IC Chip Timer Device for Counterfeit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Counterfeit integrated circuit (IC) chips pose significant supply chain vulnerabilities and security risks due to reverse engineering techniques, and existing anti-counterfeiting methods are complex and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A timer device integrated within the IC chip, comprising a radiation source and sensor component, which counts down over time and verifies date codes internally, using a radioactive substance with a known half-life, and is interfaced via a spare pin, allowing for simple and tamperproof detection without external power or moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing anti-counterfeiting detection methods (X-ray, scanning electron microscopy, DNA marking) are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the counterfeiting prevention function from complex external detection equipment and embeds it directly into the IC chip itself through a timer device. This eliminates the need for sophisticated external tools like X-ray machines or electron microscopes, as the chip self-contains the authentication mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The IC chip performs its own authentication through the integrated timer device, which automatically counts down and verifies date codes without requiring external intervention. The chip self-verify its authenticity through simple voltage or count readings, eliminating the need for complex external testing equipment.
2Measurement precision
If existing anti-counterfeiting detection methods are used, then detection capability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the time-consuming aspects of external detection methods by embedding a ready-to-verify timer directly in the chip. Authentication becomes a simple read operation rather than a lengthy analysis process requiring sophisticated equipment setup and execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer device continuously maintains its countdown and date code verification internally, allowing authentication to be performed instantly by simply reading the current state. This eliminates the time required for external scanning, imaging, or sequencing operations.
3Reliability
If the timer device uses radiation source and sensor components, then counterfeit prevention reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radiation source, sensor component, timer circuitry, and date code storage into a single integrated timer device within the IC chip. This merging of multiple functional elements into one compact unit maintains high reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer device with its radiation source and sensor is nested within the IC chip structure, with the radiation-proof shield providing additional layers of integration. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to coexist in a compact configuration without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
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
The solution provides a straightforward, reliable, and secure method to prevent IC chip counterfeiting by ensuring internal verification of date codes, eliminating the need for complex testing and external power, and is immune to shock and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
the timer device comprises a radiation source component and a sensor component... using a radioactive substance with a known half-life
Data Source
AI summary
A timer including a sensor and a radiation source is used to prevent counterfeiting of integrated circuits. The timer confirms the date code of the integrated circuit resulting in a more secure supply chain.