PCB Glass Weave Marker Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are vulnerable to counterfeiting, leading to lost revenue and poor product performance, as existing security methods are easily compromised, resulting in the need for an accurate and reliable authentication method to prevent counterfeit PCBs from entering the market.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a woven glass laminate layer with unique marker structures, such as differently colored or sized glass bundles, within the PCB, coupled with a security chip that stores an authentication identifier, allowing for visual inspection and comparison to verify authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If basic security methods are used on PCBs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but security against counterfeiting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds unique authentication markers within specific localized regions of the glass weave laminate structure. These markers are positioned at predetermined locations within the PCB layers, creating localized security features that are integrated into the manufacturing process rather than added as separate components, thus maintaining cost efficiency while enhancing security
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication markers are embedded within the glass weave laminate during the PCB manufacturing process itself, before the board is assembled or put into service. This preliminary embedding ensures the security features are inherently part of the PCB structure and cannot be added or removed later, preventing counterfeiting while maintaining manufacturing efficiency
2Reliability
If advanced authentication methods are implemented, then security against counterfeiting is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unique visual representation or image of the embedded marker structure that can be captured and stored as authentication data. This copying approach allows the complex physical marker structure to be represented as a simplified digital image or pattern that can be easily stored, transmitted, and verified without requiring complex hardware to read the physical markers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where the complex physical marker structure is translated into a visual representation or image that serves as a mediator between the physical PCB and the authentication system. This intermediary representation simplifies the verification process while maintaining the security benefits of the embedded markers
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a woven glass laminate layer. The woven glass laminate layer includes a plurality of glass bundles woven together, where a marker structure including at least one marker is defined within the woven glass laminate layer. A security chip is coupled with the PCB and includes memory that stores an authentication identifier of the PCB, where the authentication ID includes a representation of the marker structure.