Methods and apparatuses for identifying transmission lines via impedance inhomogeneity patterns
US11474141B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2020 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R31/58
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for using the impedance inhomogeneity pattern (IIP) of a transmission line, or one or more segments thereof, to verify the identity of the transmission line and/or detect whether or not the transmission line has been altered or tampered with. Because the impedance inhomogeneity pattern of a transmission line is unique, unpredictable, and uncontrollable, it can be used as a physical unclonable function (PUF). The IIP can be obtained by a method such as frequency domain reflectometry or time domain reflectometry, and is then compared with a previously stored intrinsic IIP obtained from a transmission line (or segment(s)) prior to first use through the use of, for example, correlation or coherence functions. The method can be used on any transmission line, including electrical, optical and acoustic transmission lines. The method is useful for enabling or enhancing physical layer communication link security, transmission line sensing security, supply chain security, product authentication, physical encryption, anti-counterfeiting, manufacturing traceability, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.