17524103. LOGIC CIRCUIT LOCKING WITH SELF-DESTRUCT simplified abstract (International Business Machines Corporation)
Contents
LOGIC CIRCUIT LOCKING WITH SELF-DESTRUCT
Organization Name
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventor(s)
Effendi Leobandung of Stormville NY (US)
LOGIC CIRCUIT LOCKING WITH SELF-DESTRUCT - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17524103 titled 'LOGIC CIRCUIT LOCKING WITH SELF-DESTRUCT
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes an approach for validating a logic key in an integrated circuit (IC). The approach involves an IC with a key input circuit, a fuse check circuit, a charge pump circuit, a switch matrix, and one or more antifuse circuits.
- The IC includes a key input circuit, a fuse check circuit, a charge pump circuit, a switch matrix, and one or more antifuse circuits.
- A secret key is inputted by a user and the status of the antifuse circuit is determined.
- The secret key is validated and if it does not match the original secret key, the antifuse threshold is checked.
- If the antifuse threshold has been reached, the IC is disabled. If the secret key matches the original secret key, the IC is enabled.
- If the antifuse threshold has not been reached, the antifuse circuit is activated.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Secure authentication systems
- Secure communication systems
- Secure storage systems
Problems solved by this technology:
- Unauthorized access to ICs and their data
- Counterfeiting and tampering of ICs
- Protection of sensitive information stored in ICs
Benefits of this technology:
- Enhanced security for ICs and their data
- Protection against unauthorized access and tampering
- Reliable validation of secret keys
Original Abstract Submitted
An approach for validating a logic key in an IC (integrated circuit) is disclosed. One approach includes an IC comprising of key input circuit couple to a fuse check circuit; charge pump circuit coupled to the fuse check circuit and a switch matrix; and one or more antifuse circuit connected to the switch matrix. Another approach comprises of a method including, inputting a secret key by a user; determining status of one or more antifuse circuit; validating the secret key; in responsive to the secret key not matching an original secret key, determining whether antifuse threshold has been reached; in responsive to determining that the antifuse threshold has been reached, disabling the IC; in responsive to the secret key matching the original secret key, enabling the IC; and in responsive to determining that the antifuse threshold has not been reached, activating the antifuse circuit.