DPA using phase-based waveform matching against random-delay countermeasure

Abstract

We propose Differential Power Analysis (DPA) with a phase-based waveform matching technique. Conventionally, a trigger signal and a system clock are used to capture the waveform traces, but the signals always contain jitter-related deviations, and this degrades the accuracy of the statistical analysis. Our method can adjust for this timing deviation with a higher resolution than the sampling rate by post-processing on the measured waveforms. Therefore, no modification of the measuring equipment is required. Our method can also defeat DPA countermeasures creating distorted waveforms with random delays or dummy cycles. We implemented Data Encryption Standard (DES) software with and without the countermeasure on a Z80 microprocessor, and demonstrated the advantages of our method in comparison with a conventional attack. © 2007 IEEE.