PUF Target Data Generation with Internal Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The export of physically unclonable function (PUF) values during semiconductor device manufacturing exposes the PUF value, compromising device security, particularly when used for cryptographic keys, as unauthorized entities can retrieve and compromise the cryptographic keys.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing helper data in conjunction with PUFs, such as SRAM, to generate target data through error correction operations, ensuring the PUF values remain internal and secure by using helper data to identify specific bits and code words for generating target data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PUF values are exported during manufacturing, then device functionality is established, but security is compromised as unauthorized entities can retrieve and compromise cryptographic keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (helper data) from the PUF value during manufacturing, rather than exporting the complete PUF value. This helper data is sufficient to reproduce the PUF output later but does not reveal the actual PUF value, thus maintaining security while enabling device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the PUF value into two parts: the secret PUF value itself (kept internal) and the helper data (exported during manufacturing). This segmentation allows the device to function without exposing the critical security element, as the helper data alone cannot compromise the PUF value.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If helper data is used to generate target data, then PUF values remain internal and secure, but device complexity increases due to error correction operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs error correction operations during the initial manufacturing phase when helper data is generated, rather than during normal device operation. This preliminary action prepares the system in advance, so that during operation only simple data reproduction is needed, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If PUF values are kept internal, then security is enhanced, but the ability to replicate target data across devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces helper data as an intermediary that enables target data replication across devices without requiring the actual PUF values to be shared. The helper data acts as a mediator that, when combined with local PUF outputs, allows consistent target data generation while keeping PUF values internal and secure.
Data Source
AI summary
A value corresponding to a physical variation of a device may be received. Furthermore, helper data associated with the physical variation of the device may be received. A result data may be generated based on a combination of the value corresponding to the physical variation of the device and the helper data. An error correction operation may be performed on the result data to identify one or more code words associated with the error correction operation. Subsequently, a target data may be generated based on the one or more code words.