RFID Relay Tag for Component Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional asset management systems using RFID technology fail to provide component-level authentication, especially after integrated circuits are embedded in electronic devices, and are difficult to use for detecting counterfeit electronics, which poses reliability and security concerns.
Innovation Solution
An RFID-based system that includes root-of-trust integrated circuits (RoT ICs) and an RFID relay tag connected via a wired communication bus, allowing for authentication and inventory management through a radio frequency signal, enabling component authentication even when the device is unpowered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional RFID asset management systems are used, then asset tracking and inventory management are enabled, but component-level authentication and counterfeit detection are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines asset management RFID functionality with component authentication capabilities into a single integrated system. The RFID relay tag serves dual purposes: it enables traditional asset tracking while also facilitating cryptographic authentication of electronic components through the wired communication bus connecting to RoT ICs.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID relay tag performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a conventional RFID tag for asset management and inventory tracking, while also serving as a communication interface for component-level authentication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate authentication systems and reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If counterfeit detection systems require de-lidding and probe contact, then authentication can be performed, but the system becomes difficult to use after integration into electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID relay tag serves as an intermediary device that enables authentication without requiring physical access to the RoT IC through de-lidding. The relay tag communicates with the RoT IC through the existing wired communication bus infrastructure, acting as a mediator that provides remote authentication capability while maintaining the integrity of the sealed electronic device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical probe-contact method with a wireless RFID-based authentication system. Instead of requiring physical de-lidding and direct electrical contact with the component, the system uses radio frequency communication through the relay tag to achieve the same authentication goal, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If component authentication is implemented, then counterfeit detection is enabled, but the system requires the device to be powered on and operating
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID relay tag is designed to be self-powered through wireless power transfer from the RFID reader. This eliminates the need for the electronic device to be powered on for authentication purposes. The relay tag harvests energy from the RFID signal itself to power the authentication process, enabling versatile authentication availability regardless of the device's power state.
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
Enables simultaneous asset management and component authentication at the point of use, providing secure verification of component authenticity and detecting potential tampering or counterfeiting, thereby enhancing the reliability and security of electronic infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID relay tag is configured to communicate with each of the root-of-trust integrated circuits via the wired communication bus and pass the authentication data and the inventory data to an RFID reader via a radio frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for combined radio frequency identification (RFID)-based asset management and component authentication are provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of components to be authenticated, a memory configured to store inventory data, a plurality of root-of-trust (RoT) integrated circuits (ICs), a wired communication bus, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) relay tag. Each RoT IC is mechanically coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of components and configured to generate authentication data based on a unique key generated for authenticating the corresponding component. The RFID relay tag is connected to each of the RoT ICs via the wired communication bus and is configured to communicate with each of the RoT ICs via the wired communication bus and pass the authentication data and the inventory data to an RFID reader via a radio frequency signal to facilitate authentication of components and inventory management.