Electronic Component Authenticity via Pin Signature Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in effectively identifying and authenticating counterfeit integrated circuit (IC) chips and ensuring quality conformance in the microelectronics supply chain, which is time-consuming and costly due to the difficulty in distinguishing authentic from counterfeit parts.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a computing device and measurement components, such as a parametric measurement unit (PMU) or source measurement unit (SMU), that scans electronic components for physical and structural characteristics, generates pin identifiers based on measurement values, and compares them to reference identifiers to determine authenticity, using techniques like matrix scanning to create a unique identifier for each pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual inspection methods are used to identify counterfeit IC chips, then authentication accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication speedVSAvoidtime to identify counterfeit parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical examination methods with an automated electrical measurement system. The system uses a parametric measurement unit to automatically measure electrical characteristics (forward voltage, reverse leakage current) of component pins, substituting human expertise with machine-based electrical signature analysis to achieve rapid authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables components to be self-authenticated through automated measurement and comparison. The measurement unit automatically captures electrical characteristics, the processor compares them against reference signatures stored in memory, and the system independently determines authenticity without requiring continuous human intervention or expertise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If comprehensive authentication testing is performed on all components, then counterfeit detection accuracy improves, but the cost and complexity of the inspection process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounterfeit detection accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of authentication system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential electrical characteristics (forward voltage and reverse leakage current) that define a component's unique signature, rather than performing comprehensive testing of all possible parameters. This selective extraction of key measurement points maintains authentication accuracy while simplifying the overall testing process and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates electrical signature copies of authentic components during a reference phase, storing these measured characteristics in memory. During authentication, the system compares measured values against these stored reference signatures, enabling accurate counterfeit detection through pattern matching rather than complex analysis algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If expert personnel are involved in component authentication, then detection accuracy is maintained, but operational costs and time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for skilled human operators with an automated measurement and comparison system. The processor automatically performs measurements, compares electrical signatures against stored references, and determines authenticity, eliminating the need for operators with specialized knowledge while maintaining consistent accuracy across all authentication operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where measurement results are immediately compared against reference signatures, and authentication decisions are automatically generated. This closed-loop process ensures consistent application of authentication criteria without human variability and provides immediate results without requiring expert interpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240126864A1Determining electronic component authenticity via electronic signal signature measurement

Publication Date: 2024.04.18 UNIV OF SOUTH FLORIDA

AI summary

Examples of determining electronic component authenticity via electronic signal signature measurement are discussed. Reference pin identifiers corresponding to pins of a known authentic electronic component are determined. Measurement values corresponding to characteristics of pins of an electronic component are obtained, and pin identifiers based on the measurement values are generated. Accordingly, an indication that the electronic component is authentic can be provided based at least in part on a comparison of the pin identifiers and the reference pin identifiers.