Method for generating a cryptographic key in a system-on-a-chip

A control unit, comprising:

• a system-on-a-chip having a hardware-programmable logic unit, wherein:
• a circuit region of the hardware-programmable logic unit is configured in such a way that a first physical unclonable function is able to be executed in order to generate a first cryptographic key;
• the first physical unclonable function in the circuit region is executed and generates the first cryptographic key;
• and
• the circuit region is reconfigured in such a way that one of (i) at least one further physical unclonable function is executed in order to generate at least one further cryptographic key or (ii) another functionality which does not include a physical unclonable function is executed.

A non-transitory, computer-readable data storage medium storing a computer program having program codes which, when executed on a computer, perform a method for generating a cryptographic key in a system-on-a-chip having a hardware-programmable logic unit, the method comprising:

• configuring a circuit region of the hardware-programmable logic unit in such a way that a first physical unclonable function is able to be executed in order to generate a first cryptographic key;
• executing the first physical unclonable function in the circuit region and generating the first cryptographic key;
• and
• reconfiguring the circuit region in such a way that one of (i) a further physical unclonable function is executed in order to generate a further cryptographic key or (ii) another functionality which does not include a physical unclonable function is executed.