Keeping One Step Ahead of Counterfeit Electronic Components

In the past several months

There was a lot of press coverage surrounding the use of counterfeit electronic components. This became further highlighted by way of the discovery of millions of counterfeit additives being observed in US military merchandise.

Counterfeit additives are created by way of the following process; large removal, sanding, blacktopping and remarking accompanied by means of an in depth smooth up of solder and the package to make it appearance legitimate. These components pose a real hazard to the enterprise as once in a device, are surprisingly probable to fail when being used. This is the cause that the discovery of them in army products has hit the enterprise so hard. The US military are implementing very tough processes to help illuminate these components and punish those distributing them.

Using a High Resolution DRex Electronics Microscope is one way in which digital element suppliers can hit upon counterfeit additives. This gadget can help monitor excellent troubles inclusive of lead/ball alignment, ball peak, element marking methodologies, laser burn, sanding marks and solder flaws. By checking out for these signs a agency can decide whether or not a component has been legitimately made, or has been tampered with and resold (counterfeit).

A excessive resolution microscope

Including the Keyence VHX600 collection is designed to provide extremely-deep and high definition remark. This equipment can provide 3-d images which increase the extent of depth a factor may be viewed in, multi-perspective imaging, real time development and constructed in display. This sophisticated technology lets in a user to view a aspect in a mess of approaches to determine its authenticity.

The microscope will be used to have a look at the markings on the components in a excessive detail. Components that are not counterfeit need to be completely immaculate with specific and identical markings. Although some counterfeit suppliers are very professional in hiding their work, many are lacking high-quality device to perform a very good job.

If a thing has a small hollow in it

Small enough that handiest a microscope should hit upon it, then that is a sign that the thing has been tampered with. A counterfeit element would had been sanded down to scratch of any unique laser markings. This leaves the floor of the factor very thin. When they then visit re-do the laser inscriptions the laser can then occasional burn small holes through the element wherein it’s so skinny.

Other methods a supplier can reveal digital aspect exceptional encompass, X-ray, ED-XRF and Decap. One form of this trying out can sometimes not be enough. A dealer must have a mess of ways to test their components. If you’re about to apply a brand new dealer or distributor of electronic components it is right preparation to verify with them what first-class guarantee systems they’ve in place.

Companies who ignore counterfeits, forget about the big potential for substantial financial legal responsibility, and lack of recognition, if counterfeits penetrate to the production line.