System and method for physically detecting counterfeit electronics
Inventors
Keller, III, Walter J. • Freeman, Stephen Dorn • Galyardt, Jason
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11450625-B2
Publication Date
2022-09-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for inspecting or screening electrically powered device includes a signal generator inputting a preselected signal into the electrically powered device. There is also an antenna array positioned at a pre-determined distance above the electrically powered device. Apparatus collects RF energy emitted by the electrically powered device in response to input of said preselected signal. The signature of the collected RF energy is compared with an RF energy signature of a genuine part. The comparison determines one of a genuine or counterfeit condition of the electrically powered device.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a counterfeit detection system for electrically powered electronics that injects, through a test fixture, a preselected signal into an electrical device disposed in the test fixture, and positions an antenna above the electrical device during use. A receiver coupled to the antenna collects electromagnetic energy emitted in an RF spectrum in response to the injected preselected input signal, and a processor determines one of a genuine and a counterfeit condition based on a comparison of emission signature characteristics of the collected electromagnetic energy against baseline emission signature characteristics.
The system includes variations where the injected input corresponds to at least one of a power input and an oscillatory input, including injections in response to a precision oscillator source such as TCXO, MXCO, OCXO, a small atomic frequency standard oscillator, or a Rubidium oscillator (RbXO). An antenna array may be positioned at a distance above the electrical device, and the processor operates to compare collected emission signature characteristics against baseline emission signature characteristics to classify the electrical device as genuine or counterfeit.
The described inspection flow includes configuring a test fixture to receive an electrical device, positioning an antenna for close proximity, injecting a first signal and a second signal, collecting first and second emissions in an RF spectrum, generating representative signature characteristics for the first and second emissions, determining deviations from baseline RF emission signature characteristics, and detecting the one of counterfeit and genuine condition based on the deviations.
The described system architecture may include structural and automation arrangements such as a zero insertion force socket for receiving semiconductor or an integrated circuit, and an antenna integrated into an end of a robotic arm positioned above the electrical device. The antenna arrangement may include an antenna array mounted for movement relative to one another, and may include an electronically steered antenna array, while the processor continues to determine genuine or counterfeit based on comparison of collected emission signature characteristics against baseline emission signature characteristics.
Claims Coverage
Independent claims are present for a counterfeit detection system architecture and for an inspection/screening method. Across these independent claims, the core coverage centers on injecting a preselected signal, collecting RF electromagnetic emissions with an antenna and receiver, and determining genuine vs counterfeit via comparison of emission signature characteristics to baseline emission signature characteristics; additional inventive features are specified for test fixture and antenna/positioning arrangements.
Preselected signal injection through test fixture
An input signal generation source injects, through a test fixture, a preselected signal into an electrical device disposed in the test fixture.
Antenna above the electrical device during use
An antenna is positioned, during use, above the electrical device.
RF emission collection in response to injected signal
A receiver coupled to the antenna collects electromagnetic energy in a radio frequency (RF) spectrum emitted from the electrical device in response to the preselected input signal being injected thereinto.
Genuine vs counterfeit determination via baseline signature comparison
A processor determines one of a genuine and a counterfeit condition based on a comparison of emission signature characteristics of the collected electromagnetic energy in the RF spectrum against baseline emission signature characteristics.
Inspecting and screening method using two injections and deviations
A method includes positioning an antenna in close proximity, injecting a first signal, collecting a first RF emission, injecting a second signal, collecting a second RF emission, generating representative signature characteristics, determining first and second deviations between the emissions’ signature characteristics and baseline RF emission signature characteristics, and detecting the one of counterfeit and genuine based on the first and second deviations.
Zero insertion force socket for semiconductor or integrated circuit
A test fixture includes a zero insertion force socket configured to receive one of a semiconductor and an integrated circuit.
Robotic arm with integrated antenna positioned above electrical device
A robotic arm has an antenna integrated into an end thereof and positioned, during use, above the electrical device.
Antenna array at a distance above electrical device with relative movement
An antenna array is positioned at a distance above the electrical device, with the electrical device and the antenna array mounted for movement relative to one another.
Electronically steered antenna array positioned above electrical device
An antenna array positioned at a distance above the electrical device comprises an electronically steered antenna array.
The independent claim set covers counterfeit detection by injecting preselected input signals, collecting emitted RF electromagnetic energy using an antenna and receiver, and classifying the electrical device as genuine or counterfeit using a processor that compares emission signature characteristics to baseline emission signature characteristics. Additional claim features include a close-proximity antenna inspection method using two signals and deviations, a zero insertion force socket, robotic-arm positioning, antenna arrays at a distance with relative movement, and electronically steered antenna arrays.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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