transistors while simultaneously providing passive optical scrambling for security. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate security components, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If active mode countermeasures with sensors are deployed, then detection of optical attacks is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using active sensors that consume power to detect attacks, the patent inverts the approach by using passive nanopyramid structures that inherently scramble optical signals. The security function is achieved through the geometric properties of the nanopyramids rather than through active detection, thereby eliminating power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanopyramid structures provide continuous passive optical scrambling without requiring external power or control signals. The structures inherently scatter incident light through their geometric shape, eliminating the need for active components that would consume power.
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 nanopyramid structures effectively diffuse and scatter light, making it difficult to extract accurate reflection signals, thereby enhancing the security of integrated circuits against backside probing attacks without the need for active power or complex integration.
Implementation Method 1
nanopyramid structures formed in the silicon film... effectively diffuse and scatter light, making it difficult to extract accurate reflection signals
Data Source
AI summary
A pyramid structure to mitigate optical probing attacks in ICs by scrambling the measurements reflected by a laser pulse is disclosed. The pyramid structure is applied to selected areas at the bottom surface of the metal traces in metal layer to circumvent the extra silicon layer and thus minimize the changes to the conventional device structures. The pyramid structure includes randomized pyramids at nanometer scale. Optical simulation results show the pyramidized metal surface is able to prevent optical probing attacks. The fabrication of pyramids is CMOS compatible as well. Optical simulations are performed to analyze the impact these nano-scaled pyramids in a laser voltage probing attacking model. The nanopyramid can disturb the optical measurements enough to make the attacks practically infeasible. In addition, the nanopyramid structure countermeasure works in a passive mode without consuming any energy.