INV-23098
Background
The rapid expansion of internet-connected devices and advancements in AI and autonomous technologies have driven a surge in demand for analog integrated circuits (ICs), essential for interfacing digital systems with the real world. However, the security measures currently in place to protect the intellectual property of these analog ICs are proving to be inadequate. Traditional security strategies, primarily designed for digital circuits, offer limited protection when applied to analog ICs, often degrading circuit performance. These digital-based locking schemes are ill-suited for analog systems, affecting their reliability, necessitating larger chip sizes due to additional security layers, and failing to eliminate the risk of attackers discovering multiple valid keys. This situation underscores a critical industry challenge: developing effective security solutions for analog ICs that ensure robust protection against theft and tampering without compromising on performance.
Description
Northeastern researchers have developed a new security method for protecting microelectronics, especially analog integrated circuits (ICs), from unauthorized access and tampering. This approach uses physically unclonable functions (PUFs) to create a unique identification system, making it more difficult for attackers to bypass security in devices used in IoT, autonomous vehicles, and AI applications. This method aims to secure devices manufactured in environments where the trustworthiness of foundries and IP providers might be a concern. It improves upon previous security techniques that could reduce a circuit's performance or be vulnerable to multiple correct keys by using specific types of circuits to lock the device without significantly increasing its size. This solution maintains the original functionality of the ICs while offering a more secure, efficient way to protect against intellectual property theft.
Benefits
Applications