pHGen: A pH-Based Key Generation Mechanism Using ISFETs

IEEE International Symposium on Hardware Oriented Security and Trust (HOST), vol. 60, pp. 61–64

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 Aachen Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University,Germany

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

4. Daniyar Kizatov
   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Communication Technologies and Embedded Systems

5. Animesh Singh Aachen Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University,Germany

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

6. Xuan Thang Vu Aachen Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University,Germany

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

7. Rainer Leupers
   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Communication Technologies and Embedded Systems

8. Sven Ingebrandt Aachen Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University,Germany

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

9. Vivek Pachauri Aachen Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University,Germany

   Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

10. Farhad Merchant
    Affiliation as printed

    Institute for Communication Technologies and Embedded Systems