PCB Embedded RFID Tag for Tamper-Evident Identity Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) face security threats due to hostile tampering with design files or substitution of components, which are difficult to detect, especially before serialization labels are applied, as traditional identification methods lack security features and can be easily altered.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an embedded identification device, such as an RFID tag, within the PCB to establish a unique identity traceable throughout the manufacturing process, coupled with a platform attestation file cryptographically bound to a security co-processor, ensuring tamper-evident and secure authenticity verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional identification methods (labels, silk screen markings) are used for PCBs, then ease of manufacture is improved, but security against tampering and substitution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidsecurity against tampering

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical identification methods (physical labels, silk screen markings) with an RFID identification system that uses electromagnetic fields for wireless communication and cryptographic authentication. This substitution eliminates the physical vulnerabilities of traditional methods while maintaining manufacturability through integration of RFID tags during PCB fabrication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite identification system combining RFID hardware tags with cryptographic software components (private keys, digital certificates). This composite approach integrates physical identification elements with digital security mechanisms, creating a multi-layered security architecture that prevents both physical tampering and digital forgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If embedded identification devices are incorporated in PCBs, then security against substitution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against substitutionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the identification device (RFID tag) directly into the PCB structure during the manufacturing process, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component. This merging reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate identification components and their associated mounting, wiring, and interface requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The embedded RFID identification device serves multiple functions: unique identification, cryptographic authentication, tamper detection, and traceability throughout the supply chain. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enhancing security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If cryptographic binding is implemented for platform attestation files, then authenticity verification is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthenticity verificationVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements cryptographic binding during the initial PCB manufacturing and assembly phase, performing the security-critical authentication setup beforehand. The platform attestation file is cryptographically bound to the RFID tag and device hardware during fabrication, eliminating the need for complex post-manufacturing security configurations and simplifying subsequent verification processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution provides a tamper-evident and secure mechanism for verifying the authenticity of PCBs, enabling unique identity traceability back to fabrication, thereby preventing unauthorized substitution and ensuring the integrity of electronic systems.

Implementation Method 1

an identification device, such as an RFID tag, within the PCB to establish a unique identity traceable throughout the manufacturing process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a platform attestation file cryptographically bound to a security co-processor, ensuring tamper-evident and secure authenticity verification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryptography:

Data Source

PatentUS11481520B2Secure identification of a printed circuit board

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Examples described herein relate to a printed circuit assembly (PCA). The PCA includes a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCA further includes an identification device embedded within the PCB. The identification device stores identity information that uniquely identifies identification device and the PCB. Moreover, a PCB identifier defined using the identity information is also stored in a platform attestation file hosted locally within the PCA, on a remote server, or both locally within the PCA and on the remote server. Additionally, the PCA includes an authentication device disposed on the PCB, wherein the platform attestation file is cryptographically bound to the authentication device.