1. Blockchain-Enabled Electronics Supply Chain Assurance

The chapter delves into the complexities of the electronics supply chain, driven by the continuous scaling of semiconductor technology. It highlights the critical importance of the security and quality of integrated circuits (ICs) in electronic systems, given their widespread use in everyday life and critical infrastructure. The author discusses the limited attention paid to IC security compared to software and communication channels, and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to supply chain integrity. The chapter introduces blockchain technology as a potential solution to establish a trusted supply chain, addressing threats such as counterfeiting, overproduction, and cloning. It explains the concept of blockchain and its decentralized nature, comparing it to traditional centralized networks. The author proposes a blockchain-enabled framework for the electronics supply chain, detailing the roles of various entities involved and the steps for enrollment, verification, and ownership acquisition. The framework aims to enhance the tracking and tracing of electronic components, ensuring their authenticity and integrity throughout the supply chain. The chapter also discusses the challenges and limitations of implementing such a framework, including the need for a proper ID database and accessing scheme. It concludes by highlighting the potential of the blockchain-enabled framework to mitigate common supply chain threats and provides a roadmap for future research and development in this area.