Semiconductor Unique Information Generation Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating unique information in semiconductor devices face challenges in determining '0' or '1' when process variations are small, leading to degradation in randomness if the margin for determination is made larger.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a unique-information generation portion that generates stable and unstable information, where stable information remains constant across operation environments and unstable information varies, is used in conjunction with a security system that authenticates the device by comparing stored and obtained unique information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the margin for determination is made larger to improve determination reliability, then the randomness (non-predictability) of the unique information degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the determination process into multiple stages: initial determination using a first margin, followed by verification using a second margin. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high determination reliability (through verification) and maintain randomness (by using a smaller first margin for initial generation), resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by verifying the determined unique information against stored reference information. The verification process uses the second margin to check whether the determined information matches expected characteristics, providing feedback that ensures both reliability and randomness without requiring a single large margin.
2Loss of information
If the margin for determination is made smaller to maintain randomness, then determination reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the determination process into two stages with different margin requirements. The first stage uses a smaller margin to preserve randomness during initial determination, while the second stage uses a larger margin for verification. This segmentation allows the system to maintain randomness while achieving reliable determination through the verification stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination with a smaller margin to maintain randomness, then follows up with verification using a larger margin. This preliminary action allows the system to generate unique information with high randomness while ensuring determination reliability through the subsequent verification process.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If unique information is stored in non-volatile memory to ensure permanence, then the risk of reading by analysis or illegal access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the verification function from the storage function. Instead of storing unique information that can be read and analyzed, the system stores reference information and performs verification dynamically. This extraction eliminates the risk of analyzing stored unique information while maintaining the permanence and authenticity of the verification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces verification as an intermediary process between storage and access. The system stores reference information and uses verification as a mediator to ensure authenticity without storing or exposing the actual unique information. This intermediary verification process maintains permanence while preventing unauthorized access and analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a unique-information generation portion, a detection portion, a memory portion, and a readout portion. The unique-information generation portion operates in a plurality of operation environments to generate unique information. The unique information includes stable information and unstable information. The stable information is constant in the plurality of operation environments, and the unstable information is different in at least two of the plurality of operation environments. The detection portion detects the unstable information. The memory portion stores the unique information and identification information for identifying the unstable information. The readout portion reads out the unique information and the identification information and outputs the unique information and the identification information to an external portion.