Integrated Circuit PUF Feature Activation Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed logic integrated circuits lack robust protection mechanisms for feature activation and customization, making them vulnerable to unauthorized use and overproduction, especially when configuration access keys are compromised.
Innovation Solution
A fixed logic integrated circuit with a unique code generator and enrolment pattern generator, utilizing a physical unclonable function (PUF), generates a unique code and enrolment pattern for secure feature activation and customization, ensuring that configuration data is specific to each integrated circuit and cannot be intercepted or reused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a configuration access key is used to control featurization, then feature activation can be controlled, but the system becomes vulnerable to unauthorized use when the key is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unique identification characteristics from the physical integrated circuit itself (through PUF - Physical Unclonable Function) and separates them from the configuration access key. This allows the system to use intrinsic circuit properties rather than external keys for identification, eliminating the vulnerability of key compromise while maintaining control over feature activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an enrolment pattern as an intermediary between the unique code and the configuration data. This enrolment pattern is generated based on the unique code but is distinct from it, providing an additional layer of security where even if the unique code is known, the configuration data cannot be generated without the enrolment pattern.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If enabling data is stored remotely and generated using enrolment pattern, then security against key compromise is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the featurization system into distinct functional components: a unique code generator (PUF), an enrolment pattern generator, and a configuration data generator. Each component has a specific role and can be implemented independently, which manages complexity through modular design while achieving enhanced security.
3Reliability
If configuration data is specific to each integrated circuit using unique code, then unauthorized reuse is prevented, but manufacturing and configuration processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the integrated circuit automatically generates its unique code through the PUF and uses this code to generate its own configuration data. This eliminates the need for manual configuration assignment during manufacturing, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring each circuit has unique, non-reusable configuration data.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixed logic integrated circuit is disclosed. The integrated circuit comprises a unique code generator configured to generate a code having a value which is intrinsically unique to the integrated circuit, an enrolment pattern generator configured to generate an enrolment pattern based on the unique code. The integrated circuit is configured to transmit the enrolment pattern to an external enrolment device and to receive enabling data from the external enrolment device. Optionally, the integrated circuit may include memory for storing remotely-generated enabling data. The integrated circuit comprises a configuration file generator configured to generate configuration data using the remotely-generated enabling data and the unique code, and a feature activation module configured to activate and/or disable features of the integrated circuit and/or customise the integrated circuit in dependence upon the configuration data.