Counterfeit chip R&D launched for DoD suppliers

MANHASSET, NY -- The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering has partnered with Applied DNA Sciences on research and further development of APDN’s SigNature DNA product for preventing counterfeiting of computer chips.

The “nanosecurity” R&D effort is to help prevent counterfeiting of computer chips for the $20 billion defense industry chip market.

The effort will include the integration of new methods for DNA deposition on nanoelectronics wafers and computer chips both prior to, and including, final packaging to ensure the integrity and security of processed wafers, according to today’s announcement.

The partnership between CNSE and APDN will support research, development and deployment of authentication protocols and procedures in established process flows, including CMOS, MEMS, photonics, and other device derivatives, as well as advanced packaging technologies, such as three-dimensional wafer-to-wafer and die-on-wafer.  When realized, these advances would enable comprehensive supply chain protection well into the foreseeable future, according to CNSE.

The APDN system marks computer chips with DNA codes that can’t be copied, which can then be used to authenticate the originality of chips anywhere along the supply chain. The APDN technology can enhance inspection and forensically verify originality, using botanical DNA to create “tags” to mark the product in a unique way.

CNSE and APDN expect engage nanoelectronics device fabricators, leading aerospace and defense system integration companies, and state and federal government agencies to further advance the implementation of counterfeit protection measures in response to a call by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), which invests in technology programs on intelligence.

“This collaboration will accelerate research, development and commercialization to ensure the security and integrity of computer chips that drive our nation’s most advanced weaponry and intelligence systems,” said Dean Fuleihan, CNSE Executive Vice President for Strategic Partnerships.

“The partnership between the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and Applied DNA Sciences on Long Island will help keep our country competitive and combat nanochip counterfeiting.” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), in a statement.