CPC H04L 9/3278 (2013.01) [G06F 21/75 (2013.01); H04L 2209/08 (2013.01)] | 16 Claims |
1. A physically unclonable function (PUF) device comprising:
a plurality of conductors, at least some of which are arranged so that they interact electrically and/or magnetically with one another;
a media surrounding at least a portion of each of the conductors,
wherein at least a region of the media comprises heterogeneity of an electrical or a magnetic characteristic,
wherein the heterogeneity is created through irregular distribution of a material through said region of the media,
wherein the material is at least one of a conductive, dielectric, ferroelectric, magnetic, or ferromagnetic material;
circuitry for applying an electrical challenge signal to at least one of the conductors and for receiving an electrical output from at least one of the other conductors to generate an identifying response to the challenge signal that is unique to the device,
wherein the electrical challenge signal is a digital signal, and the circuitry converts the digital signal into an analogue stimulus; and
the said circuitry is arranged to apply at least a second electrical challenge signal to at least one of the conductors and to receive at least a second electrical output from at least one of the other conductors to generate an identifying response to the challenge signal that is unique to the device.
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