MEMS-Embedded PUF Circuit for Mechanical Trust Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) technologies are limited in their ability to extend trust to systems and structures that are not conducive to conventional PUF circuit implementations.

Innovation Solution

A system that incorporates a PUF circuit with an embedded microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device, which detects parameters or characteristics of a mechanical structure and provides input to the PUF circuit, thereby extending trust to the mechanical structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional PUF circuits are used, then digital fingerprint identification is achieved, but the ability to extend trust to mechanical structures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to extend trust to mechanical structuresVSAvoidtrust extension capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a conventional PUF circuit with a MEMS device into an integrated system. The MEMS device detects mechanical structure parameters while the PUF circuit generates digital fingerprints, merging mechanical sensing with cryptographic identification to enable trust extension to mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system performs multiple functions: the MEMS device senses mechanical parameters (acceleration, pressure, temperature), the PUF circuit generates unique digital identifiers, and together they provide both environmental monitoring and cryptographic trust verification for mechanical structures, making the system universally applicable to various mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If PUF circuits are integrated with MEMS devices, then trust extension to mechanical structures is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrust extension capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PUF circuit is integrated within or alongside the MEMS device structure, with the MEMS components (sensing elements, movable parts) nested within the same package or substrate as the PUF circuitry. This nesting approach reduces overall system complexity compared to separate discrete components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a shared control and processing unit as an intermediary between the MEMS sensing elements and the PUF circuit. This mediator handles signal conditioning, data processing, and coordination between the mechanical sensing portion and the cryptographic identification portion, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 integration of MEMS devices with PUF circuits allows for the detection of changes or tampering in mechanical structures, providing a unique digital identification that is encoded into cryptographic processes, thus enhancing network integrity and security.

Implementation Method 1

an embedded microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device; wherein the embedded MEMS device is configured to detect a parameter or characteristic associated with the mechanical structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicroelectromechanical system (MEMS): Microelectromechanical Systems

Data Source

PatentUS20250045465A1MEMS-based physically unclonable function (PUF) for mechanical trust extension

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A system is provided. The system includes a physical unclonable function (PUF) circuit having an input, an output and an embedded microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device; and an interface, coupled to the PUF circuit, and being configured to be coupled to a mechanical structure; wherein the embedded MEMS device is configured to detect a parameter or characteristic associated with the mechanical structure and to provide an input to the PUF circuit based on the detected parameter, whereby the PUF circuit uses the input from the embedded MEMS device to extend trust to the mechanical structure.