Patent · US Active

On-chip monitor circuit and semiconductor chip

US10776484B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
2References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 12, 2016
Grant dateSep 15, 2020
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 12, 2036

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01R31/31719
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Provided is an on-chip monitor circuit mounted on a semiconductor chip that is equipped with a security function module for performing a security function process on an input signal and outputting a security function signal, the on-chip monitor circuit comprising a monitor circuit for monitoring signal waveforms of the semiconductor chip, wherein the circuit is provided with a first storage means for storing data that designates a window period in which to perform a test of the semiconductor chip, and a control means for performing control to operate the circuit during the window period, when a prescribed test signal is inputted to the security function module. By using the on-chip monitor circuit in a semiconductor chip of which security is required, security attacks, e.g., a Trojan horse or the like, intended to embed a malicious circuit in the production stage of security function module-equipped semiconductors chips, can be prevented.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.