When counterfeit electronic parts first started appearing it was typically easy to spot them. The markings on the chip would be blatantly wrong such as the incorrect logo design for the company who supposedly made the item or a marking which would just rub off. As the counterfeiters have actually gained elegance, their fake components are more difficult to identify. Even inspecting the markings on the chip (Blacktop Markings) now needs strenuous testing procedures.
Fake parts have actually ended up being a substantial concern in the electronic part industry. The counterfeiter will take an element produced for a particular function and change the markings on part so it will appear to be another part.
Electronic elements are developed to precise requirements to perform highly particular jobs. It is potentially more dangerous to utilize electronic parts which are nearly.
The United States armed force has actually developed comprehensive specifications for how to evaluate parts. Reputable electronic element testing companies adhere to those published specs.
( Note: The following test is used as general example for the purposes of this short article. Some specific steps and exclusive info has actually been left out.).
Marking Permanency (Resistance to Solvents) Test:.
The purpose of a Marking Permanency test is to validate that the parts when subjected to solvents will preserve their proper markings. Fake parts frequently have brand-new markings which are not long-term; they will dissolve when the solvents are properly used. Also, the solvents will reveal proof of previous markings which have been sanded off or otherwise replaced by the incorrect markings.
Numerous Military Standard procedures are utilized which incorporate processes of working with a number of chemicals combined properly and in information is in accordance with the specifications. These chemicals include Aliphatic alcohol, mineral spirits, ethyl-benzene, natural solvents, de-ionized water, propylene glycol monomethyl either, or monoethanloamine.
Once appropriately mixed the elements are submerged in a three phase process and analyzed in accordance with MIL-HBK-130 to uncover proof of damage to the device and any specified markings which are missing in entire or in part, faded, smeared, blurred, or shifted (dislodged) to the degree that they can not be easily recognized from a range of at least 15.0 cm (6 inches) with normal room lighting and without the help of magnification or with a viewer having a magnification no greater than 3X. Sometimes, a tactical acetone wash will be utilized to expose sanding marks and facets of previous markings.
Blacktop marking is simply one test in a multi-step process used to find counterfeit electronic parts. Fake electronic components are on the increase in both military and civilian items.
Joseph Federico is VP and director of operations for NJMET, based in Clifton, NJ. NJMET supplies professional electronic component testing to the Commercial, Military, Aerospace, Industrial and Automotive fields worldwide. Its state of best place to buy electronic components the art Mission Imposter ® Counterfeit Detection Process recognizes fake or cloned products.