Topic: Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs)

A physical unclonable function, or PUF, is a "digital fingerprint" that serves as a unique identity for a semiconductor device such as a microprocessor. PUFs are based on physical variations which occur naturally during semiconductor manufacturing, and which make it possible to differentiate between otherwise identical semiconductors. PUFs are usually utilized in cryptography. A physical unclonable function (sometimes also called physically unclonable function) is a physical entity that is embodied in a physical structure. Today, PUFs are usually implemented in integrated circuits and are typically used in applications with high security requirements.