PUF Memory Structure With Limited Key Delivery Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) within integrated circuits face challenges in maintaining security and uniqueness due to potential detectability and sensitivity to attacks, while existing solutions are difficult to produce and may have penalizing surface bulk.
Innovation Solution
A physical unclonable function device is designed with a first module generating an initial data group and management means to authorize a limited number of deliveries of a unique unpredictable code, using non-volatile memory cells with buried selection transistors and differential reading to increase dispersion, and a second module generating an additional unpredictable code for unlimited use, enhancing security and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical unclonable function devices use random access or non-volatile memories, ring oscillators, or specific logic circuits to generate unique codes, then the security and uniqueness of the generated codes are improved, but the devices become more detectable within the integrated circuit and more sensitive to attacks by fault injection
Solution Approach 1:
The PUF device is divided into multiple independent modules (first PUF module, second PUF module, management module) that work together to generate and protect the unique code. This segmentation distributes the security function across multiple components, making it more difficult for attackers to target and compromise the entire system through fault injection or detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical structure where the unique code is nested within multiple layers of protection. The code generated by the PUF modules is stored in a non-volatile memory area that can only be read a limited number of times, creating a nested protection mechanism where the most sensitive data is deeply embedded and protected by multiple access controls.
2Reliability
If physical unclonable function devices use dedicated manufacturing steps to create unique physical features, then the uniqueness and unpredictability of the generated codes are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The PUF device utilizes self-service by leveraging natural variations that occur during standard manufacturing processes. Instead of requiring dedicated manufacturing steps to create unique physical features, the system exploits inherent randomness in transistor threshold voltages and other physical parameters that arise automatically during conventional fabrication, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring code uniqueness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical unclonable function devices store and deliver unique unpredictable codes multiple times, then the versatility and usefulness of the device are improved, but the security risk increases due to potential extraction by attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing the unique code in a protected non-volatile memory area before any delivery operations. The management module is configured to control access to this stored code, allowing it to be delivered a limited number of times (D successive deliveries) while preventing any new generation or extraction attempts. This preliminary storage with controlled access maintains security even as the code is delivered multiple times for legitimate uses.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment an integrated device includes a first physical unclonable function module configured to generate an initial data group and management module configured to generate an output data group from at least the initial data group, authorize only D successive deliveries of the output data group on a first output interface of the device, D being a non-zero positive integer, and prevent any new generation of the output data group.