Laser Focused Traceability of Microelectronics in the Supply Chain

Join the CALCE/SMTA Counterfeit Parts and Materials Symposium 2022 for this and other informative presentations

Steve Walters

Aerocyonics, Inc.

Abstract: Traceability is rapidly becoming an essential capability as supply chains become increasingly more complex, and is essential for long-term sustainability and maintenance of systems. Lack of, or limited traceability, has frequently resulted in large product recalls which could have been reduced in scope with improved traceability methods in place, significantly reducing economic impacts. This is a multi-industry issue impacting a broad range of critical products, from auto parts (e.g., Takata airbag inflators recalled in 41 million vehicles worldwide, 2014), food supplies (e.g., Westland/Hallmark beef recall of 143 million pounds of beef, 2008), to pharmaceuticals and medical equipment (e.g., 38.8 million units of Vial2Bag fluid transfer systems recalled worldwide, 2019), to name a few. DMSMS and parts management are rooted in the proper identification of parts used in programs. Often, programs do not know what parts are included in their assemblies, they don’t know where they came from, and when a problem is identified, they don’t know which systems the problem parts are contained within. Semiconductor traceability is a core element in addressing broader traceability needs for DMSMS resolution, and concerns related to cybersecurity and counterfeiting. Semiconductor traceability begins with being able to accurately identify parts. Numerous marking technologies have been developed to provide solutions, but few have targeted fab level integration, instead of being better suited for package or container level traceability. Fab level traceability provides the mechanism for achieving full end-to-end traceability and is essential to the identification and control of counterfeiting resulting from overproduction, or distribution of scrap products, the identification, and isolation of part quality issues, and addressing cyber-related concerns when new zero-day vulnerabilities in microelectronic parts are identified. The ideal end-to-end traceability system must have several core attributes: 1) Traceability to the source of manufacture, including the raw materials used during manufacturing, 2) The traceability solution must be immutable to preclude counterfeit risks, 3) The traceability system must readily allow part validation through all part life cycle phases, and 4) The traceability system must be cost-effective to assure viability for widespread adoption. Beyond the marking technology development, additional work is necessary to address interoperability issues across a distributed supply chain. We will also discuss the work in industry standards groups that will be necessary for broad industry adoption.

Bio: Steve Walters is the Chief Engineer – Reliability, Systems and Test for Aerocyonics, Inc. Steve has over 30 years of engineering experience, which includes over 12 years engagement in hardware assurance and counterfeit mitigation activities. Prior to Aerocyonics, Steve’s experience included Reliability Engineering and Failure Analysis Lab leadership, providing extensive experience in the identification, reduction and elimination of failure risks. Steve’s industry engagement has leveraged this background with roles such as supporting the G-19A Test Laboratory Standards Development Committee by leading the risk assessment and mitigation subgroup which was responsible for risk model design and development, as well as leading the assemblies testing subgroup. Steve is also actively engaged with the G-32 Hardware Assurance subgroup. Steve has co-authored multiple papers/publications addressing anti- counterfeiting and cyber security risk reduction and holds a BSEE in electrical engineering from the University of South Florida.