Cryptology ePrint Archive: Report 2013/195

On the (re)design of an FPGA-based PUF

Philipp Grabher and Dan Page and Marcin Wójcik

Abstract: Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) represent a promising basis for solutions to problems such as secure key storage, and delivery of higher-level applications such as authentication. Although effective PUF designs exist for CMOS-based technologies (e.g., arbiter PUFs), their implementation on FPGAs remains a challenge (e.g., because of their routing characteristics). With this in mind, Anderson described a PUF design specifically tailored towards FPGAs. In this paper we identify and analyse a flaw in said design which renders it impractical for security-critical use. We describe two alternative solutions (relating to different tradeoffs) that eliminate this flaw.

Category / Keywords: applications / FPGA, PUF

Date: received 4 Apr 2013

Contact author: wojcik at cs bris ac uk

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Version: 20130409:045956 (All versions of this report)

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