© 2011 Rochester Electronics, LLC

Page 13

September 2011

All Rights Reserved

 

In addition, Rochester’s Original Engineering–Driven Test Protocol

high-quality, high-performance, and thoroughly tested replacements for end-of-life and mature semiconductor

devices. Rochester acquires intellectual property from the original semiconductor manufacturer through

continuing manufacturing agreements, including proprietary testing techniques, test programs, tooling, and test

equipment required for precise and comprehensive testing of the semiconductor devices. When the original test

programs and/or test systems are unavailable from the original manufacturer, Rochester’s dedicated test

engineers develop new test programs based on the latest revisions of the data sheets. If necessary, Rochester

engineers convert test programs to existing test platforms using proven, in-house custom conversion software

tools. In some cases, Rochester engineers are able to alter or adapt the original manufacturer’s program; for

example, a part that was originally tested for commercial use may require upgraded testing for military use.

Unauthorized sources and third-party test houses do not have access to any of this intellectual property.

Rochester was instrumental in the formation of the Semiconductor Industries Association’s Anti-Counterfeiting

Task Force (ACTF). Also in conjunction with SIA, Rochester developed and now hosts and funds the Electronics

Authorized Directory, a comprehensive, worldwide directory of authorized semiconductor distributors. The

directory provides two quick and easy worldwide search tool options to help buyers find authorized distributors:

search by semiconductor manufacturer, or search by part number. This directory makes it easy to buy only from

legitimate sources and eliminate the potential risk of purchasing counterfeit or substandard parts. Purchasing

officers can access the Electronics Authorized Directory at www.authorizeddirectory.com.

Rochester is also active throughout the international semiconductor industry in efforts to inform component

manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, government agencies, and the general public about the product risks

and dangers of counterfeit and substandard components as well as strategies for procuring only viable

semiconductors. The company has introduced Captain Rochester, a strong and knowledgeable industry hero who

promotes safe and secure methods for procuring semiconductors. As an entertaining and informative icon, he has

become a symbol of what is right about the industry (www.captainrochester.com).

The Department of Commerce survey recommended the following best practices for companies that deal with

electronic parts. All quotes in this list are directly from the survey. (Note: for a free summary of this survey, contact

sales@rocelec.com)

•

Implement “institutionalized policies and procedures … on how … to avoid purchasing counterfeit parts;

test, handle, and track incoming and outgoing parts; and manage and dispose of suspected counterfeit

•

Train all personnel who handle electronic components (purchasing, quality assurance, and receiving) on

•

Report all suspect and confirmed counterfeit components to federal authorities and industry associations.

information on where to report, see “Industry and government must work together to counter the

counterfeiters.” in this document.)

•

Maintain an internal database of suspected and confirmed counterfeit parts. [It’s also a good idea to

maintain a reference library of pictorial and written descriptions of all known authentic parts for

comparison.]