INSPECTR is a simple, unique, practical, and cost-effective technology to solve the problem of system configuration verification. It provides an innovative means to detect configuration changes, by very precisely measuring the complex impedance of a systems internal components, cables, boards, and other elements. When tampered with or changed, this system complex impedance becomes different from its original (trusted) state. Therefore, comparing high-precision impedance-related features for the original state (expected) and a measured state whenever the system is activated, is the basis for detecting these changes and initiating a response. This approach applies a foundation technology called SENTINEL, proven effective on a recent, ongoing Missile Defense Agency SBIR, that shows we can recognize when systems are in different configurations by measuring certain transient behavior of their power-supply voltage lines when they are activated. The INSPECTR innovation is to use the SENTINAL method, along with other measurement techniques, in a very sensitive, impedance-detecting bridge circuit. In Phase I, we will produce (1) an experimental prototype, (2) experimental and analytical feasibility assessments using the prototype, (3) a prototype performance demonstration, (4) a preliminary design to carry forward into Phase II, and (5) an assessment of commercialization potential.
Keywords: Anti-Tamper, Verification, Validation, Reverse Engineering, Covert, Low Power, Transient Detection, Impedance Measurement
