Method and apparatus for detection and identification of counterfeit and substandard electronics
Inventors
Keller, III, Walter John • Portune, Andrew Richard • Chornenky, Todd Eric • Davis, William Anthony
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-10571505-B2
Publication Date
2020-02-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
An apparatus for detecting a condition or authenticity of one or more electronic devices includes an enclosure having an antenna integrated therewithin, a fixture mounted within a hollow interior of the enclosure, the fixture being configured to receive the one or more electronic devices and connect one or more signals to each of the one or more electronic devices and a sensor and controller assembly connected to the antenna and configured to process a signature of an emission of a radiofrequency (RF) energy from of one or more electronic devices having the one or more signals connected thereto.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an apparatus for detecting a status of an electronic device by capturing an emission of electromagnetic energy in a radiofrequency (RF) range from the electronic device during use. The apparatus includes an enclosure with a hollow interior and an integrated antenna configured to capture the RF-range electromagnetic energy emitted by the electronic device received within a fixture mounted in the hollow interior. The fixture is configured to receive the electronic device and connect one or more signals to the electronic device.
A sensor and controller assembly mounted externally and connected to the integrated antenna enclosure receives the emission captured at the antenna, processes a signature of the emission having said one or more signals connected thereto, and determines the status of the electronic device based on the signature. The apparatus further includes a device positioned inside the hollow interior or adjacent an exterior of the enclosure configured to change an operating condition of the electronic device received within the fixture.
In another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for detecting a condition of one or more electronic devices using an integrated antenna enclosure with a fixture for connecting one or more signals to each device. The apparatus applies, via the fixture, at least one modulated signal to at least one of a power pin and a ground pin of the respective electronic device, and the sensor and controller assembly processes a signature of an emission of RF energy from each electronic device having the one or more signals connected thereto. The invention also provides an apparatus for detecting anomalies in an electronic device with a sensor and controller assembly architecture including a modulation source, a power source, an interface and bias board, a clock source, a bias circuit board that connects a biased clock signal to the integrated antenna enclosure, a receiver in a hollow housing, and a processing device configured to detect anomalies in a signature of the received electromagnetic emission.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes three independent claims covering RF-emission-based signature processing with an integrated antenna enclosure, fixture-connected signals to electronic devices, and sensor/controller architectures for status, condition, and anomaly detection.
Integrated antenna enclosure configured to capture RF emissions
An enclosure with a hollow interior and an antenna integrated into the enclosure, configured to capture, during use, an emission of electromagnetic energy in an RF range from the electronic device received within a fixture.
Fixture configured to receive the electronic device and connect one or more signals
A fixture mounted within the hollow interior, configured to receive the electronic device and connect one or more signals to the electronic device, including connection to power pin and ground pin as applicable.
Signature processing by external sensor and controller assembly
A sensor and controller assembly mounted externally and connected to the integrated antenna enclosure, configured to receive the emission captured at the antenna, process a signature of the emission from the electronic device having the one or more signals connected thereto, and determine, based on the signature, the status of the electronic device.
Operating-condition change device positioned inside or adjacent the enclosure
A device positioned inside the hollow interior or adjacent an exterior of the enclosure, configured to change an operating condition of the electronic device received within the fixture.
Modulated power/ground signaling via the fixture
An integrated antenna enclosure with a fixture mounted within a hollow interior configured to receive the one or more electronic devices and connect one or more signals to the one or more electronic devices, wherein the apparatus applies, via the fixture, at least one modulated signal to at least one of a power pin and a ground pin of the respective electronic device.
Sensor and controller architecture for anomaly detection
An integrated antenna enclosure having an antenna integrated therewithin and a fixture receiving the electronic device, wherein the sensor and controller assembly connected to the antenna and to the electronic device comprises a hollow housing, a signal output module comprising a modulation source, a power source, an interface and bias board coupled to the modulation source and the power source to connect modulated power input and a modulated ground input to the integrated antenna enclosure, a clock source, and a bias circuit board coupled to the clock source to connect a biased clock signal to the integrated antenna enclosure; a receiver mounted within the hollow housing to receive the captured emission; and a processing device configured to detect anomalies in a signature of the received electromagnetic energy.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage centers on an integrated antenna enclosure and fixture that connect signals to an electronic device, where RF emissions are captured and processed as a signature to determine device status or condition and to detect anomalies.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
Interested in licensing this patent?