Authentication circuit, semiconductor device, process for operating the same, IC card, and process for operating the same

An authentication circuit comprising:

• at least two types of ferroelectrics which comprise a ferroelectric 1 and a ferroelectric 2 having properties of retaining charges by residual polarization;
• wherein the ferroelectric 1 is disposed near a means for thermally stimulating the ferroelectrics, and the ferroelectric 1 is independently heated or cooled by the means for thermally stimulating.

A semiconductor device comprising an authentication circuit, wherein the authentication circuit comprises:

• at least two types of ferroelectrics which comprise a ferroelectric 1 and a ferroelectric 2 having different Curie temperatures and properties of retaining charges by residual polarization;
• wherein an authentication signal stored in the ferroelectric 1 is erased when the ferroelectrics are held in a Curie temperature or more of the ferroelectric 1 and lower than a Curie temperature of the ferroelectric 2.

An IC card comprising an authentication circuit, wherein the authentication circuit comprises:

• at least two types of ferroelectrics which comprise a ferroelectric 1 and a ferroelectric 2 having different Curie temperatures and properties of retaining charges by residual polarization;
• wherein an authentication signal stored in the ferroelectric 1 is erased when the ferroelectrics are held in a Curie temperature or more of the ferroelectric 1 and lower than a Curie temperature of the ferroelectric 2.

A process for operating a semiconductor device furnished with an authentication circuit, comprising:

• a step for outputting at least one authentication signal from at least two types of ferroelectrics which comprise a ferroelectric 1 and a ferroelectric 2 having different Curie temperatures and properties of retaining charges by residual polarization to perform a predetermined function of the semiconductor device and erasing the at least one authentication signal stored in the ferroelectric 1 in the authentication circuit by giving temperature history of a predetermined temperature pattern,
• wherein the authentication circuit comprises the at least two types of ferroelectrics, and the authentication signal stored in the ferroelectric 1 is erased when the ferroelectrics are held in a Curie temperature or higher of the ferroelectric 1 and lower than a Curie temperature of the ferroelectric 2.

A process for operating a semiconductor device, wherein the semiconductor device comprises:

• an authentication circuit which comprises at least two types of ferroelectrics which comprise a ferroelectric 1 and a ferroelectric 2 having properties of retaining charges by residual polarization;
• wherein the ferroelectric 1 is disposed near means for thermally stimulating the ferroelectrics, and the ferroelectric 1 is independently heated or cooled by the means for thermally stimulating, and an authentication signal stored in the ferroelectric 1 is erased by the means for thermally stimulating to perform predetermined function of the semiconductor device.

A process for operating an IC card comprising:

• a step for outputting at least one authentication signal from at least two types of ferroelectrics which comprise a ferroelectric 1 and a ferroelectric 2 having different Curie temperatures and properties of retaining charges by residual polarization to perform a predetermined function of a semiconductor device and erasing the at least one authentication signal stored in the ferroelectric 1 in the authentication circuit by giving temperature history of a predetermined temperature pattern,
• wherein the IC card comprises an authentication circuit which comprises at least two types of ferroelectrics comprising a ferroelectric 1 and a ferroelectric 2 having different Curie temperatures and properties of retaining charges by residual polarization, and when the authentication circuit is held at a Curie temperature of the ferroelectric 1 or higher and lower than the Curie temperature of the ferroelectric 2, an authentication signal stored in the ferroelectric 1 is erased.

A process for operating an IC card furnished with an authentication circuit wherein the IC card comprises:

• an authentication circuit which comprises at least two types of ferroelectrics which comprise a ferroelectric 1 and a ferroelectric 2 having properties of retaining charges by residual polarization;
• wherein the ferroelectric 1 is disposed near means for thermally stimulating the ferroelectrics, and the ferroelectric 1 is independently heated or cooled by the means for thermally stimulating, and an authentication signal stored in the ferroelectric 1 is erased by the means for thermally stimulating to perform predetermined function of the semiconductor device.