Physically Unclonable Function Structure via Controlled Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PUF structures face challenges in achieving a balance between security and reproducibility, as they need to be unclonable yet reproducible with predictable properties for reliable manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving local demixing of a precursor to create domains of different substances with a random distribution, utilizing self-organization and spontaneous structure formation, controlled by process parameters to ensure reproducibility and randomness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PUF structures are made as random as possible to achieve unclonability and security, then security is improved, but manufacturing reproducibility and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the phase separation process through temperature, time, and composition parameters. By adjusting these parameters, the invention achieves a balance between random domain distribution (for security) and reproducible manufacturing conditions. The phase separation is induced under controlled parameters that ensure both randomness and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The core of the invention utilizes phase transitions - specifically phase separation in polymer blends. The precursor composition undergoes phase separation to form domains with different physical properties. This phase transition naturally creates random spatial distributions while being controllable through processing parameters, thus resolving the contradiction between security (randomness) and reproducibility.
2Reliability
If PUF structures use spontaneous structure formation to achieve randomness, then unclonability is improved, but control over device properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs self-service through spontaneous phase separation of the precursor composition. The system automatically forms domains with random spatial distributions without requiring external intervention or complex patterning processes. This self-organizing behavior provides unclonability while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
While utilizing spontaneous structure formation, the invention maintains control by adjusting processing parameters such as temperature, composition ratios, and processing time. These parameter changes allow control over domain size, distribution characteristics, and device dimensions, balancing unclonability with manufacturability.
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
Enables the production of PUFs with high reliability and robustness, maintaining key properties for extended periods without external influence, facilitating secure and economical manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the precursor is provided in a first phase and the local demixing of the precursor involves a change in the state of the precursor to effect a phase transition
Implementation Method 2
generating the characteristic structure by locally demixing a precursor to obtain a plurality of domains of a first substance and a plurality of domains of a second substance
Implementation Method 3
arranging a measuring structure for measuring the physical property at a plurality of sub-areas in the measuring area in order to evaluate the physically unclonable function
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments include a method for producing a device for providing a physically unclonable function based on a characteristic structure. The method has the following features: generating the characteristic structure by locally demixing a precursor to obtain a plurality of domains of a first substance and a plurality of domains of a second substance, in order to obtain a random spatial distribution of the domains of the first and second substances in a measuring range, wherein domains of the first substance and domains of the second substance differ in a physical property such that differences in the physical property at least partially provide the physically unclonable function. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments include devices for providing a physically unclonable function.