Semiconductor Device Unique Code Copying for Secure Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices using silicon ID or PUFs face issues with random eigenvalue errors, leading to decreased responsiveness due to the need for multiple readings to obtain a correct eigenvalue, which can deteriorate system performance.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device and information processing system generate external device unique information using a unique code, encrypt first information stored in an external device, and then decrypt it using principal device unique information to enhance responsiveness and security, eliminating the need for error correction and re-reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicon ID or PUF is employed to generate confidential information, then security is improved, but responsiveness deteriorates due to random eigenvalue errors requiring multiple readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the unique code (eigenvalue) in a reliable storage unit within the semiconductor device. This copy serves as a backup that can be retrieved without the errors affecting the original PUF/silicon ID, thus maintaining security while enabling fast, error-free authentication and decryption operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary storage mechanism (reliable storage unit containing the copied unique code) that mediates between the error-prone PUF/silicon ID and the authentication/decryption processes. This intermediary provides error-free data retrieval, eliminating the need for multiple readings while preserving the security benefits of PUF-based unique code generation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple readings are performed to obtain correct eigenvalue, then accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the action of copying the unique code to a reliable storage unit in advance (during device initialization or manufacturing). This preliminary action ensures that the unique code is available in error-free form when needed, eliminating the time-consuming multiple reading operations while maintaining eigenvalue accuracy.
3Reliability
If error correction is performed on eigenvalue, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unique code from the error-prone PUF/silicon ID and stores it separately in a reliable storage unit. This extraction eliminates the need for error correction mechanisms, as the copied unique code is stored in a manner that prevents errors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a semiconductor device and an information processing system according to one embodiment, an external device generates external device unique information by using a unique code which is a value unique to the semiconductor device, and generates second information by encrypting the first information with the use of the external device unique information. The semiconductor device stores the second information and generates the principal device unique information independently of the external device, with the use of the unique code of the semiconductor device holding the second information, and decrypts the second information with the use of the principal device unique information to obtain the first information.