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
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Publication Number
US-9851386-B2
Publication Date
2017-12-26
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 and method for detection and/or identification of counterfeit and/or substandard electronic devices. An enclosure includes a base and a peripheral wall defining a hollow interior, and a fixture is mounted within the hollow interior and configured to receive one or more electronic devices. An antenna is provided as at least one of mounted on an interior surface of the peripheral wall, integrated into a thickness of the peripheral wall, or designed as an enclosure structure to act as the antenna, and the antenna captures an emission of radiofrequency (RF) energy from the one or more electronic devices.
The apparatus applies signals to pins on the electronic devices while emissions are captured. In at least one embodiment, three and only three connections apply three and only three signals to three pins on each device, wherein each signal is applied to a selectively distinct pin. Means for modulating at least one of the signals is provided, and the sensor and controller assembly processes a signature of the captured emission to determine a condition of each device.
Additional embodiments broaden the hardware configuration and the analysis automation used for condition detection. One embodiment uses a shielded enclosure including at least one of a single conformal antenna or an array of at least one conformal antennas integrated therewithin, with a fixture providing temporarily affixing of the devices and input or output signal to at least one pin. Automated algorithms executed by a processing device automatically provide assessments of a condition based on a signature of an RF energy emission, and a visual display of the determined condition is automatically provided to a user.
Claims Coverage
The partial set contains multiple independent claims. Across these, the main inventive features repeatedly focus on an integrated or hollow antenna enclosure, a fixture that receives devices and interfaces to device pins, limited signal connections and modulation, and processing an RF or electromagnetic emission signature with a sensor/controller, including automated algorithms and visual display in one independent claim.
Hollow integrated antenna enclosure with fixture for device emissions signature
An enclosure including a base and a peripheral wall defining a hollow interior, a fixture mounted within the hollow interior configured to receive one or more electronic devices, and an antenna at least one of mounted on an interior surface, integrated into a thickness of the peripheral wall, or an enclosure structure designed to act as the antenna, operable to capture an emission of RF energy from the devices.
Three and only three signals applied to three selectively distinct pins with signal modulation
Three and only three connections configured to apply three and only three signals to three pins on each device, where each signal is applied to a selectively distinct pin, and means for modulating at least one of the three signals.
Sensor and controller processes captured emission signature to determine device condition
A sensor and controller assembly connected to the fixture and the antenna and configured to process a signature of the captured emission and determine a condition of the electronic devices based on the signature.
Shielded enclosure with conformal antenna array and automated algorithms with visual display
A shielded enclosure including at least one of a single conformal antenna and an array of at least one conformal antennas integrated therewithin; a fixture mounted within a hollow interior configured to temporarily affix the devices providing an input or an output signal to at least one pin; a sensor and controller assembly configured to process a signature of an emission of RF energy; automated algorithms executed by a processing device disposed within the sensor and controller assembly to automatically provide assessments of a condition based on the signature; and a means for automatically providing a visual display of a determined condition to a user.
Two and only two connections to selectively distinct pins with modulation and emission signature processing
An enclosure defining a hollow interior; a fixture within the hollow interior configured to receive one or more electronic devices; two and only two connections configured to apply two and only two signals to two pins on each device, with each signal applied to a selectively distinct pin; means for modulating one or both signals; an antenna mounted on the interior surface or integrated into the thickness capturing RF emission from each device received within the fixture having the modulated signals applied thereto; and a sensor and controller assembly connected to the antenna to process a signature of the captured emission and determine a condition.
One and only one connection applying one and only one signal to one pin with modulation and emission signature processing
An enclosure; a fixture mounted within a hollow interior configured to receive one or more electronic devices; one and only one connection configured to apply one and only one signal to one pin on each device received within the fixture; means for modulating the one and only one signal; an antenna mounted on the interior surface or integrated into the thickness capturing RF emission from each device received within the fixture having the modulated signals applied thereto; and a sensor and controller assembly connected to the antenna to process a signature of the captured emission and determine a condition.
Across the independent claims in the partial content, the claim coverage centers on using an enclosure configured as or integrated with an antenna to capture RF or electromagnetic emission signatures from electronic devices in a fixture, applying limited pin connections, modulating at least one signal, and using a sensor or controller to assess a condition or detect anomalies.
Stated Advantages
Space-efficient reusable enclosure.
Improved RF shielding and emission collection.
Use of limited pin stimulation for signature discrimination while maintaining device functionality.
Integrated fixture alignment for reproducible positioning.
Modulation of power/clock/ground to enhance signature discrimination.
Optional system automation/robotic handling and additional optional testing enhancements.
Documented Applications
Non-destructively detecting counterfeit and/or substandard electronic devices using RF emission signatures from electronic devices placed in a hollow integrated antenna enclosure and processed by a sensor/controller assembly.
Detecting a condition of one or more electronic devices by capturing RF emissions with an integrated antenna enclosure and processing an emission signature with a sensor/controller assembly.
Detecting anomalies in electronic devices based on a signature of electromagnetic emission given off by the electronic devices using a modulating means and integrated antenna enclosure with drawer access.
Assessing conditions of electronic devices with automated algorithms and providing a visual display of the determined condition to a user.
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