Terminal Chip Security Element Power Supply Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements in intelligent terminals are vulnerable to power supply attacks, which can cause misoperation and lead to the leakage of sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
A terminal chip design that connects the power supply port of the security element to the application processor and interface module, using both digital and analog power interfaces, with a higher minimum timing margin in the security element to ensure it remains operational even under power supply attacks, making it difficult for attackers to obtain sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the security element is integrated into the terminal chip and shares power supply pins with other components, then device integration and flexibility are improved, but vulnerability to power supply attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply path by introducing a dedicated power supply pin (pin 19) for the security element that is separate from the power supply pins of the application processor and interface modules. This physical segmentation ensures that power supply attacks affecting other components do not directly impact the security element, thereby resolving the vulnerability introduced by integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power management unit as an intermediary component that controls and monitors the power supply to the security element. This intermediary layer can detect and respond to power supply attacks, isolating the security element from direct exposure to harmful power fluctuations while maintaining the benefits of chip-level integration.
2Ease of manufacture
If the security element uses the same power supply interface as other components, then ease of manufacture is improved, but security reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation of the power supply interface by allocating a dedicated power supply pin (pin 19) exclusively to the security element, separate from the power supply pins used by the application processor and interface modules. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring that power supply disturbances affecting other components do not compromise security element reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the security element operates with normal timing margins, then ease of operation is improved, but susceptibility to power supply attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the security element with enhanced power supply filtering and voltage regulation circuits that are activated before potential power supply attacks occur. These protective circuits create a buffer zone that absorbs and mitigates the effects of power supply disturbances, allowing the security element to maintain stable operation even when subjected to attacks that would normally cause misoperation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides example terminal chips. One example terminal chip includes a security element, an application processor, and an interface module configured to transfer information between the application processor and the security element. The terminal chip includes a first power interface configured to receive power outside the terminal chip. A first power input port of the security element is connected to the first power interface, and at least one of the application processor or the interface module is connected to the first power interface. In the example terminal chip, a power supply port of the security element is connected to a power supply port of the application processor or the interface module of the terminal chip.