Programmable Voltage Attack Detection Circuit for Security Chips
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing need for effective protection against voltage attacks on security chips, as these attacks can cause abnormal operations leading to exposure of sensitive data, and existing solutions are inadequate in detecting such threats reliably.
Innovation Solution
A voltage attack detection circuit is developed, utilizing programmable resistors and hysteresis comparators to divide the supply voltage into multiple thresholds, generating signals that indicate high or low voltage abnormalities, thereby detecting potential attacks and improving reliability and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage attack detection is implemented using fixed threshold comparators, then the detection function is provided, but false alarms occur due to process deviation in voltage division
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment by replacing fixed threshold comparators with programmable resistors that can be configured through software. The resistance values of the programmable resistors are adjusted based on actual process deviations to compensate for manufacturing variations, thereby dynamically optimizing the voltage division ratio and threshold values to eliminate false alarms while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the detection circuit by using programmable resistors instead of fixed resistors. The resistance values can be programmatically adjusted to compensate for process deviations in voltage division, allowing the threshold parameters to be optimized post-manufacturing. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliable detection and precise measurement by adapting the thresholds to actual circuit characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection thresholds are implemented to cover different attack scenarios, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using programmable resistors that can be configured through software to provide multiple detection thresholds. Instead of designing separate hardware circuits for different attack scenarios, the same detection circuit can be reconfigured via software to adapt to various attack types (voltage spikes, brownouts, etc.), thereby achieving comprehensive coverage without increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of detection thresholds through software control of programmable resistors. The detection circuit can adapt its thresholds in real-time based on different operating conditions and attack scenarios, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed threshold circuits. This dynamic approach allows one circuit to perform multiple detection functions.
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 voltage attacks, reduces false alarms, and enhances the security of security chips by providing accurate alerts for abnormal voltage conditions, thus protecting sensitive data.
Implementation Method 1
a first programmable resistor and a second programmable resistor, where a first terminal of the first programmable resistor is connected to a supply voltage, a second terminal of the first programmable resistor is connected to a ground voltage through the second programmable resistor
Implementation Method 2
a voltage detection circuit, where the voltage detection circuit is configured to receive the first voltage and a first reference voltage and output a first signal, the first signal is configured to indicate whether the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage
Implementation Method 3
the voltage detection circuit is further configured to receive the second voltage and a second reference voltage and output a second signal, the second signal is configured to indicate whether the second voltage is less than or equal to the second reference voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage attack detection circuit of a chip includes: a first programmable resistor and a second programmable resistor, a first terminal of the first programmable resistor is connected to a supply voltage, a second terminal of the first programmable resistor is connected to a ground voltage through the second programmable resistor, the first terminal outputs a first voltage, the second terminal outputs a second voltage; a voltage detection circuit, receives the first voltage and a first reference voltage and output a first signal, where the first signal is configured to indicate whether the first voltage is greater than or equal to the first reference voltage, the voltage detection circuit is further configured to receive the second voltage and a second reference voltage and output a second signal, and the second signal is configured to indicate whether the second voltage is less than or equal to the second reference voltage.