PUF Security Token for Resistant Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature sensing technologies in IoT applications are vulnerable to security attacks and falsification, as traditional systems can be compromised by substituting temperature sensors, and faulty readings may not be detected.
Innovation Solution
A PUF-based security token that combines temperature sensing with cryptographic key generation, using a cluster of resistors with unique physical properties to produce a stable and secure key, resistant to modification and substitution, and integrates temperature sensing with key generation to ensure stability and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional temperature sensors are used in IoT applications, then temperature measurement can be achieved, but the system is vulnerable to security attacks and falsification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature sensing functionality with PUF-based cryptographic key generation into a single integrated security token. The same physical resistors used for temperature measurement also serve as the PUF elements for generating unclonable cryptographic keys, creating a unified system where temperature sensing and security authentication are inseparable
Solution Approach 2:
The security token performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a temperature sensor and a cryptographic key generation device. The resistor network serves dual purposes - measuring temperature through resistance changes and generating unique cryptographic identifiers through manufacturing variations, eliminating the need for separate components
2Ease of manufacture
If temperature sensors are made substitutable for cost reasons, then device complexity is reduced, but security is compromised as faulty readings cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of substituting temperature sensors, the system creates an unclonable cryptographic copy of the sensor's physical identity. The PUF generates a unique cryptographic key that is a digital fingerprint of the specific physical resistors, allowing verification that the temperature sensor has not been replaced or tampered with while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
3Reliability
If PUF-based security tokens are implemented, then security and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges temperature sensing and cryptographic key generation into a single integrated circuit using the same resistor network for both functions. This eliminates the need for separate temperature sensor and PUF components, reducing overall device complexity despite adding security functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The resistor network serves multiple functions simultaneously: temperature sensing through resistance measurement and cryptographic key generation through manufacturing variation analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall device architecture while providing both temperature measurement and security authentication
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
The PUF-based security token provides robust, stable, and secure temperature sensing and key generation, resistant to attacks and modifications, ensuring consistent performance under varying conditions with minimal energy consumption and no need for trust in third-party components.
Implementation Method 1
an analog to digital converter having an input connected to the second side of the first resistor wherein an output of said analog to digital converter is related to temperature by a temperature coefficient of resistivity of the first resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensing security token may include a first resistor having a first side connected to a voltage source, a second resistor having a first side connected to the voltage source, an analog comparator having a first input connected to a second side of the first resistor and a second input connected to a second side of the second resistor and an output that represents at least one bit of a key, and an analog to digital converter having an input connected to the second side of the first resistor wherein an output of said analog to digital converter is related to temperature by a temperature coefficient of resistivity of the first resistor. The first resistor and the second resistor may have the same nominal resistance. The first resistor, the second resistor and the analog to digital comparator may be encased in the same package. The package may be configured to inhibit inspection and discovery of components contained in said package. A processor may be connected to a key register and to a temperature table wherein said processor may be configured to store the key bits in the key register and is configured to store data corresponding to temperature. The processor may be configured to store a time stamp associated with an entry in the temperature table. A communications interface may be connected to the processor.