Hardware-Level Security Framework using MEMS-based AI Physical Inspection for Counterfeit Microelectronics
to be Presented by NHanced Semiconductors & University of Florida
at the 2026 Symposium on Counterfeit Parts & Materials
The paper will present a methodology for embedding MEMS arrays within silicon interposer architectures
to enable dynamic, reconfigurable circuits resistant to physical inspection and tampering.
COLLEGE PARK, MD (June 5, 2026) – NHanced Semiconductors vice-president Dr. Charles Woychik and Dr. Navid Asadizanjani’s team from the University of Florida will deliver a technical presentation titled “AI Enhanced Physical Inspection for Counterfeit Microelectronics,” at the 2026 SMTA Symposium on Counterfeit Parts & Materials, to be held from June 23 – 25 at the College Park Marriott Conference Center in Hyattsville, MD. The paper will describe a hardware-level security framework that employs micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches to enable dynamic and reconfigurable circuit layouts to deter physical inspection and tampering.
As advanced packaging substrates have become primary targets for unauthorized reverse engineering and cloning of semiconductor devices, conventional physical and software-based security measures are proving insufficient against modern high-resolution imaging. Because modern electronics power everything from smartphones and cars to medical devices and national infrastructure, if these systems are compromised by counterfeit or reverse-engineered components, it can lead to safety risks, data breaches, and loss of trust in critical technologies. Strengthening hardware-level security helps ensure that the electronics people rely on every day are safe, reliable, and protected from tampering or misuse.
The presentation from Woychik and Asadizanjani will detail a methodology that embeds MEMS arrays within silicon interposer architectures, enforcing concealed and randomized routing structures that are resistant to physical inspection and tampering. The methodology leverages heuristic-driven placement and entropy-based analysis to maximize design complexity, effectively deterring adversaries from reconstructing original functionality. This approach ensures that intercepted substrates remain unusable “black boxes” without authorized configuration data, offering a scalable solution for securing critical semiconductor supply chains, especially for defense and high-reliability applications.
The 2026 SMTA Symposium on Counterfeit Parts & Materials will be held at the College Park Marriot Conference Center in College Park, MD from June 23 – 25. The conference is organized by SMTA in conjunction with the University of Maryland’s Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE) with the objective of raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of using counterfeit materials and to encourage the implementation of measures to prevent and mitigate the spread of counterfeit parts.
About NHanced Semiconductors, Inc.
Based in the US, NHanced Semiconductors is the world’s first pure-play advanced packaging foundry, specializing in leading-edge BEoL semiconductor technologies. Its capabilities include chiplets, 3D-ICs, silicon interposers, 2.5D, additive silicon manufacturing, photonics, microfluidics, and other innovative technologies. The foundry works with both standard and non-standard substrates, III‑V compound semiconductors, and many specialized materials.
Headquartered in Illinois, NHanced has a development and manufacturing facility near Research Triangle Park, NC, performing small volume manufacturing, in-house process development, and customer prototyping, and an advanced packaging and assembly facility in Odon, IN.
About Florida Semiconductor Institute at University of Florida
The Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI) serves as a statewide hub at the University of Florida, coordinating R&D, workforce initiatives, and the broader semiconductor ecosystem throughout the state. Florida has the 5th largest semiconductor workforce, and aims to catalyze 10,000 new high-wage jobs to further expand opportunities for Floridians and Florida-based businesses.
Media contact:
Chris Burke, BtB Marketing Communications
(919) 637-3510 Chris.burke@btbmarketing.com
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