A PUF-enabled Secure Architecture for FPGA-based IoT Applications

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a dynamic, ever-evolving “living” entity. Hence, modern Field Programmable Gate
Array (FPGA) devices with Dynamic Partial Reconfiguration (DPR) capabilities, which allow in-field non-invasive modifications to the
circuit implemented on the FPGA, are an ideal fit. Usually, the activation of DPR capabilities requires the procurement of additional
licenses from the FPGA vendor. In this work, we describe how IoTs can take advantage of the DPR capabilities of FPGAs, using a
modified DPR methodology that does not require any paid “add-on” utility, to implement a lightweight cryptographic security protocol.
We analyze possible threats that can emanate from the availability of DPR at IoT nodes, and propose possible solution techniques
based on Physically Unclonable Function (PUF) circuits to prevent such threats.