On Error Correction for Physical Unclonable Functions

TL;DR

This paper explores advanced error correction techniques for Physical Unclonable Functions, demonstrating improved reliability and efficiency in secure key generation through novel coding methods.

Contribution

It introduces new code classes and decoding principles tailored for PUFs, enhancing error correction performance over existing approaches.

Findings

Improved error probability with new code constructions

Reduced decoding complexity for PUF applications

Shorter codeword lengths achieving reliable key reproduction

Abstract

Physical Unclonable Functions evaluate manufacturing variations to generate secure cryptographic keys for embedded systems without secure key storage. It is explained how methods from coding theory are applied in order to ensure reliable key reproduction. We show how better results can be obtained using code classes and decoding principles not used for this scenario before. These methods are exemplified by specific code constructions which improve existing codes with respect to error probability, decoding complexity and codeword length.