Secure modules using unique identification elements

摘要

Various embodiments of the invention relate to secure systems and modules, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of generating and applying identification elements uniquely associated with modules or elements. These unique identification elements provide an improved, statistically random source from which keys may be derived. The application of these keys across various architectures result in an improvement in the security of data communicated within a system.

主权项

1. A secure system comprising:
a microcontroller comprising: a processing unit; a first unique identification element having a first unique identification value associated with a first physical characteristic of the microcontroller; a first secret generator coupled to receive the first unique identification value and to generate a first secret from the first unique identification value; a module coupled to communicate with the microcontroller, the module comprising: a second unique identification element having a second unique identification value associated with a second physical characteristic of the module; a second secret generator coupled to receive the second unique identification value and to generate a second secret from the second unique identification value; and wherein a first encryption key associated with the first secret is stored within the module and a second encryption key associated with the second secret is generated within the microcontroller, the first and second encryption keys support secure communication between the microcontroller and the module.