Magnetic Sensor Array for Non-Rotating PUF Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic PUF authentication systems face challenges in accurately measuring and authenticating non-rotating PUFs due to the need for multiple sensors or movement of the PUF relative to the sensors, which can lead to false positives and decreased security, especially with the rise of counterfeiting in critical industries and national security.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis magnetic sensor array with increased spatial resolution and a reduced distance to the PUF surface, combined with a verification algorithm like the Pearson Correlation Function, to enhance measurement accuracy and security by increasing the number of sensor locations and using advanced sensor array configurations such as wafer-level packaging and monolithic arrays to improve spatial resolution and measurement throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to measure the magnetic profile at multiple angles around a circular path, then the device complexity is reduced, but this approach only works for rotating PUF systems and cannot authenticate non-rotating PUFs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple discrete sensors arranged in an array, where each sensor measures the magnetic field at a specific location. This segmentation allows the system to capture the complete magnetic fingerprint of non-rotating PUFs by simultaneously measuring multiple points, rather than relying on a single sensor that would require rotation to gather equivalent data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement approach (one dimension in time/rotation) to a multi-point spatial measurement approach (two dimensions in space). By arranging sensors in a two-dimensional array that corresponds to the PUF surface, the system captures the magnetic field distribution across the entire fingerprint region, enabling authentication of non-rotating PUFs without mechanical movement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic field sensors are used to sample the magnetic fingerprint at multiple locations, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic field sensors into a single integrated sensor array device. By merging the sensing functions of multiple individual sensors into one unified array structure with a common substrate and shared readout electronics, the system achieves high measurement precision across multiple locations while reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing cost compared to using separate sensor modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is designed as a universal platform that can authenticate various types of non-rotating PUFs with different sizes and magnetic particle configurations. The array configuration and readout system are engineered to handle diverse PUF formats, making the device adaptable to multiple applications without requiring separate specialized sensors for each PUF type.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor array is positioned at a greater distance from the PUF surface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision decreases due to weaker magnetic field signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the sensor array positioning parameters, specifically the distance from the PUF surface, to achieve the best compromise between ease of operation and measurement precision. By carefully selecting and adjusting the operating distance parameter, the system ensures sufficient magnetic field signal strength for accurate authentication while maintaining practical ease of use in various deployment scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces the probability of false positives, enhances the security of the authentication system by improving measurement accuracy and resolution, and increases the confidence level in identifying genuine PUFs, thus addressing the counterfeiting threats effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a PUF that contains magnetic particles, which generate a complex magnetic field near the surface of the PUF part. This magnetic field may be measured along a path and data corresponding to the magnetic field components recorded
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor array device is described that is constructed with multiple sensors integrated on a common silicon die, diced and packaged in a wafer level package (WLP). The device comprises an array of multi-axis magnetic sensors that can measure the multi-dimensional magnetic field of an arbitrary sized two-dimensional region with high spatial resolution, reduced sensing distance, higher measurement throughput, tolerance to motion, improved temperature measurement, and improved yield when placed on a circuit card comprises part of an authentication system including a physical unclonable function (“PUF”), a substrate, a plurality of magnetized particles randomly dispersed in the substrate, and a PUF reader constructed using one or more of the magnetic sensor array devices wherein the PUF reader measures the magnetic field at multiple locations in close proximity to the magnetized particles. The measured magnetic field data may be compared to previously enrolled data to assess authenticity.