Watermarking layout topologies

Abstract

Watermarking is a technique currently being developed to effectively protect intellectual property of various types. In this paper a formalization of the watermarking problem is presented in the context of IC physical design. A class of algorithms is proposed for implanting arbitrary codes in the inherent structure of layout topologies. Similarly, a method is given to reconstruct the original watermark for a given design. The concepts of robustness against forgery and theft tracking are analyzed in light of the proposed algorithms. Examples show the suitability of the approach.