The declining dependability of the counterfeit electronic components used in electronic production is one of the main issues in the current times. Electronic component counterfeiting has long been a headache for electronic parts suppliers and manufacturers, and the sector is still growing as a result of new techniques being developed to hide the legitimacy of the parts.
This obviously presents a significant challenge for a manufacturer. These parts frequently mirror the ones you ordered very well and don't always fail first testing. However, in the long run, they may result in failures that could have detrimental effects. Consider a mine's communication system or a fire alarm; if either of these technologies malfunctions, lives could be in grave danger.
Despite this, a fake electronic component can be quickly seen by a properly educated eye. As a result, it's crucial to train your team on the things to look for when inspecting parts and to always examine all components, regardless of supplier.
What Is A Counterfeit Part?
An counterfeit part, imitation, replacement, or modified component that has been purposefully hindered with or misrepresented as a genuine component from a licensed manufacturer is known as a counterfeit part.
Counterfeit parts include used EEE parts that have been altered and purposely offered as new without disclosing their previous use to the intended customer. A portion is considered suspicious when there is solid or trustworthy proof that it is most likely a fake.
What Causes The Purchase Or Usage Of Counterfeit Parts?
There are a few contributing elements that make it possible for the industry to be overrun with fake EEE parts, including:
Supply chains with several levels
Insufficient accountability procedures
Cost-cutting Limited parts due to end-of-life designations
Others taking responsibility for quality assurance and testing
limited or insufficient resources for inspection and testing
Limited or insufficient counterfeit incident record-keeping
Where Do Counterfeit Parts Come From?
Electronic components that are counterfeit can be found everywhere. Anyone with the skills and means to produce fake electrical components, introduce them into the supply chain for EEE components, and make money from their sale is capable of doing so at anytime, anywhere. Therefore, the origin of counterfeit parts is more of a question of how than of who or where.
How To Avoid Counterfeit Electronic Components?
Here are ways that can help you avoid or spot the Counterfeit Electronic Components-
Inaccurate Information
The labelling on the part box is frequently not accurately replicated by counterfeit producers in China, making it one of the simplest ways to spot fake parts. It can be simple to tell if a part isn't authentic by looking for things like an improper typeface, misspelt wording, inaccurate part numbers, logos, or countries of origin.
The eye test typically serves as a useful barometer for determining whether a part is genuine. They should still be tested further, though, because occasionally they can be subtle.
X-Ray Inspection
X-ray inspection can be used to evaluate components to ensure their authenticity. As the name implies, this procedure functions exactly like a standard X-ray and enables you to see the parts inside components. This procedure can find signs such as:
Die sizes that are absent or inconsistent
Apparent delamination
Missing or damaged wire bonds
The lead-free status of the component may be verified using x-ray inspection if it has RoHS approval, which is something that counterfeiters frequently forget.
Scanning Acoustic Microscope
Blacktopping laser etching can be found using a scanning acoustic microscope (SAM). If etching is found, it is clear that the original markings were covered up using resurfacing. The use of SAM to find blacktopping is non-destructive, in contrast to the acetone treatment, allowing you to use the component if it passes inspection.
Resurfacing
The plastic and fine glass blend that makes up the majority of today's plastic electronic components has been replicated pretty well by counterfeiters.
Blacktopping is the procedure that results in this "resurfacing." To make the original markings disappear, it is necessary to sand them down and cover them with polymer. However, occasionally this effect can leave tell-tale signs of its authenticity. Indents on a chip that has been blacktopped, for instance, occasionally have their original smooth surface exposed or are only partially filled in by the polymer.
Destructive Testing
To determine the authenticity of a component, it may occasionally be required to use a more intrusive method. Because they make the components useless thereafter, these procedures are referred to as "destructive."
Decapsulation is the name of the first destructive technique. This entails applying abrasive acids to the component's surface until the internal dye manifests itself, at which point it may be examined under a microscope. When the component is constructed of ceramic packaging, a similar procedure known as de-lidding can be used to physically remove the lid.
One damaging test for blacktopping requires applying acetone to the chip package's top, typically using a cotton swab. The chip must not come off if any residue does.A scrape test can be used to establish whether a clear coat was applied to cover up the usage of blacktop.
Physical Deformities
As was already indicated, some counterfeit components are recovered from old gadgets and sold as brand-new. In this case, physical wear and tear such as bent leads or scratch marks may be seen. This ought to alert you to any potential problems with your parts' legitimacy.
Always rely on Authorized Distributors
Counterfeit electronic components have been everywhere in the market from small to big electronic parts suppliers, making it even more difficult to make the right choice. The best option to avoid the issue of counterfeit electronic components is to rely on authorized and trusted electronic parts suppliers, one of such is Campus Component. With CC (Campus Component) you can buy electronic components online without any worries like hundreds of other manufacturers who have depended on Campus Component for their electric component supplies for years.
Conclusion-
While all of these techniques are useful for spotting possible fake parts, you should restrict your purchases to approved sellers and take the initiative to put your components through a number of tests.
The best defense against counterfeits is authorized distributors, although this isn't always the case. You might need to take a chance on a third-party distributor if you need old or difficult-to-find parts.
Keep in mind that counterfeit organizations will modify their tactics as identification technology advances. It's critical to maintain vigilance and knowledge of the most recent data regarding inspection and counterfeit parts. It is hard to completely avoid the counterfeit issue, but it is possible to stay one step ahead of it.
Related Blog-
https://www.campuscomponent.com/blogs/post/Why-you-should-buy-electronic-components-online
https://www.campuscomponent.com/blogs/post/typesofelectroniccomponents
https://www.campuscomponent.com/blogs/post/electronics-and-its-future-post-covid-19