Management

“Setting Up Cost-Effective Anti-Counterfeiting Technologies that Stand Up in Court”
Author: David Kalow, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Abstract: Types of counterfeits include unauthorized copies (trademark or other IP use), reclaimed scrap, rebranded goods, re-markings, or overruns (production by contract manufacturers without QC by trademark). Traditional anti-counterfeiting detection depends on detecting small differences in design between genuine and accused product, but the latter has increasingly subtle differences. Binary methods of anti-counterfeiting technologies – including optical labels and ink, micro-taggants, RFID, hot stamping foil, liquid crystals, forensic DNS ink, micro holograms, and other methods – have been shown to be effective countermeasures. This presentation describes methods and considerations for implementation. (3d Symposium on Avoiding, Detecting, and Preventing Counterfeit Electronic Parts, December 2009)

Purchasing

“Independent Distributor Perspective: Challenges & Solutions to Mitigate Counterfeit Parts”
Author: Steve Calabria
Abstract: A robust procurement system includes evaluation of suppliers, including categorization of supplier history; review of supplier before engaging in transaction; review of digital photos of product and its packaging and label prior to issuing a purchase order; and inspection to customer PO, contract requirements and IDEA-STD-1010 by qualified inspectors. And for assemblers, when selling excess, provide access to traceability on the excess components being sold. (3d Symposium on Avoiding, Detecting, and Preventing Counterfeit Electronic Parts, December 2009)

“Quality & Reliability Issues with Counterfeit ICs”
Author: Andrew Olney, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Abstract: Counterfeit ICs have contaminated the supply chain. This is an industry-wide problem with no simple solutions. It is sometimes effectively impossible to distinguish good from bad. Counterfeit/brokered ICs may initially work but fail in the field.Packages or die may delaminate/crack during PCB removal. Parts may be ESD “zapped” and later fail due to latent ESD damage. Moisture-sensitive devices may “popcorn” during board assembly. Counterfeit parts marked as Pb-free may in fact have lead in them. And chemicals used to clean/re-mark ICs may result in corrosion. The best protection is to buy directly from component suppliers or directly from their authorized distributors. Recognize that having a particular manufacturer on an approved vendor list is not sufficient to ensure components have the expected quality and reliability levels. The procurement source is also critical. (3d Symposium on Avoiding, Detecting, and Preventing Counterfeit Electronic Parts, December 2009)

“Counterfeit Components and Related Legal Issues”
Author: Laurence E. Pappas, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Abstract: Buyers may add into contracts any term that is not contrary to statute (including regulations) or common law. For example, any counterfeit parts supplied to buyer by seller may be disabled, destroyed or retained by buyer. This presentation covers certain legal definitions, constraints, and options when a buyer encounters counterfeit and “substandard” components. (3d Symposium on Avoiding, Detecting, and Preventing Counterfeit Electronic Parts, December 2009)

Quality Control

“Electrical Testing for Counterfeit Detection”
Author: Mark Marshall, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Abstract: Functional counterfeits are the most dangerous type of counterfeits, since they may escape detection even in the system. They can carry the labels of well-known component manufacturers, may be sold as new, and some work in certain environments. A quality test gives the highest assurance of authenticity. The effectiveness of testing has a direct correlation with the product quality, yet test is the most overlooked area of evaluation users. Lab audits are rare and typically are non-technical so assessment is minimal. Further, many classes of counterfeit parts will pass through minimal testing, so at-speed functional testing is needed to validate the device function, and temperature screening may be necessary to validate performance. (3d Symposium on Avoiding, Detecting, and Preventing Counterfeit Electronic Parts, December 2009)

“Industry Recommendations on Mitigating the Risk Posed by Counterfeit Parts”
Author: Art Mester
Abstract: Proactive obsolescence management is effective in mitigating the risk posed by counterfeit parts. The AIA Counterfeit Parts Integrated Project Team’s goals are to identify areas to mitigate the risk posed by counterfeit parts. This update details the recommendations being approved on the four main steps – plan, prevent, detect, report – and those still under consideration. (3d Symposium on Avoiding, Detecting, and Preventing Counterfeit Electronic Parts, December 2009)

This column provides abstracts from recent industry conferences and company white papers. With the amount of information increasing, our goal is to provide an added opportunity for readers to keep abreast of technology and business trends.