Addressable PUF Arrays for Dynamic Key Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network communication systems face security vulnerabilities due to static secret keys stored in devices, making them susceptible to side-channel attacks and database hacking, particularly in SIM cards and other distributed elements.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of addressable Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) generators, which dynamically generate secure keys without storing passwords or secret keys, using memory arrays with large numbers of addressable PUFs to create Challenge-Response Pairs (CRPs) for authentication, and employing hash functions to enhance security by not requiring key storage in distributed elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static secret keys are stored in distributed elements, then authentication can be performed, but the system becomes vulnerable to side-channel attacks and database hacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidvulnerability to attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the secret key storage function from the distributed element by using PUFs that generate keys dynamically without storing them. The PUF architecture removes the vulnerable stored key database while maintaining authentication capability through challenge-response pairs generated on-demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static secret keys to dynamic key generation. PUFs generate different cryptographic keys for each authentication session based on challenge inputs, making the system adaptive and eliminating the security weaknesses of static stored keys while maintaining reliable authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If dynamic keys are generated without storage, then immunity to database hacking is achieved, but key management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmunity to hacking attacksVSAvoidkey management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PUF architecture enables self-service key generation where the distributed element autonomously produces cryptographic keys through its physical characteristics when presented with challenges. This eliminates the need for external key management infrastructure while achieving immunity to database hacking through hardware-based deterministic randomness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If PUF arrays are used to generate high-entropy keys, then cryptographic strength is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecryptographic entropyVSAvoidPUF array fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages inherent physical parameter variations in standard semiconductor manufacturing processes to create PUF arrays. By exploiting natural manufacturing tolerances and physical characteristics rather than requiring precision fabrication, the system achieves high-entropy key generation using conventional manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11388013B2Securing distributed elements connected to a network with addressable physically unclonable functions

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ACTING FOR & ON BEHALF OF NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIV

AI summary

The present disclosure is related to implementations of computing systems. In particular, it is related to the use of an array of PUFs to enhance security of distributed elements that use security systems.