AI for Provenance and Traceability: Countering Counterfeit Risk in Semiconductor Supply Chains

Jeremy Muldavin [Cadence Design Systems, Inc.]

Abstract: 

The infiltration of counterfeit and compromised electronic components presents an escalating risk to critical infrastructure, defense systems, and global supply chains. As semiconductors underpin AI, autonomous platforms, and cyber‑physical systems, traditional inspection‑based counterfeit detection methods are increasingly insufficient. This presentation examines how artificial intelligence, combined with hardware‑rooted trust and lifecycle traceability, enables a shift from reactive detection to proactive assurance.
We present a framework for provenance and traceability spanning IP creation, design, fabrication, packaging, system integration, and operational deployment. By leveraging intrinsic and extrinsic physical identifiers, roots of trust, cryptographic binding, and AI‑driven analytics, the approach establishes persistent part identity, non‑repudiation, and verification. AI‑enabled digital threads and digital twins provide continuous visibility into component pedigree and configuration, enabling early detection of counterfeit insertion, unauthorized modification, and supply‑chain compromise.
Real‑world cases of counterfeit and malicious hardware illustrate the security and economic consequences of inadequate traceability. The presentation concludes with a market‑driven model, aligned with emerging standards and policy initiatives, that incentivizes trusted manufacturing and resilient semiconductor supply chains.

Biography: 

Dr. Muldavin graduated from the University of Michigan in 1995 with a BSE in Engineering Physics and in 2000 with a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electromagnetics. He spent 19 years total at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, including four years assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense as the Director of Microelectronics. Following four years at GlobalFoundries as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff and a tenure as a Senior Technical Fellow at Aerocyonics Inc, he joined Cadence in early 2025 as the Sales Development Director. In this role, he drives strategic customer engagement and sales growth for EDA, IP, and hardware within the aerospace, defense, and government sectors.

Dr. Diganta Das

For more information or questions regarding the technical program (including Professional Development Courses), contact the Conference Chair, Dr. Diganta Das

Kristin Nafstad

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