As part of the TRACE-PCB collaborative project, Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences is investigating how an otherwise undesirable effect of printed circuit board manufacturing can be harnessed for new security applications: During etching, microscopic chemical and physical processes cause random deviations from the intended geometry. These non-reproducible microstructures can be used as physical fingerprints (Physical Unclonable Keys, PUKs).
Of particular scientific interest is the targeted combination of manufacturing technology, optical measurement techniques, and signal processing. TRACE-PCB investigates how suitable structural patterns can be designed, how the resulting micro-deviations can be optically captured, and how unique features for authentication can be derived from them. Unlike traditional PUF concepts, which are often based on semiconductor devices, the security mechanism here is directly integrated into the PCB manufacturing process.
The project thus combines basic and applied research with concrete potential for commercial application: The technology could enable a cost-effective, scalable, and chip-free solution for authenticity verification and secure supply chains. Random manufacturing effects are thus transformed into a technological security feature that cannot be easily copied or predicted.
The project thus exemplifies application-oriented research at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences: Scientific questions are addressed in collaboration with companies and directly geared toward industrial applications.
Project partners: Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences, Bischoff-Elektronik GmbH, and incowia GmbH
Funding agency: Thüringer Aufbaubank (TAB) as part of the “Thüringen Verbund Dynamik” funding program
The project will run from June 2026 to June 2027 and will receive a total of 222,765.75 euros in funding.