Copyright © 2012 - 2017 ABI Electronics Ltd
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VIII- Other functions
8.1 Choosing reference mode
The SENTRY works by performing a scan on each pin of the IC under test. This consists of applying waveforms to each pin and
measuring the results. The results are recorded in the form of a curve called a PinPrint. By comparing PinPrints between a
known genuine IC and a suspect one, the SENTRY can verify the integrity of a suspect IC.
There are several ways to scan a device, depending on the reference mode :
Reference mode
Manual
. In this mode, a ground reference is applied to a pin of the IC (usually the ground pin), and
a scan is performed on all device pins with respect to this ground.
Reference mode
Matrix
. In this mode, a ground reference is applied to pin 1 of the IC, and a scan is performed on all
device pins with respect to it. The reference is then applied to pin 2 and again all pins are scanned. This is repeated
until all pins on the device have been used as the reference pin.
Note: When using Matrix mode and viewing the results, double clicking on the PinPrints will open the PinPrint viewer
for advanced viewing of the results.
Reference mode
Automatic
. In this mode, an internal algorithm will scan the device and work out the best reference
pin for each pin of the device under test. This setting is recommended for most devices.
The modes matrix and automatic are more thorough as they can find differences in the way that pins relate to each other and
not just to the ground pin. However, for large pin count devices, these modes take more time.
8.2 Adding device documentation
In the Learn section, click on the
Documentation
tab. In this section, you can add various documents and graphics to help in
identifying counterfeit ICs. You can add pictures, either from a file or from a USB camera connected to your PC, and
documents such as device data sheets etc. You can add any type of document that you can open and use on your system,
including spreadsheets, text documents, presentations, videos and sound, internet website links etc.
This information may be useful for additional help in identifying counterfeit devices. For example, you can include pictures of
the device markings and manufacturer’s logos.
In the
Device Documentation
tab, click
Add Image
. In the Add Image window which appears, you have the option of
browsing to an existing image file on your computer, or capturing an image from a camera (if connected). The image or
camera shot will be previewed in the window, and you can then click
Save
to store the image in the device data.
You can also add other documents, such as pdf data sheets, graphics files, word processing documents or indeed any type of
file recognised by your system. This means you can even add video or sound clips to your device library.
If you wish, you can add website links to your device, so you can view a copy of a data sheet (for example) which is stored on
a remote website anywhere on the internet. This of course requires that your computer has a working internet connection.
You can type the website address in the
URI
field and click
GO
to access the remote website.
You can remove any images and documents from the library by selecting the document or image and clicking
Remove
.
