Connected Synthetic PUF Calibration for Noise-Stable Responses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) technologies face limitations in reliability and unclonability, particularly due to environmental noise and aging, which affect their performance in securing computer systems, especially in IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A Connected Synthetic Physically Unclonable Function (CSPUF) is introduced, which leverages sensors and actuators to determine statistical properties of noise distribution, receives external data for calibration and stabilization, and communicates through data channels to enhance reliability and controllability, enabling new networking schemes and improved security features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PUF devices are used, then hardware-based security is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to environmental noise and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary components that measure environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure) and use these measurements as mediators to adjust and stabilize PUF responses. The sensors act as a bridge between the physical environment and the PUF device, allowing the system to compensate for environmental variations rather than being directly affected by them.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where PUF responses are continuously monitored and compared against reference values. When deviations are detected due to environmental noise or aging, the system adjusts operating parameters or selects alternative PUF instances based on the feedback, thereby maintaining reliable authentication over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional PUF devices are used, then unclonability is provided, but controllability deteriorates due to inability to manage aging and environmental effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static PUF device into a dynamic system by introducing multiple controllable parameters including temperature, humidity, and pressure adjustments. The PUF can adapt its response characteristics by varying these parameters, enabling the same physical device to provide different but equally secure responses under different conditions, thereby extending its useful lifespan and management flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If PUF devices operate in noisy environments, then hardware security is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors serve as intermediary measurement devices that independently monitor environmental conditions. By measuring temperature, humidity, and pressure separately, the system can compensate for their effects on PUF responses through calibration data, thereby maintaining measurement precision even in noisy environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely physical PUF response measurement with a hybrid approach that incorporates environmental sensing and computational compensation. Instead of relying solely on the physical PUF characteristics, the system substitutes part of the measurement process with sensor-based environmental monitoring and algorithmic correction, improving accuracy in noisy conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a Connected Synthetic Physically Unclonable Function (acronym CSPUF) made of a circuit configured to receive signals of one or more sensors and/or actuators in/of a computer device; determine one or more statistical properties of the noise distribution of said selected one or more of said sensors and/or actuators; receive data IN from one or more external data sources; determine one or more digital signatures (responses) from said statistical properties and said selected external data. In one embodiment, along a response R when challenged by a challenge C, the circuit is configured to receive data IN and/or to communicate data OUT from one or more external data sources. Developments describe uses and advantages of data IN and data OUT channels, e.g. static or dynamic calibration, options to disable the circuit. Other embodiments consider variants of interconnections of two CSPUF circuits, providing "self-cycled", "iterative", "cascaded" and other "blockchain" arrangements.