Robust Watermarking of Loop Unrolled Convolution Layer IP Design for CNN using 4-variable Encoded Register Allocation

This paper presents a novel hardware security methodology that uses register allocation phase of high level synthesis (HLS) process, 4-variable encoded signature, and loop unrolling for securing convolutional layer intellectual property (IP) design for convolutional neural network (CNN) (used in consumer electronics (CE) systems). The proposed method demonstrates improved security in terms of resistance against tampering and probability of coincidence compared to previous approaches, at nominal design cost overhead.