| Abstract: | Detection and deterrence of device tampering and subversion may be
achieved by including a cryptographic fingerprint unit within a hardware
device for authenticating a binding of the hardware device and a physical
structure. The cryptographic fingerprint unit includes an internal
physically unclonable function ("PUF") circuit disposed in or on the
hardware device, which generate an internal PUF value. Binding logic is
coupled to receive the internal PUF value, as well as an external PUF
value associated with the physical structure, and generates a binding PUF
value, which represents the binding of the hardware device and the
physical structure. The cryptographic fingerprint unit also includes a
cryptographic unit that uses the binding PUF value to allow a challenger
to authenticate the binding. |