Active solid-state devices (e.g. – transistors – solid-state diode – Housing or package – Smart card package
Patent
1997-02-24
1999-03-09
Williams, Alexander Oscar
Active solid-state devices (e.g., transistors, solid-state diode
Housing or package
Smart card package
257922, 257724, 257691, 365229, 365228, B11C 11407, G11C 700
Patent
active
058805230
ABSTRACT:
An anti-tamper integrated circuit (IC) apparatus is adapted for use with an IC that carries an active component, such as a secure processor, which requires a constant power signal to operate. If the power signal is interrupted, data is erased from a volatile memory of the secure processor. The memory is located within the IC package. An external power signal is coupled to the memory via a conductive path which is carried outside the housing and which may be embedded in a decoder board, micro-module substrate, or smart card body in which the IC is carried. The conductive path may carry the power signal directly to the memory, or it may carry the power signal to bias a transistor. Removal of the IC package from the decoder board, micro-module substrate or smart card, will open the conductive path and interrupt the power signal to the memory by causing a short circuit or an open circuit. As a result, the data stored in the memory will be lost. The apparatus therefore deters a pirate from tampering with the IC.
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General Instrument Corporation
Hoppin Ralph F.
Lipsitz Barry R.
Williams Alexander Oscar
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