Skip to main content
    Details
    Author(s)
    Affiliation
    Affiliation
    King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Display Name
    Rajat Kumar
    Affiliation
    Affiliation
    King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Display Name
    Danial Khan
    Affiliation
    Affiliation
    King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Display Name
    Selma Amara
    Affiliation
    Affiliation
    King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Display Name
    Yehia Massoud
    Affiliation
    Affiliation
    King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Abstract

    The globalization of the integrated circuits (ICs) supply chain has increased threats from untrusted entities involved in the process. Various threats, such as the insertion of hardware Trojans, counterfeiting, cloning, overproduction, etc., have emerged as a potential challenge characteristic of spin-orbit torque-based Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ). Watermarks are helpful to authenticate proof of ownership and are a widely acclaimed strategy against the counterfeiting of chips. We discuss the design strategy involved in detail, the strategy to use the VLSI CAD tool to harness the unique ability of MTJ, such as non-volatility and dependence on an external magnetic field for guiding the information through a specific sequence of states in an FSM, is explored. Furthermore, the performance prospects are analyzed using Monte-Carlo simulations, and security aspects are described to ensure a more robust and practical application.