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Purdue University

Variation-Derived Chip Security And Accelerated Simulation Of Variations

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>In modern ICs, variations can be quite troublesome. Ensuring quality and yield requires careful and resource-intensive simulation under the effects of parameter variations. Threshold voltage approximation of parameter variations can help accelerate simulations, but it comes with unknown losses in quality. Instead, we propose a parameter reduction technique designed to minimize quality loss through careful analysis of the source transistor model and the set of input parameter variations. Using Pao-Sah's Double Integral model, we demonstrate the relative quality of our reduced parameter approach versus threshold voltage approximation.</p> <p>Despite their negative role in circuitry, variations can be useful for security applications. They can be used both to provide a fingerprint for any chip, as well as to generate truly random numbers. Using these properties, we have developed two security-related chip enhancements: a chip antipiracy scheme, and a secure nonvolatile cache.</p> <p>To prevent chip cloning, we require a unique key to operate every manufactured chip by leveraging the nonreplicable nature of variations. Through minor modifications, we create a system in which process variation sensors can be integrated into any logic block so that the block itself authenticates the key.</p> <p>Finally, the anticipated use of leakage-free nonvolatile caches presents a disruption to the processing security assumption that memory values are not retained upon power loss or system reset. To prevent against data leakage, we propose the use of truly random, single boot keys, along with a multistage encryption mechanism. We offer insurance against the possibility of a cryptographic break by implementing a two-level encryption scheme that offers cache-level data confidentiality with minimal impact on system performance.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Level thesis:degree_level
Dissertation
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Year
2013

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Griffin, William Paul
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Kaushik Roy
  • Anand Raghunathan
  • Byunghoo Jung
  • Vijay Raghunathan

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:docs.lib.purdue.edu:open_access_dissertations-1057

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Purdue University
Base URL
docs.lib.purdue.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Griffin, William Paul. Variation-Derived Chip Security And Accelerated Simulation Of Variations. Dissertation thesis, 2013. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/open_access_dissertations/158