17454832. PHYSICALLY UNCLONABLE FUNCTION BASED ON A PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL ARRAY simplified abstract (International Business Machines Corporation)

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PHYSICALLY UNCLONABLE FUNCTION BASED ON A PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL ARRAY

Organization Name

International Business Machines Corporation

Inventor(s)

Guy M. Cohen of Westchester NY (US)

Nanbo Gong of White Plains NY (US)

Takashi Ando of Eastchester NY (US)

PHYSICALLY UNCLONABLE FUNCTION BASED ON A PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL ARRAY - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17454832 titled 'PHYSICALLY UNCLONABLE FUNCTION BASED ON A PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL ARRAY

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a method for implementing a Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) using a Phase Change Memory (PCM) array. Here is a simplified explanation of the abstract:

  • The method involves using a PCM device, which is a type of memory technology, in an array of PCM devices.
  • Each PCM device in the array is reset to an initial state.
  • The first conductance of the PCM device is measured, which is a measure of its electrical resistance.
  • A predetermined number of partial set pulses (electrical signals) are applied to the PCM device.
  • The second conductance of the PCM device is measured after applying the partial set pulses.
  • If the second conductance is greater than the first conductance multiplied by a factor, the PUF value of the PCM device is set to logical "1".
  • If the second conductance is less than the first conductance multiplied by a factor, the PUF value of the PCM device is set to logical "0".
  • The PUF value of the PCM device is then added to an overall PUF string for the array of PCM devices.

Potential applications of this technology:

  • Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) are used for security purposes, such as generating unique cryptographic keys or identifying devices.
  • This method can be used to implement PUFs in systems that utilize Phase Change Memory (PCM) arrays.

Problems solved by this technology:

  • PUFs provide a way to generate unique and unclonable identifiers for devices, which can enhance security in various applications.
  • Using PCM devices in an array allows for a scalable and efficient implementation of PUFs.

Benefits of this technology:

  • The method described in the patent application provides a way to implement PUFs using PCM devices, which can offer advantages such as low power consumption and high density.
  • PCM devices are non-volatile, meaning they retain their data even when power is removed, making them suitable for PUF applications.
  • The use of PCM arrays allows for the generation of an overall PUF string, which can be used for various security purposes.


Original Abstract Submitted

In an approach to a implementing a PUF based on a PCM array, for each PCM device in an array of PCM devices, the PCM device is reset to an initial state. A first conductance of the PCM device is measured. A predetermined number of partial set pulses is applied to the PCM device. A second conductance of the PCM device is measured. Responsive to determining that the second conductance is greater than the first conductance multiplied by a factor, a PUF value of the PCM device is set to logical “1”. Responsive to determining that the second conductance is less than the first conductance multiplied by a factor, a PUF value of the PCM device is set to logical “0”. The PUF value of the PCM device is added to an overall PUF string for the array of PCM devices.

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