Abstract: Authentication of a product could be accomplished by utilizing encryption and decryption engines onboard two integrated circuits namely a DECENC chip and a READER chip. A unique serial number in either an encrypted or un-encrypted format is programmed into eFuses, or OTP devices on board the DECENC chip where this chip is then attached to the product. During the authentication procedure, the encrypted and decrypted serial number on board the DECENC chip is transferred to the READER chip. The READER chip subsequently performs a decryption of the serial number from the first chip if this serial number is in encrypted form or performs an encryption of the serial number from the first chip if this serial number is in un-encrypted form. The READER chip then compares its result of decryption or encryption against the corresponding decrypted or encrypted versions of the serial number received from the DECENC chip.