Devon Richman Defends Doctoral Dissertation on Side‑Channel Methods for Reliability Assessment and Counterfeit Detection

CALCE graduate student Devon Richman successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, “Degradation Assessment of Microelectronic Devices Using Side Channel Power Modulation Analysis (PMA),” in February 2026 with the guidance of Dr. Michael Azarian and Prof. Michael Pecht. Devon’s dissertation focuses on developing side channel based methods for rapidly assessing degradation and detecting counterfeit microelectronic components. His work introduces Power Modulation Analysis (PMA), a technique that uses a device’s response to a modulating input to evaluate device quality, reliability, and authenticity, addressing critical challenges in the integrity of the global electronics supply chain.

Devon Richman

Over the course of his doctoral studies, Devon has been an active contributor to the counterfeit detection and reliability community, delivering presentations at leading technical forums on topics such as power spectrum based counterfeit screening, side channel assessment of component authenticity, and standards-based testing methodologies. His expertise is further reflected in his service on the SAE G 19A Test Laboratory Standards Development Committee, where he chairs the Risk Characterization and Defect Detection Subcommittee. He also serves as a technical expert for the ANSI National Accreditation Board on SAE AS6171 counterfeit detection standards.

His work has supported CALCE’s broader initiatives in supply chain integrity, including a U.S. Air Force Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) project focused on part assessment using side-channel testing to ensure the authenticity and reliability of mission-critical microelectronic components. His publications include peer-reviewed work such as "Power Spectrum Analysis‑Based Counterfeit Screening: A Hardware Comparison" and "Analysis of Standards‑Based Counterfeit Microelectronics Detection Methods", which highlight practical, evidence-based improvements to counterfeit screening and detection.

In addition, Devon contributed to failure analysis projects for industry partners, applying his extensive laboratory experience alongside his engineering knowledge to address real-world reliability challenges. His combination of academic excellence, impactful research, industry engagement, and professional service has made him a valued member of the CALCE community, working at the intersection of reliability, diagnostics, and supply chain security.

Devon also served as a lead student contributor on CALCE’s broader work in counterfeit risk mitigation, including support for the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) “Machine Vision Pilot (MVP) Counterfeit Microelectronics Policy Analysis” effort. His involvement reflects engagement with both the technical and policy dimensions of counterfeit microelectronics, helping to bridge laboratory research with real-world implementation needs across the electronics supply chain.

For more information about the research work of Devon Richman, contact Dr. Michael Azarian.

More CALCE publications can be found here.

Published March 2, 2026