Fault-injection attack defense extension for embedded
This technology adds a protective layer to microprocessors that detects when an attacker physically or electrically injects faults into the chip—a known method for bypassing security. When a fault is detected, a dedicated hardware module instantly switches the processor into a safe mode and calls a software routine that reads recovery information from a special register to restore the chip to a clean, trusted state. The approach is notable because it combines hardware speed with software flexibility, keeping performance and chip area costs low. It is designed to be practical for real devices, not just a theoretical safeguard.
What you could build
A licensable processor security extension for microcontroller and system-on-chip vendors targeting secure embedded applications such as payment terminals, smart cards, automotive ECUs, and IoT security modules; chip designers and silicon IP licensors would be the primary buyers.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense primes and government contractors in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads corridor—especially those building secure embedded systems for DoD or DHS—would have direct interest in fault-attack-resistant processor IP.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- —
- Granted
- October 22, 2019
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 102814
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.