Power Supply Glitch Detection Using Filtered Voltage Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting power supply glitches in computer systems are inefficient due to high power consumption and desensitization of glitches during routing, making it difficult to accurately detect noise and glitches in power supply signals.
Innovation Solution
A detector circuit that filters power supply node voltage levels using a combination of high-pass and low-pass filters to generate filtered signals, which are then used to generate an indication signal for control signals, reducing the need for high-speed comparator circuits and enhancing glitch detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-speed comparator circuits are used to detect power supply glitches, then detection speed is improved, but power consumption increases and glitch sensitivity decreases due to desensitization during routing
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply voltage is segmented into multiple frequency components using high-pass and low-pass filters. The detector circuit separates the glitch detection function from the power consumption path by filtering specific frequency ranges, allowing efficient detection without requiring high-speed comparators that consume excessive power.
Solution Approach 2:
Filter circuits are introduced as intermediary elements between the power supply node and the detector. These filters preprocess the voltage signal by isolating glitch-frequency components, enabling the detector to operate at lower speeds while maintaining high sensitivity to actual glitches.
2Device complexity
If traditional detection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of glitch detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into frequency-based filtering stages. High-pass and low-pass filters divide the voltage signal into distinct frequency components, with each filter targeting specific glitch characteristics. This segmentation enables precise glitch detection while maintaining relatively simple circuit implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector circuit changes the detection parameter from direct voltage level comparison to frequency-component analysis. By monitoring changes in filtered voltage components over time, the system achieves high measurement precision for glitch detection without requiring complex high-speed comparator circuits.
3Power
If power supply circuits are designed to handle instantaneous current demands, then current capability is improved, but noise and glitches in power supply signals increase due to parasitic circuit elements
Solution Approach 1:
The detector circuit converts the harmful effect of parasitic elements into a useful detection mechanism. By designing filters that specifically respond to the frequency characteristics of glitches caused by parasitic elements, the system transforms the presence of these elements from a problem into an opportunity for enhanced glitch detection sensitivity.
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 solution effectively detects power supply glitches with improved sensitivity and reduced power consumption, allowing for better regulation of circuit operations and security against malicious software execution.
Implementation Method 1
a detector circuit configured to filter a voltage level of a power supply node to generate a plurality of filtered signals
Data Source
AI summary
A detector circuit included in a computer system filters the voltage level of a power supply node to generate filtered signals. The detector circuit either compares the filtered signals or samples the filtered signal and compares the samples to reference levels to detect changes in the voltage level of the power supply node that exceed thresholds for magnitude and duration. A control circuit included in the computer system generates, using the glitch signal, control signals that can be used to change operating parameters of functional circuits included in the computer system.