Apparatus and method for generating identification key

A semiconductor chip for generating an identification key, the chip comprising:

• an identification key generator circuit, including layers of a semiconductor, the layers having a spacing
• smaller than a spacing at which a short between the layers never occurs, and
• larger than a minimum spacing at which the short between the layers always occurs, wherein the identification key generator circuit generates an identification key based on an electrical characteristic between the layers and wherein the electrical characteristic between the layers remains invariant over any period of time;
• and
• an identification key reader circuit that reads the identification key by reading the electrical characteristic between the layers.

A method of generating an identification key, the method comprising:

• generating an identification key based on an electrical characteristic of a contact or via between two layers constituting a circuit, the circuit including a plurality of contacts or vias formed between a plurality of two layers and a hole size of a contact or via among the plurality of contacts or vias being
• greater than a hole size at which the contact or via does not create the short, and
• smaller than a minimum hole size at which the contact or via creates the short, wherein the electrical characteristic of the contact or via between the two layers remains invariant over any period of time;
• and
• reading the identification key by reading whether the electrical characteristic of the contact or via between the two layers constituting the circuit.