PUF Memory Masking for Secure Data Storage and Authentication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory devices lack effective data security measures to prevent unauthorized access, use, modification, and recording, especially in the context of advancing information technology and communication.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a physically unclonable function (PUF) unit, a controller with a masking engine, and a memory array to generate and apply random bit sequences for secure data storage, true random number generation, and secure key storage, while using a crypto engine or processor for authentication and data access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is stored in conventional memory devices, then data storage capacity is achieved, but data security against unauthorized access is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidmemory device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple security functions (PUF unit for random bit generation, masking engine for data obfuscation, authentication logic) directly into the memory device controller, merging storage and security functions into a single integrated device that prevents unauthorized access while maintaining storage capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The masking engine acts as an intermediary between the PUF unit and the memory array, using random bit sequences to obfuscate stored data. This intermediary layer ensures that even if the memory is physically accessed, the data remains protected without requiring changes to the fundamental memory storage mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If random bit sequences are generated and applied for secure data storage, then data security is enhanced, but processing resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidprocessing resources

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The PUF unit generates random bit sequences in advance and stores them in the memory device, so that when data needs to be secured or authenticated, the random bits are already available. This preliminary generation eliminates the need for resource-intensive real-time random number generation during authentication operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The memory device performs self-authentication using its internally generated random bit sequences, eliminating the need for external authentication hardware or complex cryptographic processing. The device authenticates itself and its data using the pre-generated random bits stored within its own structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3780489B1Memory device providing data security

Publication Date: 2026.04.22 PUFSECURITY CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A memory device (1) includes a physically unclonable function (PUF) unit, a controller (100) and a memory array (106). The PUF unit (105) is used to provide a random bit pool. The controller (100) is coupled to the PUF unit (105) and is used to extract a random bit sequence from the random bit pool. The controller (100) includes a masking engine (101). The masking engine (101) is used to perform a key derivation function to stretch the extracted random bit sequence and to mask an input signal (Addr, Data). The memory array (106) is coupled to the masking engine (101) and is used to store according to the masked input signal (Addrm, Datam).