IC identification circuit using device mismatch

Non-alterable identification is required for tracking work in progress, detecting part rebranding, radio frequency identification (RFID), IP protection, and transaction validation. Wafer-level techniques such as laser link cutting, and circuit-level EPROM techniques, require expensive machinery or special wafer processing. Integrated circuit identification (ICID) extracts unique and repeatable information from the randomness inherent in silicon processing. No external programming or special process steps are needed, and the technique may be used with any standard submicron CMOS process.