Programmable Switch IC Security Without Area or Power Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security mechanisms for computer chips, such as logic locks, consume valuable real estate, power, and can cause delays in chip operation, making them inefficient for protecting intellectual property.
Innovation Solution
The use of programmable switches made from phase change materials, which can be controlled to be conductive or resistive using proximity heaters, allowing for a security key to be integrated into the chip without additional real estate or power consumption, and without affecting chip performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If logic locks are used for chip security, then intellectual property is protected, but chip real estate is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security function with the existing chip interconnect structure by inserting programmable switches directly into the interconnect wires. This integration allows the security mechanism to share the same physical space as the existing chip infrastructure, protecting intellectual property without consuming additional chip real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable switches serve multiple functions: they act as both security protection mechanisms (by blocking unauthorized signal paths) and as configurable interconnect elements (by dynamically routing signals). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate security circuitry, thereby preserving chip real estate while maintaining robust security protection.
2Reliability
If logic locks are used for chip security, then intellectual property is protected, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable switches are configured to change their state periodically or on-demand based on security requirements, rather than maintaining a constant protective state. This periodic action allows the security mechanism to be activated only when needed, significantly reducing continuous power consumption while still providing effective intellectual property protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The security mechanism leverages the existing power and control infrastructure of the chip to operate the programmable switches. By using the same power domains and control signals that already exist in the chip design, the security function serves itself without requiring additional dedicated power resources, thus avoiding increased power consumption.
3Reliability
If logic locks are used for chip security, then intellectual property is protected, but chip operation delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable switches are pre-configured with security policies during chip manufacturing or initialization, establishing the protective state before any potential security threats arise. This preliminary configuration ensures that when security checks are needed, the switches are already in the correct state, eliminating runtime configuration delays and maintaining fast chip operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional logic lock mechanisms (which rely on complex combinational logic and sequential circuits) with programmable switches that use simpler switching mechanisms. This substitution reduces the computational overhead and logic complexity, thereby minimizing delays in chip operation while still providing effective security protection.
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
This solution provides a secure and efficient method to protect chip intellectual property by allowing specific programmable switches to be set to 'open' or 'closed' states based on a security key, preventing unauthorized use without consuming extra resources or affecting chip performance.
Implementation Method 1
programmable switches made from phase change materials, which can be controlled to be conductive or resistive using proximity heaters
Implementation Method 2
controlled to be conductive or resistive using proximity heaters
Data Source
AI summary
A security key associated with a plurality of programmable switches included in an integrated circuit is received. The plurality of programmable switches are set causing the plurality of programmable switches to be conductive. Reset pulses are applied to a first set of programmable switches included in the plurality of programmable switches based on the received security key.