© 2011 Rochester Electronics, LLC

Page 10

September 2011

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• Electrical: To be of definitive value, electrical testing requires cooperation from the original

manufacturer. Independent test houses are usually not equipped with test protocol or equipment to test

devices to the specifications of the original manufacturer. DC electrical tests may be quick and cheap, but

they don’t adequately measure performance variations at extreme high and low temperatures. AC

electrical and functional tests are not sufficient to test such complex devices. In addition, electrical testing

may not detect damage caused by improper handling, shipping, and storage. And some electrical testing

may cause additional damage.

• Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA): Components can be taken apart and examined under various

scope instruments to establish condition and assess any internal damage. This process is expensive and,

of course, renders the inspected device unusable; therefore, only spot-checking is an option. In cases

where unauthorized distributors mix all acquisitions, including returns, in one storage “bin,” any

percentage of components could be counterfeit.

• Reliability testing: This testing is complex and expensive and requires expertise, equipment, and time.

Only highly experienced engineers know the type and level of testing to apply to a given part to ensure it

will perform properly in the application for which it is intended. This most often calls for the cooperation of

the original manufacturer, so that the parts can be tested using the same protocols and test equipment

that were used when the part was manufactured. In addition, reliability testing should not be considered

the same as quality testing. Reliability testing assesses the performance of a specified function of a

device under specified conditions over a specified period of time. This is a “long-term” view of a device’s

performance. Quality testing assesses the performance of a specified function of a device under specified

conditions when it is first used. This is a “snapshot” view of a device’s performance.

Industry and government must work together to counter the counterfeiters.

Because they are afraid of jeopardizing company credibility, both original semiconductor manufacturers and the

original equipment manufacturers who use semiconductors are often reluctant to admit to encounters with

counterfeit components, or to report these encounters to governmental agencies. Most are even reluctant to admit

that a problem exists. This lack of communication means that there are few successful prosecutions of counterfeit

criminals.

Counterfeiting will increase until the problem is exposed, information is shared, and manufacturers and

government agencies work together to find solutions. As more and more companies realize the seriousness of the

situation, they are beginning to share information and report incidents, but this cooperation must continue to

increase in order for the industry to remain one step ahead of the counterfeiters.

The United States agencies that deal with counterfeit products coming into the country include the Federal

Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Customs and Border

Protection (CBP), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). These

agencies cannot do their jobs without cooperation and information from semiconductor manufacturers and

equipment manufacturers. If you have been involved in a suspected or confirmed counterfeit incident, you can

report to the following agencies:

Defense-related counterfeits:

Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)

(800-424-9098 — http://www.dodig.mil/hotline)

Aviation counterfeits:

Federal Aviation Administration