MEMS-Based Cryptographic Key Generation via Magnetic Field Influence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating cryptographic keys in devices using Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) can be unpredictable and introduce noise due to environmental conditions, requiring additional circuitry to address variability, which increases overhead and costs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a MEMS device on a substrate to generate a cryptographic key based on sensed parameters, where the key generating device can influence output signals using magnetic fields or determine element positions and capacitances, allowing for secure and efficient key generation without the need for secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PUFs are used to generate cryptographic keys from device properties, then secure key generation without storage is achieved, but the output becomes unpredictable and noisy due to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by measuring the output signal multiple times and using statistical analysis to determine the cryptographic key. The feedback mechanism allows the system to account for environmental variations and noise by comparing multiple measurements and selecting the key that appears most frequently or consistently across measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the device properties and establishes reference measurements before actual key generation. This preliminary action includes measuring device properties under controlled conditions and storing reference data that can be used to compensate for environmental variations during operational key generation.
2Reliability
If additional devices such as fuzzy extractors are used to address noise in PUF measurements, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity and overhead increase due to additional circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple device properties and measurements into a single integrated key generation process. Instead of using separate PUF devices and fuzzy extractors, the system merges measurements of multiple device characteristics (such as resonant frequencies, Q-factors, and other physical properties) into a unified approach that generates cryptographic keys directly from the combined measurement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal measurement techniques that can characterize multiple device properties simultaneously using the same measurement infrastructure. The key generation methodology is designed to work with various types of device properties and measurement approaches, eliminating the need for specialized additional circuitry by using multi-functional measurement and analysis methods.
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 system provides a secure, efficient, and cost-effective method for generating cryptographic keys by leveraging MEMS device properties, reducing noise and overhead, and enabling secure secret-key storage for devices.
Implementation Method 1
PUFs are physical devices that have randomness properties. Some systems use PUFs to generate the cryptographic key from the device based on a single physical property of the device.
Implementation Method 2
The key generating device can selectively influence the output signal of the MEMS device using a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be generated using a coil.
Implementation Method 3
The key generating device can determine capacitances in the system surrounding the MEMS device and generate the cryptographic based on the position of the capacitances.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a MEMS device and a key generating device formed over the substrate. The key generating device is configured to generate a cryptographic key based on a property of the MEMS device and the MEMS device is configured to output a signal indicative of a sensed parameter. The generated cryptographic key is based on the influenced output signal of the MEMS device.