Low-Power Voltage Tamper Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face security threats when their power supply voltages exceed or drop below specified ranges, making them vulnerable to unauthorized use, and existing voltage detection systems are not effective in low-power modes or extended voltage ranges.
Innovation Solution
A low-power voltage tamper detection circuit that combines a bandgap circuit with a reduced area source-follower circuit to generate a scaled down power supply voltage, which is compared against reference voltages to detect deviations, using high-resistivity P+ poly resistors and sub-1V voltage references to enhance security and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional voltage detection circuits are used, then voltage detection capability is provided, but power consumption is high and detection range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage detection circuit dynamically adapts its operation mode based on system state, enabling low-power mode during normal operation while maintaining full detection capability when voltage anomalies occur. The circuit transitions between active and standby states to optimize power consumption while preserving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs variable reference voltages and adjustable detection thresholds that can be programmed to match specific application requirements. By changing detection parameters dynamically, the circuit extends its effective detection range while maintaining low power consumption in normal operating conditions.
2Reliability
If conventional voltage detection circuits are used, then voltage detection capability is provided, but detection range is limited to standard voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage detection circuit is designed to detect multiple voltage levels including standard 3.3V and 5V levels, as well as extended low-voltage ranges down to 0.8V. The circuit can be configured for different detection thresholds and reference voltages, making it universally applicable across diverse voltage domains without requiring separate detection circuits for each voltage level.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit employs variable reference voltages and adjustable detection thresholds that can be programmed to match specific application requirements. By changing detection parameters dynamically, the circuit extends its effective detection range while maintaining low power consumption in normal operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If high-precision voltage detection is implemented, then detection accuracy is improved, but circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit replaces traditional high-precision analog voltage reference circuits with a digitally-controlled voltage reference system. This substitution allows precise voltage detection through digital-to-analog conversion, achieving high measurement precision while significantly reducing the analog circuit area required for high-precision voltage references and comparators.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for low-power voltage tamper detection are described. In some embodiments, an integrated circuit may include source-follower circuitry configured to produce a scaled down supply voltage. The integrated circuit may also include undervoltage detection circuitry coupled to the source-follower circuitry, the undervoltage detection circuitry configured to output a first signal having a first logic value if the scaled down supply voltage is greater than a low threshold voltage or a second logic value if the scaled down supply voltage is smaller than the low threshold voltage. Additionally or alternatively, the integrated circuit may include overvoltage detection circuitry coupled to the source-follower circuitry, the overvoltage detection circuitry configured to output a second signal having the first logic value if the scaled down supply voltage is smaller than a high threshold voltage or the second logic value if the scaled down supply voltage is greater than the high threshold voltage.