Chip Identity Output Through a Multi-Purpose Pin

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices often lack the capability to store and output an electronic chip identifier (ECID) due to the absence of digital interfaces or memory, making it difficult to implement ECIDs without additional pins, which would increase cost and size.

Innovation Solution

An identity unit is integrated into the device to store an ECID, utilizing an existing pin for outputting the identifier, such as a power supply pin, and converting the ECID signal to a different electrical type to avoid interference with the primary function of the pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an ECID storage unit and readout circuitry are added to enable ECID functionality, then the device can be uniquely identified and security is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveECID functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reuses an existing pin in the device that serves a primary function (such as a power supply pin or signal pin) and enables it to also serve as an ECID output pin. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to output ECID without adding dedicated ECID pins or significant additional circuitry, thereby enhancing security functionality while minimizing increases in device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated ECID output pins are added to the device, then ECID can be output reliably, but the device cost and pin count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveECID output capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reuses an existing pin in the device that serves a primary function (such as a power supply pin or signal pin) and enables it to also serve as an ECID output pin. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to output ECID without adding dedicated ECID pins or significant additional circuitry, thereby enhancing security functionality while minimizing increases in device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the identity unit is always on to enable ECID output, then ECID can be accessed at any time, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveECID accessibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The identity unit is designed to be normally off and is activated only when an ECID enable condition is detected. This on-demand activation approach allows the device to output ECID when needed while minimizing power consumption by keeping the identity unit inactive during normal operation. The unit can be enabled through specific trigger conditions such as detecting a particular voltage level, receiving a control signal, or detecting a specific input pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12456979B2Electronic chip identity

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO

AI summary

This disclosure relates to electronic chip identifiers, ECIDs. In one example an electronic device is disclosed, which includes an identity unit configured to store an ECID that uniquely identifies the electronic chip, and a multi-purpose pin for use in outputting the ECID from the electronic device. The multi-purpose pin is also for a function of the electronic device that is unrelated to electronic chip identification. The identity unit is configured to output the ECID from the electronic device using the multi-purpose pin such that the electronic device can be uniquely identified using the multi-purpose pin.