An Encryption Architecture Suitable for on Chip Integration With Sensors

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a hardware encryption algorithm that can be integrated directly with sensors on the same chip. In contrast to using power-hungry microprocessors and software implementations, the encryption algorithm was based on a Lorenz chaotic system and was implemented as time scaling chaotic shift keying (TS-CSK). The coupled differential equations of TS-CSK were implemented using low power integrators, multiplexers, switches, and passive components. Both a single-ended and differential system was developed. The single-ended based system showed no oscillation, while the differential based system demonstrated oscillation. Experimental measurements of the differential system with an integrated temperature sensor demonstrated the ability to encrypt and decrypt the transmitted signal. The differential encryption/decryption system was implemented in 180 nm technology and operated with a 1.8 V power supply and 1.5 mW of power.