American Electronic Resource, Inc. In House Counterfeit Detection Capabilities Corporate Headquarters 3505 Cadillac Avenue, Building A Costa Mesa, CA © 2011 AER, Inc. Discover the Difference

 Inspection of a sample group using ANSI/ASQZ Z1.9 for each lot. Samples are examined using a microscope at 30-70X. An acetone test and scrape test are performed. Pictures, under magnification, of tops, bottoms, and leads are provided.  X-ray examination of up to 30 units looking for part-to-part consistency (die, lead frame, wire bonding)  De-capsulation of 1 piece per lot.  XRF analysis for lead content and comparison to known good.  Curve trace comparison analysis to known good.  Die images and component engineer’s comment on test results (consistent with datasheet, anomalous, or highly suspect)  Documented inspection records provided with each order. AuthentiPro Authentipro is a program designed for our customers who require increased assurance of authenticity. AERI’s price for this service is $ per lot, while typical test labs charge $1500+ per lot. If you are not receiving a report from your current supplier, they are not performing these tests. The program highlights include; Discover the Difference

These two parts looked perfect to the naked eye. Once under a microscope we could see that the texture did not look like the natural plastic and glass mixture. To test our findings we take a cotton swab dipped in acetone and rub the surface. Often it is clear that there was some sort of foreign substance on the surface. The cotton swab should be completely clean. If nothing is removed with acetone we proceed to scrape the surface to reveal a top layer. As you can see by the flaking paint, the parts on the right are also blacktopped. Discover the Difference Blacktopping

This is an example of what we are looking for when performing a decapsulation on a sample. In this case the part the customer ordered was clearly displayed on the die, which gave us increased confidence that the parts were authentic. Discover the Difference Decapsulation

X-ray is very helpful in combination with decapsulation. Once a part is opened up and the die is verified the balance of the parts can be inspected using x-ray to confirm that the die is consistent throughout the lot. In this case the parts all had the same markings and lot code on the outside of the package, but inside there were obvious anomalies. Discover the Difference X-Ray

The use of x-ray fluorescence, to determine the elemental composition of the components, has been widely used to determine the lead content for compliance to the EU’s RoHS directive. A new use for XRF has been derived to compare a known good component to a suspect component by comparing the elements of the leads as well as the packaging. Special software has been developed to compare the two in order to assist in authenticity verification. Discover the Difference XRF Analysis Blue is the “known good” and red is the “suspect counterfeit”

There are often limitations of physical characteristic testing (decap, x-ray and XRF), Therefore some electrical analysis is helpful in determining authenticity. Although full datasheet testing is highly recommended for high reliability applications, a curve trace on each lead is a very effective way to begin an electrical examination of the parts. A “known good” component is required. Discover the Difference Curve Trace Discover the Difference

American Electronic Resource is a leader in the detection of counterfeit electronic components. AERI president, Robert Hammond, has been recognized as an expert and is sought after to educate and guide the electronic component industry in the fight against the proliferation of counterfeit electronic components. If you would like to know more about;  Why counterfeiting is rampant  How counterfeits are created  Organizational practices to avoid the purchase of counterfeits  Detection tools for your QC department  How else American Electronic Resource can help your company Please schedule a time for your account manager, and possibly our president, to visit your facility. You will enrich your entire staff in their quest to provide authentic products to your customers. Want to Know More? Discover the Difference