The Global Chip Shortage has affected our lives in more ways than you think, and it’s not solely due to low supply. One of the main reasons is the very high demand for computers, smartphones, tablets, and even vehicles which have skyrocketed in recent months.

Because of the steadily growing demand for such products and more importantly the electronics inside them, criminals now have many more opportunities to sell fake chips with less risk of detection.

Fake or counterfeits electronic components are electronic components that are misleading as to the origin or quality relating to the part. It is quite possible to counterfeit certain electronic components and potentially infringe trademarks or license rights. 

Why this matters
A reliable supply chain is essential

So why should you worry about using fake components. Well imagine a defibrillator sending incorrect high voltage electric shocks to a patient or a cars ABS braking system failing to stop a car in the event of an emergency.

Believe it or not the counterfeit electronic parts industry is a multi-billion-pound industry. Counterfeit parts are said to be integrated into billions of pounds worth of electronic devices.

 The fake semi-industry has infiltrated many markets, disrupted operations of component manufacturers, and has been a supply chain problem for a while now. 

Paying attention to your supply chain is essential for companies so they don’t end up purchasing and using fake components. Improving the process by identifying where chips you are buying are entering your supply chain, and by ensuring that any 3rd parties involved in your supply chain are externally audited will greatly reduce any risk and will also ultimately improve quality.

By ensuring that throughout the purchasing process, semiconductors are only purchased through reputable franchised distributors will ensure that any risks are greatly reduced. But ultimately the responsibility lies with the manufacturer of the end product to ensure safety and quality of your product.

So how do I spot a possible Fake semiconductor?

The process of finding a fake or counterfeit chips is not easy. We have listed a few methods below to help you determine the authenticity of a component, and hopefully, these methods will avoid unfortunate incidents in the future.

Always read the label

Have you seen a genuine chip before? If you’re not directly employed in the semiconductor industry, then likely, you haven’t. These semiconductors are usually so small that it’s hard to see the spec parts on them. Legitimate, high-quality electronic components have clear part numbers and clear markings that can validate their authenticity. Counterfeits upon inspection will have a compromised surface, a grainy part number, and other incorrect information that will need further inspection. 

Look for Signs of Resurfacing

Counterfeiters are becoming quite good at avoiding detection these days. One of the most common techniques for creating counterfeit chips is a “resurfacing” technique called blacktopping. 

They sand off the original markings and put on a polymer coat to cover up the effects of the sanding. Sometimes, however, there are noticeable signs of blacktopping. For example, indents on the chip might be partially covered by the polymer.

Be on the Lookout for Physical Deformities

To make money, many counterfeiters often use cannibalized parts from scrap electronics and sell them as new. Physical wear and tear will be visible on the material upon visual inspection.

Counterfeit components may have bent leads and pins, unnecessary markings on the surface, and scuff marks on the corners. These visual cues on the surface or the use of a magnifying lens will help you determine if the electronic component is legitimate or not. 

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