Semiconductor & MEMS Fabrication

Counterfeit Electronic Components are real, and are a big concern. That is "...what does it supposed to be?!?"

Anyone that has walked down the street of New York City has seen some form of this.

Electronics, DVD's, jewelry are just the ones I remember off the top of my head. The prices so low it makes it either 1) stolen or 2) fake.

I did manage to wheel and deal my way down on a "Rolex" from $200 to $30... at that point I was proud of my negotiating skills, but too afraid I was buying stolen property to actually buy it.

Counterfeit Components are a very real problem in the Electronics Manufacturing. The components can in many cases be refurbished devices taken from old circuit boards then "reassigned" to be what ever is required. I e if the part you want is a 14 pin SOIC IC, then the unscrupulous Counterfitters will doctor up any group of 14 pin SOIC with the appropriate markings of the desired part.

These are usually sold through grey market suppliers and occasionally end up through reputable brokers. More so an issue for obsolete or obscure (read very pricey) devices.

The first thing the Manufacturers know they have been dudded is when the client boards fail to work as required(if they work at all).

The counterfitters are very good at doctoring the parts to look kosher, but there are give aways. These can only be found by very close examination under a microscope.

I have 3 of AD420 ICs which I suspect are counterfeit, because they don't look exactly like the the ones acquired through reputable sources. Its subtle differences in Fonts and texture of the component body which is enough for me to not use them in the SIL2 device they're destined for.

Vigilence is the only thing that saves most board loaders form serious embarrassment. Although in Oz we suffer due to lack of local stock and the long lead times of bespoke parts. Made more difficult due to very tight bottom lines and customers who don't get the economics of manufacturing. It's very tempting to buy from a supplier who under quotes a price and delivery time, but at what cost?

As for recompence for "faulty" parts, er solly no speaky engrish...