Magnetic Sensor Array Staggered Layout for PUF Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic sensor array devices require motion control systems to measure the magnetic field over a PUF object's surface, increasing system cost and measurement time, and face challenges in accurately measuring the Bz component due to the placement of Bx and By Hall effect sensor plates, which can introduce errors and miss magnetic fields not penetrating the measurement plane.

Innovation Solution

A fully integrated multi-axis magnetic sensor array device on a common semiconductor substrate with a staggered sensor layout and adaptive resolution sequence map, allowing for simultaneous measurement of magnetic fields without motion control, improved spatial resolution, and secure key derivation for authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a motion control system is used to traverse the PUF part and record magnetic field measurements, then the magnetic field can be measured over the entire surface area, but the system cost and measurement time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field measurement coverageVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic sensor device is divided into multiple discrete magnetic sensors arranged in a two-dimensional array pattern on a substrate. Each sensor measures the magnetic field at a specific location, and collectively they cover the entire PUF part surface area without requiring motion control, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining comprehensive coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from one-dimensional linear scanning (requiring motion control) to two-dimensional array arrangement of sensors. This dimensional change allows simultaneous measurement across the entire surface area of the PUF part, eliminating the need for sequential scanning and motion control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a motion control system is used to traverse the PUF part and record magnetic field measurements, then the magnetic field can be measured over the entire surface area, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field measurement coverageVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical motion control system with a static two-dimensional array of magnetic sensors. Instead of moving a single sensor across the PUF part, multiple sensors are fixed in an array configuration, eliminating mechanical complexity and reducing system cost while achieving complete surface area measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If Bx and By Hall effect sensor plates are placed to measure magnetic field components, then the measurement can be comprehensive, but the Bz component measurement accuracy is reduced due to errors and missed magnetic fields not penetrating the measurement plane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field component measurement coverageVSAvoidBz component measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different sensor orientations at different locations within the array. Sensors at various positions are oriented to measure different magnetic field components (Bx, By, Bz) based on local field characteristics. This localized optimization ensures accurate Bz measurement where needed while maintaining comprehensive multi-component coverage across the entire array

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the orientation parameter of magnetic sensors at different positions in the array. By varying sensor orientation angles and measurement axes according to positional requirements, the system achieves accurate measurement of all three magnetic field components (Bx, By, Bz) without the errors associated with uniform sensor placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables faster, more accurate magnetic field measurements with reduced power consumption and enhanced security by eliminating the need for motion control and improving measurement precision, while also providing a unique security key for verification.

Implementation Method 1

utilization of a central area of a surface to measure the normal magnetic field using Hall effect plates that are on the surface of the area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11543472B2Magnetic sensor array device optimization

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A magnetic sensor array device is comprised of an array of magnetic sensors arranged on a common semiconductor substrate to measure the multi-axis magnetic field of an arbitrary sized region at high speed with high spatial resolution and high magnetic resolution. This invention further improves a multi-axis magnetic sensor array device fabricated on a common semiconductor substrate with additional optimizations to provide for variable spatial resolution, variable magnetic resolution, and a novel secret key derivation.