Physically Uncloneable Function Helper Data for Multiple Secret Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PUF circuit technologies are limited in their ability to reliably and securely store multiple secret values on a single integrated circuit, as they typically generate a single encryption/decryption key from a single helper data image.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple helper data solutions, or helper data images, is employed to generate preselected non-random values from a PUF circuit, allowing for the reliable storage of multiple secret values on a single integrated circuit by combining chip-unique PUF circuit outputs with chip-unique helper data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single helper data image is used with a PUF circuit, then the system is simple and secure, but only a single encryption/decryption key can be stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the helper data into multiple separate images (first helper data image, second helper data image, etc.), each associated with a different secret value. This segmentation allows the system to store multiple secrets while maintaining the security properties of PUF-based systems, as each helper data image can be independently managed and associated with specific encryption/decryption keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by storing multiple helper data images in non-volatile memory alongside the PUF circuit. This dimensional expansion enables the system to map multiple helper data images to multiple secret values, thereby increasing storage capacity without fundamentally changing the core PUF security mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple helper data images are stored in non-volatile memory, then multiple secret values can be stored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system where the PUF circuit can work with multiple helper data images stored in non-volatile memory. The same PUF circuit structure remains unchanged, but it becomes multi-functional by being able to generate different secret values by combining with different helper data images, thereby achieving versatility without adding complex circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing multiple helper data images in non-volatile memory during manufacturing or provisioning. This allows the system to be pre-configured with multiple potential secret values, enabling flexible deployment without requiring complex runtime configuration or generation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple helper data solutions (a.k.a., helper data images) are generated to produce preselected non-random values (a.k.a., “target values”) from a physically unclonable function (PUF) circuit. Therefore, multiple preselected PUF output values may be generated for a given integrated circuit die, where each the output values are derived from a combination of the chip-unique PUF circuit and the chip-unique helper data solution. These helper data blocks are stored in a nonvolatile memory on the integrated circuit die. In an embodiment, the preselected non-random values may be used as secret encryption or decryption keys. In this manner, multiple secret values can be reliably stored within a chip, using a combination of the chip-unique PUF circuit and the multiple chip-unique helper data solution.