Clock attack monitor boosts analog IP security
Agile Analog has developed a range of anti-tamper IP to protect analog chip designs. The analog IP has been delivered to a major datacentre chip designer in Taiwan that can be used on multiple process technologies.
The analog security IP includes a Clock Attack Monitor called agileCAM base don a ring oscillator and a Voltage Glitch Detector called agileVGLITCH. A Digital Temperature Sensor and IR Drop Detector also assist with detecting tampering through side channel attacks.
“Our timing, voltage and temperature sensors detect potential security attacks by monitoring for suspicious behaviour,” said Chris Morrison, VP Product Marketing. “Demand is also being fuelled by the requirement for customers to address the latest security standards, including FIPS140-3 Level 3 and Common Criteria EAL 6+. We have novel technology to help our customers to contend with these evolving threats, with comprehensive anti-tamper solutions tailored to their specific needs.”
The Composa tool developed by Agile Analog automatically creates analog IP to match a customer’s precise requirements, for any foundry and on any process. These digitally wrapped and fully verified solutions for data conversion, power management, IC monitoring, security and always-on IP, can be seamlessly incorporated into any SoC design.
The Clock Attack Monitor is designed to detect clock attacks involving changes in clock frequency, clock hold and clock glitch errors. It provides frequency measurement with programmable alarm thresholds.
The Voltage Glitch Detector offers protection against voltage side-channel attacks (SCAs) and tampering, with programmable glitch threshold levels and the ability to detect glitches with nanosecond resolution.
The IR Drop Sensor is useful to detect loss of power or attacks to the power supply. It consists of a voltage reference and comparator(s) set at different threshold levels for multi-level detection.
“We are delighted to have delivered such a far-reaching anti-tamper solution to this customer, which includes our new clock attack monitor. Focusing on tamper detection and prevention is a key concern for many. Our highly configurable analog IP is truly unique in the market, allowing companies the opportunity to access security IP that fits their specifications on their chosen process.”
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