Physical Hardware Assurance for the Semiconductor Industry
SmarterRF uses advanced RF engineering to authenticate microelectronics at the physical layer — detecting counterfeit, tampered, or malfunctioning components and board-level assemblies before they compromise your supply chain.
The RF Signature Difference
Every microelectronic device generates a unique electromagnetic field pattern when active. SmarterRF precisely captures and analyzes these complex RF fields and spatial emissions to perform non-destructive detection of counterfeit, physically tampered, or malfunctioning chips.
A compromised or counterfeit component projects a distinctly altered RF signature compared to an authentic baseline. Our specialized RF metrology evaluates these electromagnetic signatures to ensure true physical hardware integrity. Rather than scanning for IT or code vulnerabilities, we leverage advanced computational electromagnetics to authenticate devices directly at the physical and analog layer.
How SmarterRF Works
Our non-destructive authentication process evaluates the electromagnetic signature of each chip against a verified baseline — identifying anomalies that indicate counterfeiting, tampering, or malfunction.
1. Baseline Capture
Authentic components are measured to establish a precise RF signature baseline using our specialized metrology equipment.
2. Field Analysis
Candidate components are scanned. Their electromagnetic field patterns and spatial emissions are captured and compared against the authenticated baseline.
3. Authentication Decision
Frequently Asked Questions
What is physical-layer hardware authentication?
1
Physical-layer authentication verifies the integrity of a device by analyzing its electromagnetic emissions — not its software or firmware. SmarterRF measures the unique RF signature each integrated circuit produces when active and compares it to a verified baseline to confirm authenticity.
Is the testing process destructive to the chip?
2
No. SmarterRF's RF metrology approach is entirely non-destructive. Components are scanned and returned intact, making it suitable for high-value or mission-critical microelectronics.
What types of chips can SmarterRF evaluate?
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SmarterRF works with a broad range of integrated circuits used in defense, aerospace, and commercial semiconductor applications. Contact us to discuss your specific component types and evaluation requirements.
How does SmarterRF relate to the CHIPS and Science Act?
4
The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 established a national mandate for a secure domestic semiconductor supply chain. SmarterRF directly supports this mission by providing physical hardware assurance tools that detect counterfeit and tampered components before they enter critical systems.
Securing the Supply Chain
Driven by the national push for a secure semiconductor supply chain under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, SmarterRF provides physical-layer authentication of microelectronics for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications.
Non-destructive chip authentication
Counterfeit and tamper detection
Electromagnetic signature analysis
