A RRAM-based logic in memory DES implementation against power attacks

Encryption is a crucial aspect of data security, and the Data Encryption Standard (DES) was the first encryption algorithm to gain global recognition. However, due to its dependence on the traditional von Neumann architecture, DES suffers from high resource consumption, transmission delays, and vulnerability to power-based attacks. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a logic-in-memory (LIM) encryption circuit using resistive random-access memory (RRAM). This approach reduces the risk of key interception by minimizing key transfers between the CPU and memory. The DES algorithm was implemented on a Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA, and power consumption was analyzed using correlation power analysis and template attacks. The results demonstrate that the proposed LIM encryption circuit has better power attack resistance than the conventional designs.