An artificial fingerprint device (AFD): a study of identification number applications utilizing characteristics variation of polycrystalline silicon TFTs

摘要

An idea for obtaining unique identification (ID) numbers using polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with a logic LSI compatible process is proposed. Like an actual human fingerprint, the characteristic variations of poly-Si TFTs are utilized for ID numbers in LSIs. The variation of poly-Si TFT characteristics is random, and this method offers unique, nonalterable, and nonduplicable numbers without any special processes, unlike other methods such as flash memory and mask ROM. These characteristics are highly suitable for ID number applications. The device physics of poly-Si TFTs for realizing the stable recognition of ID numbers was studied and a recognition circuit is proposed. The design guidelines for the grain size of poly-Si and AFD applications are also discussed.