Side-Channel Analysis Resistant Design Flow - SCARD

In SCARD, we propose to enhance the typical microchip design flow – from high level system description over register-transfer layer description down to gate-level netlists and finally placement & routing of the microchip – in order to provide a means for designing side-channel analysis (SCA) resistant circuits and systems. Moreover, we intend to study the whole phenomenon of SCA in a consistent manner, and will also provide appropriate analysis tools and design tools for the designer of secure systems. We consider these additional ingredients of the traditional design flow of microchips as necessary in order to enable the design of the next generation of secure and dependable cryptographic devices.

The project was submitted as a STREP proposal to the first FP6-IST call that was closed in April 2003. The proposal was accepted by the commission and the following contract negotiation were completed successfully. IAIK was initiator of the proposal and acted as scientific coordinator during the development of the proposal and contract negotiation. The project kick-off meeting was held in January 2004 in Graz where we co-ordinated all activities within the consortium.

The official project start was January 1st 2004 and the project duration is 24 month. The consortium consists of the european leading SCA experts and includes three industry partners and six academic partners. Beside the IAIK tasks according the technical Annex of the project contract, IAIK acts as scientific leader of the project. Together with the coordinator Technikon, we are responsible for the overall implementation of the project.

More information is available on the official SCARD webpage. Feel also free to contact Manfred Aigner for additional information about the project.