Author ORCID Identifier:
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Computer Science & Computer Engineering
Advisor/Mentor
Di, Jia
Committee Member
Nelson, Alexander
Second Committee Member
Andrews, David
Third Committee Member
Dix, Jeff
Keywords
Backpropagation; Genetic; Optimization; PUF; Unclonable
Abstract
Technology is increasingly interwoven in all aspects of society as it solves new problems, creates new possibilities, and enables new conveniences. With its unceasing evolution, environments handling protected information such as military, finance, and medicine demand ever-evolving threat mitigation. Combating attackers’ abilities to spoof devices, uncover cryptographic keys, and bypass security features is a never-ending task which drives technological advancement to improve existing capabilities and develop entirely new methodologies. In this dissertation work, the hybrid Asynchronous RESet Physically Unclonable Function (ARES PUF) is evaluated at the circuit to determine its merits as a PUF. As part of this evaluation, results gathered from physical circuit testing establish new ARES PUF theory. This further leads to breakthroughs in the design process, requirements, and expectations of ARES PUFs. Additionally, two methods of circuit optimization are presented to ensure an effective ARES PUF regardless of preexisting knowledge concerning both ARES PUFs and the NULL Convention Logic (NCL) gates used to design them. The conclusion to this dissertation summarizes the capabilities of the ARES PUF, the optimization process, and the important discoveries made throughout.
Citation
Felder, A. M. (2026). Automated Circuit Design Algorithm and Implementation for Asynchronous RESet (ARES) Physically Unclonable Functions. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/6162
