Our daily lives are full of modern technology. From our smartphones and PC’s to our vehicles and household appliances, they all use the highest tech electronics. Electronic devices and the technology have totally changed our lives and our living style. But we rarely stop to think about the changes electronic components have bought in our lives.In past, there was a lot of discussion on the counterfeit electronic components. This was mainly noticed when the military of the US found many instruments that held millions of counterfeit components.
The process of designing the counterfeit components includes-
- Broad elimination
- Sanding
- Blacktopping
- Remarking with a complete clean up of solder
- Package to make it look authentic.
These components are a very serious threat to every industry as if it comes into practice, it may fail a complete system. The worst is faced by some of the military instruments. But, due to improvement in the technology and efforts made by the government, a lot of different methods are being introduced for inspecting the counterfeit electronic components in the devices. Moreover, the US military is implementing very strict measures against the electronic component distributors. Below are some of the methods that are used to identify the counterfeit components.
The electronic components can be examined through DNA marking. It includes unique marks which can be designed by the authorized company but can’t be copied exactly. This identification method is endorsed by the Department of Defence on its high-risk microcircuits in many countries.
Another well-known method for identification of counterfeit components is by using X-ray inspection. In this method, the internal structure is compared with the sample components which is an authentic one. The counterfeit components can’t be judged by our naked eye, but under this x-ray inspection, the difference can be identified. Some of the differences are- unusual wire bondings, different soldering points, and a difference in the frame.
Furthermore, there are several other means for detecting false electronic components. So, while purchasing a component, it’s very important to choose an electronic component distributor carefully. Harry Krantz is an ISO 9001-2008, AS9120A certified company and is a well-known distributor of electronic components. They are leading the market for more than 70 years. Quality product, on-time delivery, and low cost of acquisition are some of the plus points of the company.