Security element for an integrated circuit, integrated circuit including the same, and method for securing an integrated circuit
AssigneePhotronics, Inc.
InventorsBrian Dillon, Christopher J. Progler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An integrated circuit including a substrate; a circuit pattern formed over the substrate; and one or more fences formed around edges of the circuit pattern, each of the one or more fences having a determined electrical resistance which is used to detect the addition of malicious circuitry. Each fence has a determined electrical resistance which is used to monitor the validity of the fence.
Claims13
An integrated circuit comprising:
- a substrate;
- a circuit pattern formed over the substrate;
- and
- one or more fences formed around edges of the circuit pattern, each of the one or more fences having a determined electrical resistance.
A method of securing an integrated circuit having a circuit pattern, comprising the steps of:
- analyzing design data for the circuit pattern to determine edges of the circuit pattern;
- determining a route that surrounds the edges of the circuit pattern;
- and
- forming a fence along the route, wherein the fence has a determined electrical resistance.
A method of testing an integrated circuit comprising a substrate, a circuit pattern formed over the substrate, and one or more fences formed around edges of the circuit pattern, each of the one or more fences having a determined electrical resistance, the method comprising the steps of:
- measuring electrical resistance of the one or more fences;
- and
- comparing the measured electrical resistance to the determined electrical resistance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.