An inertia based sensor with dynamic PUF

Norbert Schwesinger, Cyril Baby Karuthedath

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    Sensors described in this paper are able to transform parameters like acceleration or tilt, but even so magnetic field strength into electrical signals. They offer a unique PUF (Physical Unclonable Function) characteristic and allow definitely no duplication. The heart of each of these sensors is a variable capacitance. The whole sensor, built on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), has an InterDigitated Electrode (IDE) structure and a flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-membrane filled with conductive steel balls. The distance between the membrane and the board is about 500 μm. External mechanical or magnetically forces can excite the membrane to move. Due to that, the capacitance changes, delivering certain Voltage signals. Since steel balls are randomly distributed, each sensor shows a unique behavior. Possible offset problems solves a differential capacitance arrangement. Therefore, a second IDE-structure is located above the membrane with a distance of about 500 μm. Output-Voltages of this double side capacity arrangement show only the position of the membrane in relation to both IDE's. Sensors having this structure and different steel ball distributions are simulated using the finite element analysis software 'COMSOL'-Multiphysics. Each sensor shows a different output signal at equal excitations. Moreover, experimental investigations show different measured values for different sensors for similar external excitation forces. This unique reaction on changes of excitation is a dynamic behavior, which stands out clearly against known and most static PUF-solutions. It makes the sensors attractive as hardware elements for security solutions. Identity cards, pay-cards or credit cards equipped with one of these sensors will become an unclonable uniqueness. Compared with other security systems, this PUF-sensor shows a great simplicity in design and data collection, a dynamic data acquisition, which completely prevents unauthorized use and it does not require no electrical energy sources.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication2017 11th International Conference on Sensing Technology, ICST 2017
    PublisherIEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
    Pages1-6
    Number of pages6
    ISBN (Electronic)9781509065264
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 27 Feb 2018
    MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
    Event11th International Conference on Sensing Technology, ICST 2017 - Sydney, Australia
    Duration: 4 Dec 20176 Dec 2017

    Publication series

    SeriesProceedings of the International Conference on Sensing Technology, ICST
    Volume2017-December
    ISSN2156-8065

    Conference

    Conference11th International Conference on Sensing Technology, ICST 2017
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CitySydney
    Period4/12/176/12/17

    Keywords

    • Acceleration
    • Capacitance
    • Distribution
    • Experiments
    • Movement
    • PDMS-membrane
    • PUF
    • Simulation
    • Steel ball
    • Tilt
    • Uniqueness

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