Patent attributes
Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for protecting an integrated circuit against invasive attacks and various forms of tampering. A defensive mechanism is an active physical security shield that includes an array of traces at a high metal of the integrated circuit, covering a high percentage of the surface area of that layer, and a collection of digital logic components that drive signals across the traces. The driving of the signals across the traces is done in an active manner such that a short, open, or stuck-at fault on any of the traces is detected within a very short period of time. The active security system is connected to or in communication with an alert response mechanism, such that a fault detected by the security system results in a signal being sent to the alert response mechanism.
