Counterfeit Prevention & Quality Management
Ensuring Supply Chain Integrity through Counterfeit Prevention.
Quality Assurance begins with strictly controlling our buying from suppliers that we trust. After a purchase, parts are sent to a 3rd party lab for inspection. Through our partnerships with trusted, global test labs, brokered parts are authenticated before they enter your supply chain. We test parts according to customer requirements or follow AS6081 standards.
Our Test Process
After we acquire parts from trusted sources, we ship the parts to a third-party inspection lab, where the following tests are performed:
External Visual Inspection (EVI)
Inspection under a high-powered microscope confirms that the parts are in new condition. A microscopic view can identify if the part is used/pulled, re-tinned, oxidized, blacktopped, sanded, remarked, chipped, or suspect for any other reason.
Measurements
Dimensions of the parts are carefully taken with calipers and the results are compared to the measurements on the datasheet.
Marking Permanency
Three tests detect blacktopping or remarking: Resistance to Solvents, Scrape Test, Heated Chemical Test. If blacktopping or remarking is detected, then the part is deemed “suspect counterfeit,” which creates doubt that the part is authentic.
a. Resistance to Solvents – Multiple chemicals and solvents are rubbed over the face of a part. If the markings come off, then it is likely that the part is suspect counterfeit.
b. Scrape Test – During a scrape test, a razor’s edge is rubbed over the face of the part. If paint is removed or other markings are uncovered during the scraping, then the part is suspect counterfeit.
c. Heated Chemical Testing – HCT is performed to determine if a secondary coating was applied. If a secondary marking is revealed, then the parts are suspect counterfeit.
X-Ray
X-ray images verify that the internal packaging and die construction is uniform throughout the lot, and consistent with the manufacturer’s data or with a golden sample. Technicians look at die size, general shape, lead frame construction, wire bond gauge, and routing.
Decapsulation (“Decap”)
Decap is a destructive test that will expose the die markings, internal packaging, and die construction of a part. The details on the die are compared to a known authentic part (if available), or to other decapped parts, and checked for homogeneity.
Electrical Testing
Electrical testing verifies that the components meet the rated electrical specifications of a part. Electrical tests are frequently used to authenticate passive parts, such as capacitors and resistors.
XRF
This non-destructive test is used to determine the presence or absence of lead or other elements in the composition of the part.
Solderability
Solderability testing is a destructive test where the leads of a part are tested to ensure they can successfully be soldered to a board. Test can determine if the part can be used in production. Either the “dip and look” or steam-aged methods of inspection are available methods of testing solderability.
