How to Avoid Fake Chips in Your BOM
Protect your production line with proven sourcing and testing methods.
Supply Chain Chip Verification Challenges
It’s easy to authenticate one or two chips—but verifying thousands across your supply chain presents a major challenge for any enterprise.
Source Control
Excellent supplier management eliminates most counterfeit chips at the lowest cost. Here’s how we evaluate 5,000+ global partners:
Digital Data Capture
Record delivery timeliness, quality metrics, trustworthiness per supplier.
Dynamic Performance Tracking
Continuously monitor operating health; adjust channels in real time.
Rapid Risk Elimination
Blacklist suppliers at first sign of unreliable performance.
Reliability‑Based Deployment
Prioritize orders by supplier trust level to guarantee safe supply.
Scarcity‑Driven Vigilance
During shortages, leverage historical data to avoid counterfeit influx.
Sample & Tag Library
Over 60 million chips sampled in 12 years provide gold-standard references for next-order authentication.
Testing Methods
| Icon | Method | Purpose | What to check | Tools | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Inspection | Surface, markings, leads | Scratches, sanding/re‑blacktopping, inconsistent fonts, bent/oxidized leads, mold mark mismatch. | 10× loupe Microscope Lighting | Medium | |
| Marking Permanency | Verify ink/laser authenticity | Solvent rub removes remarking; laser etch depth/edge; date/lot alignment vs. datasheet. | Solvent Cotton swab | High | |
| Lead Integrity & Solderability | Lead finish & wetting | Oxidation, resurfacing/tinning, poor wetting, solder spread and fillet shape. | Solder pot Flux Microscope | Medium | |
| X‑ray Inspection | Internal structure check | Die size/position variance, wire‑bond pattern mismatch, voids, lead‑frame inconsistencies. | X‑ray system | High | |
| Decapsulation | Expose die for authenticity | Die marking/logo, mask ID, die revision vs. part number, bond pad metallurgy, signs of rework. | Acid/Plasma Microscope Camera | High | |
| Electrical Test | Basic functionality | Pin continuity, ID registers, parametric spot checks vs. datasheet ranges. | ATE/Bench Power supply DMM | Medium | |
| Packaging & Label Review | Traceability & handling | Mislabeled reels, inconsistent date/lot, torn/resealed moisture bags, counterfeit barcodes. | Scanner Reference photos | Low |
Programming Services
Outsource component programming to reduce equipment costs, boost throughput, and ensure on-time delivery.
CAT
Have questions? Our experts are ready to help.
- sales@chipgp.com
- 852 - 8272 - 0041