Piracy protection at the highest level - Identify and authenticate objects unambiguously
Ref.-No. 6920
Keywords: Perfect unclonable function (PUF), millimeter wave technology, radar imaging, radar scanner, product identification, product authentication
Unwanted copies, counterfeits, and reproductions all involve financial losses and reputation damage for affected companies. Physically unclonable functions (PUFs) are unique, hardware-based security characteristics used in electronic devices to allow reliable authentication and identification and to prevent copying. The problem is that conventional PUF materials sometimes have insufficient encryption and allow read-outs and copying.
A new procedure and a corresponding PUF material read-out device from Ruhr University Bochum is designed to prevent this. The principle is as follows: Millimeter waves from a radar system pass by the PUF material, and the reflected electromagnetic radiation is detected. The individual arrangement of particles in PUF materials creates a characteristic reflection signal that makes each material uniquely identifiable
Competitive Advantages
- Affordable manufacture
- High level of encryption
- Powerful protection from unauthorized copies
Commercial Opportunities
Copying technologies are improving constantly, making it increasingly important to protect products from unauthorized copying.
PUFs are especially popular wherever security and authentication play a major role: They are being integrated into credit cards, SIM cards, and security chips so that devices and users can be uniquely identified and authenticated. PUFs can also be used in computers and electronic devices, where they ensure that only authorized devices can access networks or systems. The SAR technology being introduced offers great resolution and thus great encryption depth.
Current Status
Laboratory tests have been performed and initial particle arrangements calculated. The invention has been registered with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, and other subsequent international applications can be made in the priority year. We are offering interested companies the opportunity to license and refine this technology in collaboration with Ruhr University Bochum. The technology can also be researched as part of a project in which interested companies can participate.
Technology Readiness Level
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Technology validated in lab
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An invention from Ruhr University Bochum.
