Student(s): Demetri Kostas, Nate Snyder, Price Zheng
Project: AI Based High Level Synthesis for Side-0Channel Attack Resilience Projects | View Poster (PDF)
Major(s): Computer Science, Computer Engineering (minors in Neuroscience, Data Science and Applied Mathematics)
Advisor(s): Yuntao Liu
Abstract
High-Level Synthesis (HLS), an automated process that translates high-level programming descriptions into hardware designs, has gained significant traction in modern Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) design due to its ability to accelerate development cycles and optimize hardware implementations. However, its impact on the resilience of VLSI circuits against power side-channel attacks (PSCA)— which exploit variations in power consumption to extract sensitive information— remains a critical area of research. This study explores how HLS affects the resilience of VLSI designs by leveraging Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to analyze power leakage characteristics. We propose a methodology that gathers structural and power-related features from HLS-generated circuits and utilizes GNN-based models to predict and evaluate side-channel vulnerabilities.
HLS transformations impact power leakage patterns, sometimes exacerbating vulnerabilities by introducing distinct power signatures and in other cases mitigating side-channel leakage through automatic optimizations. By analyzing these effects, a GNN-based framework enables the early detection of security weaknesses, allowing designers to implement countermeasures during the synthesis phase.
This study highlights the importance of security-aware HLS methodologies and demonstrates that GNNs provide a powerful tool for modeling and predicting power side-channel risks in complex hardware designs. The proposed approach paves the way for developing more resilient VLSI circuits by integrating security evaluation directly into the synthesis process, ultimately improving trust and robustness in hardware security.
About Demetri Kostas
Demetri Kostas is a junior from Massachusetts majoring in computer science and computer engineering with a minor in neuroscience at Lehigh University. He conducts research investigating the impact of high-level synthesis (HLS) on the resilience to power side-channel attacks of VLSI designs with Dr. Yuntao Liu. He will intern at BAE Systems this summer, and has interned there for the past two summers in the Electronic Systems and Warfare Division. He worked his first summer as an FPGA intern for a laser guided missile. He worked his second summer as an electrical and hardware engineering intern on the F-35 in the Digital Channelized Receiver Techniques Generator Capabilities Group. Outside of his academics he loves skiing, mountain biking, soccer, weightlifting, and is the Vice President of the Lehigh Disc Golf Club.
About Nate Snyder
Nate Snyder is a junior from Gettysburg, PA. He is studying computer engineering, with minors in data science and applied mathematics. His favorite classes at Lehigh have been his Internet of Things lab and his FPGA lab. Nate works with Dr. Yuntao Liu to conduct research on Power Side Channel Attacks, and countermeasures through High Level Synthesis design. Outside of class, he works as a gryphon (resident assistant) in Lower Cents. He also likes to stay active through intramural sports, particularly soccer and basketball. Additionally, he participates in RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) and drives other students to church on Sundays. Last summer, Nate had an internship at Stantec where he worked on Protection and Control schemes for substations. The summer before that, he worked with Lehigh Underwater Robotics to design and assemble an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle.
About Price Zheng
Yi Zheng is a junior student majoring in Computer Engineering at Lehigh University. He conducts research under Dr. Yuntao Liu, focusing on the impact of high-level synthesis (HLS) on the resilience of VLSI designs against power side-channel attacks.
This summer, he will participate in research through the Rossin Scholarship at Lehigh University. Last summer, he interned at an autonomous driving company in China, gaining industry experience.
Yi has a strong passion for electronics, motorcycle engineering, and track racing knowledge. He is also actively involved in the Lehigh Chinese Students and Scholars Association, where he serves as the Deputy Head of the Events Department.