PUF-ID Extraction Circuit for Counterfeit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of imitation, pirated, or counterfeit electronic components and devices with semiconductor integrated circuits poses a significant challenge, as existing countermeasures such as encryption technologies are not entirely effective in preventing the production and identification of such products.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device equipped with a PUF-ID extraction circuit that generates a unique identifier based on averaged output signals from electronic devices, utilizing a combination of averaging circuits, memory circuits, and PUF-ID extraction circuits to differentiate authentic from counterfeit products, thereby preventing the manufacture of imitation products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption technology is used to prevent imitation and counterfeiting, then security is improved, but the complexity of the system increases and may not fully prevent counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the electronic device's own inherent physical characteristics (transistor parameters, capacitor values, resistance) to generate the unique identifier, rather than requiring external encryption keys or complex security modules. The device serves itself by utilizing its manufacturing variations as the security foundation, eliminating the need for separate encryption infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of copying security from external encryption systems, the patent creates a unique security identity based on the device's own physical fingerprint. Each device is copied only in its functional behavior, but its physical characteristics remain unique and unclonable, providing inherent security without complex encryption protocols.
2Measurement precision
If multiple output signals are acquired and averaged to generate unique identifier, then measurement precision is improved, but the time required for processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system acquires multiple output signals (excessive action) to ensure high precision in the unique identifier generation. By collecting more measurements than the absolute minimum required, the system achieves robust noise filtering and higher detection accuracy, accepting the time cost as necessary for reliable counterfeiting prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The averaging of multiple signals is performed in advance during the device initialization or first authentication phase. This preliminary action establishes a stable baseline for the unique identifier that can be stored and used for subsequent faster comparisons, reducing time loss in ongoing operations.
3Reliability
If physical characteristics of the device are utilized to generate unique identifier, then reliability against counterfeiting is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical measurements (direct transistor parameter measurement, capacitance testing) with electrical signal-based detection. By applying test voltages and measuring output signals through standard electrical interfaces, the system infers physical characteristics without requiring direct access to or complex measurement of the actual physical components, significantly reducing measurement difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electrical test signals and output voltage measurements as intermediaries to indirectly probe the physical characteristics of internal components. Rather than directly measuring transistor parameters or capacitor values, the patent measures the electrical response (output signal) that these components produce, using the electrical domain as an intermediary that is easier to access and measure.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device comprises an electronic device, an averaging circuit acquiring output signals from the electronic device multiple times in a predetermined period and averaging the signals acquired multiple times, a memory circuit storing an averaged signal averaged by the averaging circuit and a PUF-ID extraction circuit generating a unique identifier based on the averaged signal.