Self-Powered Breach Sensing for IC Package Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit chip packages are vulnerable to damage from both benign and malicious sources, such as intentional physical hacking attacks, which can compromise security features and reveal proprietary information.
Innovation Solution
A breach sensor system comprising a substrate with an integrated circuit, a passivation layer, and breach sensing elements, including light and humidity sensors, that generate power in response to barrier damage, enabling detection, alert, and avert functions even when disconnected from a power source, and can distinguish between different types of attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the integrated circuit is disconnected from a power source, then the security is improved by preventing unauthorized access, but the detection and alert functions cannot operate without power
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensing element serves itself by converting ambient light into electrical power, eliminating the need for an external power source. This self-powered mechanism enables the breach sensor to continuously monitor and detect package breaches even when disconnected from any power supply, resolving the contradiction between security reliability and power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensing elements are added to detect different types of attacks, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single light sensing element performs multiple functions: it detects package breaches, generates power for the sensor, and enables detection of different attack types through its responsive characteristics. This multi-functional approach improves detection capability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one element serves several purposes simultaneously.
3Speed
If the breach sensing element is placed on the first side of the passivation layer for direct detection, then the detection speed is improved, but the integrated circuit is exposed to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The breach sensor system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the light sensing element on the first side of the passivation layer for direct breach detection, and the integrated circuit on the second side protected by the passivation layer. This segmentation allows the sensing element to be exposed for fast detection while the integrated circuit remains protected, resolving the contradiction between detection speed and circuit 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
Effectively detects and responds to various forms of package breaches, including physical attacks, by generating alerts and avert signals, and can differentiate between different types of damage, thereby enhancing security and preventing unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor and the breach sensing element includes a light sensing element configured to generate power in response to barrier damage
Implementation Method 2
the breach sensing element includes a humidity sensing element configured to detect a humidity level change in response to barrier damage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
One example discloses a breach sensor (100), comprising: a substrate (104) including an integrated circuit; a passivation layer (106) coupled to the substrate; a breach sensing element (108, 110) coupled to the circuit; wherein the breach sensing element is on a first side of the passivation layer and the substrate is on a second side of the passivation layer; a barrier (112) configured to separate the breach sensing element from an ambient environment; wherein the breach sensing element is responsive to barrier damage.