Certicom Security for Fabless Semiconductor Design Companies

This technical report discusses the challenges faced by fabless semiconductor design companies in protecting their intellectual property (IP) when outsourcing manufacturing. It outlines the risks associated with gray market activities, including overproduction and yield misrepresentation, which can lead to significant financial losses. The report presents Certicom's security solution, which integrates hardware-based security with existing manufacturing processes to safeguard IP throughout the production lifecycle. By employing the Certicom KeyInject system, companies can ensure that only chips produced through authorized channels function correctly, effectively mitigating the risks of counterfeit products. The report details how this solution allows fabless design companies to leverage lower-cost manufacturing options while maintaining control over their IP and reducing exposure to fraud. It emphasizes the importance of embedding security measures into the design process to enhance profitability and market viability.