Electronic Circuit PUF Pairing for Stable Inherent Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physically unclonable functions (PUFs) in electronic circuits face instability due to variations in operating conditions, leading to erroneous responses, and existing solutions for generating a constant PUF value either compromise security or require external intervention or significant computational resources.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates statistical values from physical measurements of components, forms invariable pairs based on these values, and generates a constant PUF value by comparing and concatenating results in a predefined order, ensuring stability and reproducibility without external storage or intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a PUF value is stored in a memory of the chip, then the PUF value can be retrieved constantly, but the security is compromised as the stored value can be read by a malicious person
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary information (parity bit) from the PUF value and stores it, while the complete PUF value remains unstored and regenerated each time. This separation allows constant retrieval without compromising security of the full value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a parity bit as an intermediary element that mediates between the need for constant PUF value and security requirements. The parity bit serves as a verification mechanism without revealing the actual PUF value, enabling secure constant operation.
2Measurement precision
If a complementary indication (parity bit) is used to detect errors in PUF value, then error detection is possible, but information about the PUF value is leaked which could help malicious persons
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing different levels of information protection: the parity bit (less sensitive information) can be stored and transmitted, while the main PUF value (highly sensitive information) remains protected and is never stored externally. This differential protection allows error detection without significant information leakage.
3Reliability
If error correction codes are used to guarantee accuracy of PUF value, then errors can be corrected, but more information about the PUF value is provided which could be helpful to malicious persons
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the minimal necessary information (parity bit) for error detection rather than using full error correction codes. This extraction approach provides sufficient reliability for the application while minimizing information leakage that could aid malicious persons.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the PUF value is generated multiple times and the most frequent value is returned, then constant PUF value can be obtained, but execution time increases and calculation resources are monopolized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts a simplified verification element (parity bit) that can be computed quickly and stored, avoiding the need for multiple PUF value generations. This extraction approach achieves constant operation with minimal computational overhead and time loss.
5Ease of operation
If the chip is in an open state during initialization to allow access to physical characteristics, then the PUF function can be set, but confidentiality is compromised as the PUF value or identifying information can be discovered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and stores only the parity bit during initialization, while the complete PUF value remains protected and is never exposed during the open state. This extraction approach enables initialization functionality while maintaining confidentiality of the actual PUF value.
Solution Approach 2:
The parity bit serves as an intermediary that can be safely exposed during initialization without revealing the actual PUF value. This mediator enables the chip to be in an open state for setup while maintaining confidentiality of the sensitive PUF value.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for generating a value (19) inherent to an electronic circuit (10) by means of measures of a physical quantity carried out on components (11) of this circuit; this method is intended to: calculate and associate to each component (11) at least one value (V) derived from a series of measures carried out on said component, the calculation of said value (V) being done by determining a statistical value from said series of measures and by defining said value (V) as being either said statistical value, or an uncertainty range calculated from this statistical value, form a collection of invariable pairs of components, select, in said collection, pairs so that said values (V) associated to the components of each of these pairs are spaced by at least one setpoint value, generate said value (19) inherent to the electronic circuit on the basis of results of comparisons of the values (V) associated to the components of each selected pair.