Electronics Supply Chain Integrity Enabled by Blockchain

Abstract

Electronic systems are ubiquitous today, playing an irreplaceable role in our personal lives as well as in critical infrastructures such as power grid, satellite communication, and public transportation. In the past few decades, the security of software running on these systems has received significant attention. However, hardware has been assumed to be trustworthy and reliable "by default" without really analyzing the vulnerabilities in the electronics supply chain. With the rapid globalization of the semiconductor industry, it has become challenging to ensure the integrity and security of hardware. In this paper, we discuss the integrity concerns associated with a globalized electronics supply chain. More specifically, we divide the supply chain into six distinct entities: IP owner/foundry (OCM), distributor, assembler, integrator, end user, and electronics recycler, and analyze the vulnerabilities and threats associated with each stage. To address the concerns of the supply chain integrity, we propose a blockchain-based certificate authority framework that can be used to manage critical chip information such as electronic chip identification (ECID), chip grade, transaction time, etc. The decentralized nature of the proposed framework can mitigate most threats of the electronics supply chain, such as recycling, remarking, cloning, and overproduction 1 .

Blockchain technology in supply chain operations: Applications, challenges and research opportunities

“…Blockchain can also enable monitoring of environmental impacts of transportation. Cui et al, 2019 , Xu et al, 2019 have studied blockchain-based electronics parts SCs to enhance the traceability with security and sustainable logistics during the respective transportation. Production and internal operations: Blockchain helps to manage required certifications, transform the shop floor into eco-friendly and evaluate sustainability performance and continuous improvement of all the operations.…”

“…For example, the use of blockchain can help implement the “physical internets” for sustainable logistics ( Meyer et al, 2019 ). Reverse logistics: Blockchain helps to support tracing the location of the materials and authenticates all actors involved in recycling process ( Kouhizadeh and Sarkis, 2018 , Kouhizadeh et al, 2019 , Xu et al, 2019 ). This is critical and enhances closed loop supply chain management.…”

A Requirements Driven Digital Twin Framework: Specification and Opportunities

“…Unfortunately, this extensibility requirement is associated with many challenges, the most significant of which is maintaining data partitioning and IP security throughout the manufacturing ecosystem [76]. Techniques such as blockchain have been proposed to address aspects of this challenge; however, the scope of the issue will require innovative data partitioning, traceability and translation techniques combined with multi-industry cooperation, standardization and best practices [77], [78], [79], [80]. While the requirement of ecosystem security is included as a DT technology requirement, it is not addressed in detail in this paper.…”

When Blockchain Meets Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review on Current Development and Potential Applications

“…Digitalization of physical properties and intelligence rights may be the next stage of development in blockchain application [19]. Digitalization allows the transfer of value across a distributed ledger system due to blockchain's capability for maintaining data integrity [120], free from malicious tampering and cyber-attacks [121]. Blockchain networks could also facilitate the transmission of digitalized stakes [122] and provide validation of document authenticity, which can mitigate transactional disputes.…”