Authentication using magnetic field based on current drawn by security device

An imaging system, comprising:

• an imaging device having
• a power source, and
• a controller with a system-on-chip with available memory and a first security device chip, wherein the power source delivers power to the first security device chip over a conductor,
• the imaging device further including a magnetometer configured for measuring a magnetic field in the conductor upon current from the power source flowing therethrough;
• and
• a supply item having
• a housing, and
• a second security device chip connected to the housing, the second security device chip for receiving an authentication challenge from the first security device chip including one or more commands when the housing of the supply item is installed in the imaging device, wherein when the second security device chip receives the authentication challenge the second security device chip is operative to execute the one or more commands while drawing current from the power source of the imaging device such that said magnetic field is generated around the conductor and is measurable by the magnetometer.

An imaging system, comprising:

• an imaging device having
• a power source, and
• a controller with a first security device chip;
• a first toner cartridge having
• a housing containing toner, and
• a second security device chip connected to the housing;
• and
• a second toner cartridge having
• a second housing containing second toner, and
• a third security device chip connected to the second housing,
• wherein both the second and third security device chips are configured for receiving an authentication challenge from the first security device chip and wherein during use the second and third security device chips draw current through a conductor thereby generating magnetic fields and the generated magnetic fields indicate an authentication response of the second and third security device chips to the authentication challenge.