Patent ID: 8502383
Filing Date: 2013-08-06
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting a repackaging of an integrated circuit after it has been originally packaged, the method comprising: providing an integrated circuit comprising active circuitry disposed at a surface of a semiconductor body, an interconnect region disposed above the semiconductor body and including interconnect lines located to electrically connect portions of the active circuitry, a thermoelectric material disposed in an upper portion of the interconnect region away from the semiconductor body and configured to deliver electrical energy when exposed to a temperature gradient, a detection circuit configured to detect the electrical energy delivered by the thermoelectric material when the thermoelectric material is exposed to a temperature gradient and a deactivation circuit configured to deactivate the detection circuit when the integrated circuit is in a normal operating mode; and detecting electrical energy produced from the thermoelectric material contained when the thermoelectric material is exposed to a temperature gradient during the repackaging while the integrated circuit is not in operation.