Tamper Resistant IC Using PUF in Passivation Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuits are unable to detect physical or chemical modifications, such as the removal of passivation layers, which can lead to unauthorized tampering and reverse engineering, compromising their security.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a physical unclonable function (PUF) in the passivation layer using randomly distributed conducting particles, such as aluminum, which can be evaluated by a detector to identify changes and compare against a stored reference value, enabling autonomous detection of tampering attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional integrated circuits are used without additional detection mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to detect tampering is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit performs self-detection of tampering by using its own operational characteristics (power consumption, timing, signal behavior) to identify modifications. The circuit monitors itself without requiring external detection equipment, thereby improving reliability while avoiding additional complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects tampering by measuring changes in electrical parameters such as power consumption, signal timing, and voltage levels. By monitoring these physical parameters that change when the circuit is modified, the system can identify tampering without adding complex structural elements, thus improving detection capability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If physical or chemical modification methods are used for attacks, then the ability to circumvent security measures is improved, but the detectability of attacks should be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is designed with built-in monitoring capabilities that detect tampering attempts before they can successfully compromise security. By continuously monitoring electrical parameters and comparing them against expected values, the system can identify and respond to modifications (such as passivation layer removal) before unauthorized access is achieved, thereby preventing security certification compromise.
3Reliability
If autonomous detection capability is added to integrated circuits, then the tamper resistance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or external monitoring systems with electrical parameter measurements that can be performed using standard integrated circuit components. By substituting physical inspection methods with electrical monitoring of power consumption, timing, and signal behavior, the system achieves autonomous tamper detection using conventional manufacturing processes and readily available components.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention an integrated circuit is conceived which comprises a physical unclonable function which is at least partially implemented in a passivation layer of said integrated circuit. According to a further aspect of the invention, a corresponding method for manufacturing an integrated circuit is conceived. According to a further aspect of the invention, an electronic device is conceived which comprises an integrated circuit of the kind set forth.