Patent attributes
A physical unclonable function device includes alternating regions of programable material and electrically conductive regions. The regions of programable material are configured to switch resistance upon receiving an electric pulse. An electric pulse applied between two outer electrically conductive regions of the alternating regions will switch the resistance of at least one region of programmable material. The alternating regions may include a plurality of the electrically conducting regions and a region of the programable material disposed between each of the plurality of electrically conductive regions. The resistance of each of the regions of programable material is selectively variable in at least a portion thereof as a result of the electric pulse flowing therethrough. The resistance value of the programable material region may be a readable value as a state of the device. The regions of programmable material may be formed of a phase change material or an oxide.