Security Shield Wiring Structure for Reverse Engineering Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional FPGAs and ROMs face security issues with unauthorized access to circuit wiring and operating signal information through operational analysis, requiring costly and inflexible encryption technologies that lack versatility.
Innovation Solution
A security wiring structure with unique characteristics is provided on the device, covered by a synthetic resin, making it non-removable and resistant to external analysis, with a configuration that prevents operation if damaged or removed, and uses a unique operating key based on signal combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional ROM is used to store circuit wiring information, then the device can operate with programmed logic, but the ROM contents can be easily read by third parties using ROM writers
Solution Approach 1:
A security wiring structure acts as an intermediary between the ROM and the FPGA, preventing direct access to ROM contents while allowing authorized operation. The structure includes security wiring that must be intact for the device to function, and opaque resin that prevents visual inspection of wiring positions, thereby mediating between operational needs and security requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The security system segments the protection mechanism into multiple components: opaque resin covering the wiring positions, security wiring with unique patterns, and detection circuitry. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing robust security against unauthorized reading
2Reliability
If encryption technologies are incorporated into FPGAs and ROMs, then reverse engineering resistance is enhanced, but the cost increases and existing devices cannot be retrofitted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring expensive front-end encryption processes during manufacturing, the invention uses opaque resin to create a visual barrier that copies the effect of security without the complex encryption hardware. This allows existing devices to be retrofitted with security by simply adding the opaque resin and security wiring structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of security from electronic encryption to physical-visual obstruction combined with wiring integrity verification. By changing how security is implemented (from digital encryption to physical barrier plus integrity check), the system becomes cheaper and compatible with existing devices while maintaining reverse engineering resistance
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the wiring structure is made visible from outside, then operational analysis can be performed, but security against unauthorized access is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses opaque resin with specific optical properties that block light transmission, preventing visual detection of wiring positions underneath. This color/optical property change ensures that even if the wiring is physically present, its position cannot be detected through visual inspection or optical methods
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
[PROBLEM] To provide a groundbreaking device security shield structure that can achieve high reverse engineering resistance with an inexpensive implementation technology and is also highly versatile through post-processing on existing devices. [SOLUTION] A device security shield structure wherein a security wiring structure 4, comprising wiring 3 or the like and having a unique characteristic, is provided on an upper portion of a device 2 on a substrate 1, and this wiring structure 4 is covered with a synthetic resin 5, creating a configuration where it cannot be removed or be subject to external operational analysis measurement unless the wiring structure 4 is damaged. The acquisition of said unique characteristic is made an operating condition of the device 2, whereby if the wiring structure 4 is damaged or removed, the device 2 does not operate and operational analysis becomes impossible.