Spiral Active Shield Structure for EM Side-Channel Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active shields are inadequate in preventing electro-magnetic side channel analysis attacks, as they do not effectively mask electromagnetic emanations from internal logic operations, leaving sensitive circuitry vulnerable to unauthorized access and probing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a coil-based active shield structure that generates a strong electromagnetic signature to mask internal logic operations' emanations, combining physical tamper protection with electromagnetic countermeasures by shaping the active shield into coils or loops, which enhance electromagnetic noise without increasing circuit area or power consumption, and using trip-wires to prevent tampering attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If standard active shields are used, then physical tamper protection is provided, but electromagnetic side channel attacks are not prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The active shield is transformed from a conventional planar structure into a coil-shaped structure. This curvature change enables the shield to generate electromagnetic noise that effectively masks internal logic operations, thereby preventing electromagnetic side channel attacks while maintaining physical tamper protection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The shield structure parameters are changed from linear/planar configuration to coiled configuration. This parameter change fundamentally alters the electromagnetic characteristics of the shield, enabling it to generate sufficient electromagnetic noise for masking internal operations without increasing power consumption or circuit area
2Object-affected harmful factors
If coil-shaped active shield is implemented, then electromagnetic masking is achieved, but circuit area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil-shaped structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides physical tamper protection like conventional shields, generates electromagnetic noise for masking internal operations, and maintains compact form factor. This multi-functionality achieves electromagnetic masking without proportionally increasing circuit area
Solution Approach 2:
The coil structure allows the shield to be nested within the existing circuit layout constraints. The coiled configuration enables the shield to occupy minimal space while generating sufficient electromagnetic noise, effectively nesting the protective function within the available circuit area
3Object-affected harmful factors
If coil-shaped active shield is implemented, then electromagnetic masking is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil-shaped structure provides multiple protective functions (physical tamper detection and electromagnetic masking) through a single implementation, achieving electromagnetic masking without requiring additional power-consuming components or circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The coil-shaped shield utilizes the existing active shield signal to generate electromagnetic noise for masking. The structure itself serves the dual purpose of tamper detection and electromagnetic masking, eliminating the need for separate power-consuming masking circuits
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 effectively protects sensitive circuitry from both physical tampering and electromagnetic side-channel attacks by generating a robust electromagnetic noise that masks internal operations, while maintaining efficient power usage and circuit area, thereby enhancing the security of integrated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil-shaped spiral structure for an active shield... a second coil-shaped spiral structure that is wound in-between windings of the first coil-shaped spiral structure
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations described herein are related to a device having a first coil-shaped spiral structure for an active shield and a second coil-shaped spiral structure that is wound in-between windings of the first coil-shaped spiral structure. The first coil-shaped spiral structure may provide for a coil-based electro-magnetic (EM) shield as a counter-measure circuit for protecting an underlying circuit.