DoD Design Cloud Analysis: Securing the Integrated Circuit Design Process

The use of unsecure foundries has allowed and is still providing a pathway for counterfeit microelectronics into U.S. defense systems. As a result, the Warfighter has been put at risk and a solution is needed. To counter this dilemma, this study looks into the feasibility of creating a Department of Defense (DoD) - wide design cloud that would provide circuit designers with a more secure and economical way of designing and fabricating circuits. The design cloud would include secure communication to trusted foundries along with needed circuit design software. Factors such as security, costs, benefits, and issues are taken into consideration in determining whether the use of the cloud would actually aid the integrated circuit design process.