Non-Destructive Signal Authentication for Counterfeit Electronic Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting counterfeit or tampered electronic components are often intrusive, destructive, and expensive, posing a significant threat to the reliability and security of cyber-physical and electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive method using time-domain and frequency-domain evaluations with signal injection at multiple access points to measure the unique physical characteristics of electronic components, employing machine learning to define classifiers for authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intrusive and destructive detection methods are used to identify counterfeit components, then detection reliability is improved, but component damage and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical destruction and invasive mechanical testing with electromagnetic signal-based detection. By injecting electrical signals through access points and analyzing responses, the system detects counterfeit components without physical damage, substituting destructive mechanical methods with non-contact electromagnetic measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that uses signal injection and response analysis as a mediator between the tester and the component. Instead of direct physical inspection or destruction, the intermediary electromagnetic signals reveal component authenticity through characteristic response patterns, avoiding direct harmful interaction with the test subject.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated detection techniques are applied to identify tampered components, then authentication accuracy is improved, but detection complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct functional modules: signal injection through multiple access points, response capture, characteristic analysis, and authentication decision. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, reducing complexity while maintaining high authentication accuracy through specialized function distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection platform that can authenticate various types of electronic components using the same fundamental approach of signal injection and response analysis. The system handles different component types, access point configurations, and signal characteristics through a unified framework, reducing the need for multiple specialized detection systems and lowering overall complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple access points are used for signal injection to improve detection capability, then counterfeit detection accuracy is improved, but measurement time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic signal injection at multiple access points with systematic timing control. By using periodic test signals and structured measurement sequences, the system efficiently collects response data from multiple access points without requiring sequential testing of each point, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining high detection accuracy through comprehensive data collection.
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 distinguishes authentic from counterfeit components without damaging them, providing rapid, non-invasive detection of tampering or alterations, ensuring system integrity and security.
Implementation Method 1
a speed at which electrical signals comprising an electromagnetic wave travel through a medium
Implementation Method 2
a reflection pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and techniques are provided to authenticate a device under test (DUT)/system under test (SUT) comprising an electronic component(s). A profile is defined by injecting a signal to elicit an output that is responsive 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. An injected 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. In an embodiment, measurements of multiple DUT/SUTs of a same type are used to define a common profile. In an embodiment, the profile is built using machine learning to define a classifier. In other embodiments, statistical profiles are defined. During use, output is generated for a target DUT/SUT for evaluation relative to the profile. Counterfeit/alternate designs, altered designs, and implants are detectable.