Optimizing Inventory via Just-in-Time (JIT) Key Management

Problem: Traditional Key-injection Complicates Inventory Management

Semiconductor manufacturers want to be responsive to swings in market demand. But legacy root key creation/storage methods, such as key injection and storage in OTP, require rigid, “early-in-life” personalization. This leads to problems such as complexity, longer lead time, and occasional inventory write-offs.

Drawback of Legacy Methods

Manufacturing

Supply Chain Problem With Key Injection

  • Key management adds complexity and liabilities
  • Key storage mechanisms depend on chip technology process and fabrication plant which adds costs and time to market

Inventory

Effect Of Key Injection On Inventory In The Supply Chain 1024x575

OEM-specific keys make a rigid inventory build

  • Complex management
  • Potential for inventory write-offs
  • Higher Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO)

Benefits of SRAM PUF Approach

Manufacturing

Supply Chain Solution With SRAM PUF In Manufacturing

  • No need to handle keys, no supply chain liabilities
  • No additional hardware for secure key storage required

Inventory

SRAM PUF Simplifies Inventory In The Supply Chain 1024x574

  • Common hardware inventory for all OEM customers
  • Secure, even in a non-trustworthy supply chain
  • Precision management of build inventory
  • Lower Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO)

Contract Manufacturer / OEM / In the field

Just-in-time key management: generation of unclonable device-unique keys from the SRAM PUF

Supply Chain JIT Provisioning With SRAM PUF

Related Info
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