Personalized IC Circuits Using Encrypted Values to Prevent Cloning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face challenges in preventing unauthorized cloning of semiconductor integrated circuits, as existing solutions require multiple circuit designs and logistical complexities, and illegitimate devices can still function with unauthorized software.
Innovation Solution
Supplying generic circuits that can be personalized by device manufacturers using encrypted values, ensuring only correctly personalized circuits execute specific software, thereby preventing unauthorized use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different circuit design types are manufactured for each end device manufacturer to prevent cloning, then cloning prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity and distribution logistics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A single generic circuit design is manufactured that can be personalized for multiple different device manufacturers through encrypted personalization values. This universal circuit design performs the function of preventing cloning while supporting different software providers, eliminating the need to manufacture separate circuit designs for each manufacturer.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit is manufactured in a generic form with pre-configured decryption capability, and the personalization (encryption of the personalization value) is performed in advance by the authorized device manufacturer before distribution. This preliminary personalization action simplifies both manufacturing and distribution logistics.
2Device complexity
If generic circuits are supplied to multiple device manufacturers for personalization, then manufacturing and distribution complexity is reduced, but control over personalization process worsens
Solution Approach 1:
An encrypted personalization value acts as an intermediary that the device manufacturer generates and inputs into the generic circuit. This intermediary mechanism allows the device manufacturer to control personalization of their specific software while the circuit manufacturer maintains control over the generic circuit design and distribution.
3Reliability
If encrypted personalization values are used to maintain control, then security against unauthorized personalization is improved, but the personalization process complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical process of circuit personalization is replaced with a cryptographic system. Instead of physical circuit modifications or complex authorization procedures, the device manufacturer uses encryption algorithms to generate personalization values that automatically secure the circuit against unauthorized use. This substitution simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining high security.
Data Source
AI summary
A method distributes personalized circuits to one or more parties. The method distributes a generic circuit to each party, encrypts a unique personalization value using a secret encryption key, and transmits each encrypted personalization value to the corresponding party. Each party then stores the encrypted personalization value in their circuit. The stored encrypted personalization value allows a piece of software to be properly executed by the circuit. A semiconductor integrated circuit is arranged to execute a piece of software that inputs a personalization value as an input parameter. The circuit comprises a personalization memory arranged to store an encrypted personalization value; a key memory for storing a decryption key; a control unit comprising a cryptographic circuit arranged to decrypt the encrypted personalization value using the decryption key; and a processor arranged to receive the decrypted personalization value and execute the software using the decrypted personalization value.