Enhancing Semiconductor Security with Pre-Silicon Testing

Side-channel vulnerabilities are a familiar challenge for hardware manufacturers. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to bypass traditional security measures by analyzing subtle physical signals, such as power consumption variations, electromagnetic emissions, or timing differences, to extract sensitive data like cryptographic keys without leaving a trace.

The stealthy nature of these attacks forces manufacturers to rethink their security strategies.

Traditionally, such vulnerabilities were often discovered through “post-silicon testing”, meaning: after a chip was fully built. While this process remains essential for validating a product, it has its limitations. By the time a flaw is detected, companies have already poured millions into development and manufacturing. Fixing the issue often requires costly redesigns, new photomasks, and extended production timelines. This reactive approach, though reliable, leaves little room for flexibility or quick adaptation, especially in the face of side-channel attacks.

Relying solely on post-silicon testing may not be enough to catch these vulnerabilities early. This is where the shift to pre-silicon testing becomes invaluable. Pre-silicon security testing allows chip designers to check their hardware or software IP against side-channel vulnerabilities during the design phases, well before the chip is produced.

Instead of waiting for the physical product to test for weaknesses, pre-silicon tools like Ansys RedHawk-SC Security, with eShard’s side-channel testing tools, simulate real-world side-channel attack scenarios early in the process. This proactive approach doesn’t just save time and money; it ensures that potential vulnerabilities are caught and fixed before they can turn into costly problems down the line.

A smarter (and more cost-effective) approach

With pre-silicon testing, manufacturers can predict how a chip will behave under various side-channel attack vectors, such as power noise or electromagnetic side-channel emissions.

By integrating Ansys’s physics simulation engines with eShard’s side-channel attack solutions, this collaboration offers a powerful solution that enables designers to secure their chips from the very start. The result? Reduced risk, fewer production setbacks, and stronger, more resilient products hitting the market.

However, this doesn't mean post-silicon testing becomes irrelevant. On the contrary, post-silicon testing remains a crucial step in the verification process. By combining both pre-silicon and post-silicon testing, designers can create a layered security strategy that maximizes protection.

Pre-silicon testing catches potential issues early, while side-channel testing during post-silicon verification ensures the final product can withstand real-world threats. Together, they form a comprehensive, end-to-end security solution that gives manufacturers confidence from the design phase all the way to the final product.

Virtually probe electromagnetic side-channels

Revolutionizing hardware security

The collaboration between eShard and Ansys marks a significant shift in the way hardware security is approached. By integrating pre-silicon testing into the process, companies are no longer left scrambling to fix problems after production. Instead, they can proactively address side-channel vulnerabilities early, avoiding expensive redesigns and reducing the risk of delays.

As the stakes continue to rise in hardware security, combining the strengths of pre- and post-silicon testing offers a smarter, more resilient way forward. With eShard and Ansys working together, manufacturers can move confidently through every stage of chip design and production, knowing their products are secure, cost-effective, and ready to meet the challenges of an evolving threat landscape.

With eShard and Ansys working together, the future of hardware security is not just reactive — it’s proactive, comprehensive, and built to last.

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