MOS Capacitor PUF Circuit for Stable Bit Output Without ECC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PUF technologies require additional error correction circuits due to bit errors caused by environmental changes, such as temperature and voltage fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A PUF device utilizing antifuse-based MOS capacitors and inverters to maintain consistent bit output despite environmental changes, eliminating the need for separate error correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional error correction circuits (ECC or NVM) are used to correct bit errors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error correction function from separate ECC/NVM circuits and integrates it directly into the PUF cell structure. The MOS capacitor is embedded within the inverter chain, allowing the same hardware to simultaneously perform PUF function and error correction without requiring additional dedicated error correction circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the PUF functionality with error correction capability into a single integrated cell structure. The MOS capacitor-based delay element serves dual purposes: generating the PUF output bit and providing inherent error correction through its physical properties, thereby combining what were previously separate functions into one unified structure.
2Reliability
If MOS capacitors with applied voltage are used to stabilize signal arrival times, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (voltage) applied to the MOS capacitor to dynamically adjust and stabilize the signal arrival time. By controlling the voltage applied to the MOS capacitor, the system can compensate for manufacturing variations and environmental changes, achieving reliable timing stabilization without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
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 PUF device ensures consistent bit output without additional error correction, even with changes in external environment, by using MOS capacitors and inverters to stabilize signal arrival times.
Implementation Method 1
a first MOS capacitor disposed on the first path; and a second MOS capacitor disposed on the second path
Data Source
AI summary
A physically unclonable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of inverters disposed on a first path to which a first signal is input; a plurality of inverters disposed on a second path to which a second signal is input; a first MOS capacitor disposed on the first path; and a second MOS capacitor disposed on the second path, wherein a first voltage is applied to a MOS capacitor located on the path corresponding to whichever of the first signal or the second signal arrives later at an output terminal of the first path or an outer terminal of the second path. Accordingly, a physically unclonable device that does not require separate error correction can be achieved.