Work

Quantum Well-Based Physical Unclonable Functions for IoT Device Attestation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Internet of Things (IoT) peripheral devices typically operate in resource-constrained environments and platform enclosures. This poses challenges when attempting to secure data traffic between operators and field devices. Due to the resource-intensive nature and/or stringent (e.g., connectivity) requirements of current encryption techniques, many prove infeasible to use within an IoT Edge network. In this work, we have developed a hardware-based attestation and authentication solution for IoT devices operating within constrained Edge environments where compute resource can be scarce, connectivity intermittent, environmental conditions uncontrolled, and accessibility limited. This is achieved through the use of an array of Resonant Tunneling Diodes (RTDs) that facilitate the generation of a ’strong’ Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) from a limited number of RTDs, reducing the device footprint and resource requirements. Comprehensive statistical analysis of the response of the array to external excitation has shown that the proposed RTD-based PUF can produce a suitably random, yet repeatable, and most importantly unclonable response to a given challenge. Thus, demonstrating the validity of the proposed solution for use within key generation or device authentication of assets within the IoT network.

Source: IEEE Access

DOI: 10.1109/access.2025.3583881

Authors: Chris Williamson, Kyle A. Simpson, Douglas J. Paul, Dimitrios P. Pezaros

Institution: University of Glasgow

Language: English

Topic: Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and Hardware Security

Subfield: Hardware and Architecture

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,075

Funders: Royal Academy of Engineering, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, EDF Energy, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council