pHGen: A pH-Based Key Generation Mechanism Using ISFETs

arXiv (Cornell University)

Abstract

Digital keys are a fundamental component of many hardware- and software-based security mechanisms. However, digital keys are limited to binary values and easily exploitable when stored in standard memories. In this paper, based on emerging technologies, we introduce pHGen, a potential-of-hydrogen (pH)-based key generation mechanism that leverages chemical reactions in the form of a potential change in ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs). The threshold voltage of ISFETs is manipulated corresponding to a known pH buffer solution (key) in which the transistors are immersed. To read the chemical information effectively via ISFETs, we designed a readout circuit for stable operation and detection of voltage thresholds. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed key generation, we utilize pHGen for logic locking -- a hardware integrity protection scheme. The proposed key-generation method breaks the limits of binary values and provides the first steps toward the utilization of multi-valued voltage thresholds of ISFETs controlled by chemical information. The pHGen approach is expected to be a turning point for using more sophisticated bio-based analog keys for securing next-generation electronics.

Authors 10

1. Elmira Moussavi
   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Communication Technologies and Embedded Systems ,

2. Dominik Šišejković
   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Communication Technologies and Embedded Systems ,

3. Fabian Brings
   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering

4. Daniyar Kizatov
   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Communication Technologies and Embedded Systems ,

5. Animesh Kumar Singh
   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering

6. Xuan Thang Vu
   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering

7. Sven Ingebrandt Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering

   RWTH Aachen University , Germany

8. Rainer Leupers
   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Communication Technologies and Embedded Systems ,

9. Vivek Pachauri
   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering

10. Farhad Merchant
    Affiliation as printed

    Institute for Communication Technologies and Embedded Systems ,