Power Distribution Circuit With Partial Discharge for Side-Channel Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access through side channel attacks, particularly in power signatures or electromagnetic signatures, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of energy-efficient power distribution circuits with comparator circuitry and low power inverters that include a trip voltage greater than half the supply voltage, allowing for partial discharge of charge storage devices and providing isolation between power consumption and supply lines, thereby enhancing security against side channel attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power distribution circuits are used to power sensitive circuitry, then the circuit can operate, but the power consumption creates detectable side channel attacks that compromise security
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution circuit is segmented into separate domains: a first domain containing the charge storage device and comparator circuitry for voltage monitoring and control, and a second domain containing the sensitive circuitry to be protected. This segmentation isolates the power management functions from the sensitive operations, preventing side channel leakage while maintaining operational reliability.
2Productivity
If full discharge of charge storage device is implemented, then power management is simplified, but charge wastage increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A comparator circuit continuously monitors the voltage across the charge storage device and provides feedback control. When the voltage reaches a predetermined threshold, the comparator triggers the discharge switch to activate, enabling partial discharge rather than full discharge. This feedback mechanism optimizes power management efficiency while minimizing charge wastage by discharging only when necessary.
3Reliability
If voltage monitoring circuitry is added to prevent side channel attacks, then security improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage monitoring function is achieved using the charge storage device itself and a comparator circuit that operates passively. The comparator only activates the discharge switch when the voltage threshold is reached, rather than continuously consuming power. This self-service approach provides security against side channel attacks while minimizing additional power consumption from the monitoring circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution circuit can include a comparator circuit that is formed of an inverter. The inverter can be configured with a trip voltage value (Vtrip) different than half a supply voltage value (VDD/2) for further energy efficiencies in discharging a charge storage device used in the power distribution circuit to gain security.