Electronic Component Authentication Using Multi-Point Signal Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods to detect counterfeit or tampered electronic parts and systems are intrusive, destructive, and expensive, posing a significant threat to the reliability and security of cyber-physical systems.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive method using time-domain and frequency-domain signal analysis to authenticate electronic components by injecting signals and measuring responses at multiple access points, employing machine learning to define profiles and classifiers for authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional detection methods are used to identify counterfeit parts, then detection capability is achieved, but the methods are intrusive, destructive, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/intrusive detection methods with electromagnetic signal-based detection. By injecting electromagnetic signals and analyzing the electrical characteristics (impedance, resonance frequency, signal propagation) of the device under test, the system achieves counterfeit detection without physical intrusion or destruction. This substitution of detection methodology eliminates the harmful effects of traditional methods while maintaining high detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic signals as an intermediary medium to detect counterfeit parts. Instead of directly examining or physically testing the device, the system uses injected signals that interact with the electrical characteristics of the device. The response signals serve as intermediaries that carry information about the device's authenticity, enabling indirect but non-destructive detection.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated detection techniques are applied to identify tampered components, then authentication accuracy improves, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high authentication accuracy by measuring and analyzing multiple electrical parameters including impedance, resonance frequency, signal propagation characteristics, and phase relationships. By monitoring changes in these parameters when signals are injected into different access points of the device, the system can detect subtle differences between authentic and counterfeit components. This multi-parameter approach provides high precision without requiring overly complex detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to be universally applicable to various types of electronic devices and components. The same basic methodology of injecting signals and analyzing electrical characteristics can be used across different device types, reducing the need for device-specific detection equipment. This multi-functionality approach maintains authentication accuracy while avoiding the complexity of having separate specialized systems for each device type.
3Measurement precision
If multiple access points are used for signal injection and measurement, then detection accuracy improves, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection process into distinct measurement stages: first injecting signals at one access point and measuring at another, then repeating the process with different access point combinations. This segmented approach to multi-access-point measurement allows the system to gather comprehensive data about the device's electrical characteristics while managing measurement complexity through systematic organization of the testing sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system employs periodic action by systematically cycling through different access point combinations in a structured sequence. Signals are injected and measured in repeated cycles with different source and destination access points, allowing the system to accumulate data from multiple measurement perspectives. This periodic measurement approach improves detection accuracy by gathering comprehensive electrical characteristic data while maintaining manageable complexity through rhythmic, systematic testing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively detects counterfeit and tampered components without damaging the system, providing rapid, non-invasive authentication with high accuracy and resilience against environmental variations.
Implementation Method 1
a speed at which electrical signals comprising an electromagnetic wave travel through a medium
Implementation Method 2
a reflection pattern
Implementation Method 3
a transmission pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and techniques are provided to authenticate a device or system under test. A signal is injected to elicit test output measuring a physical characteristic of the type of DUT/SUT. In respective embodiments the injected signal is defined to elicit an output for time-domain or frequency-domain evaluation. A signal may comprise combinations of (non-destructive/non-activating) signals applied to multiple access points for measurement at arbitrary access points of the DUT/SUT. Test output may be from a first arbitrary subset of points and the signal injected at a second arbitrary subset, independent of the first subset, to obtain an arbitrary test output (measurement set) that treats the DUT/SUT like a network of transmission lines. In an embodiment, measurements of multiple DUT/SUTs of a same type are used to define a common profile e.g. as a classifier or statistical profile(s). Counterfeit/alternate designs, altered designs, and implants are detectable.