Combating the Risk of Semiconductor Counterfeits
Why purchase from fully authorized sources
Counterfeit semiconductors are an ever-present threat to the safety and reliability of electronic equipment, especially so in times of allocation or scarce discontinued parts.
Sourcing components through unauthorized independent channels for faster deliveries or prices introduces the risk of counterfeits, the potential of damage to customers’ end-equipment, threatens the safety of the end-users and endangers the customer’s reputation. It has repeatedly been demonstrated in incidents where the use of counterfeit devices has resulted in severe fines for companies and responsible employees.
The risks associated with counterfeits can never fully be eliminated by additional testing, and third-party testing processes cannot guarantee quality. The severe limitations of third-party processes leave the customer open to added scrap, rework, in-service unreliability, and litigation.
However, counterfeit semiconductors’ risks may be eliminated by following basic sourcing principles. Fully authorized partners exist to support customers during active shortages and their need for obsolete semiconductors, in some cases 30 years after the original discontinuation.
Authorized partners are the first line of defense against counterfeiters.
What is a counterfeit product and how do they enter the supply chain? How are counterfeit semiconductors identified?
Read Rochester Electronics White Paper on how to combat the risks of semiconductor counterfeits:
In 2006, Rochester Electronics launched a comprehensive anti-counterfeit awareness campaign with original component manufacturer (OCM) partners to expose counterfeit and substandard products in the supply chain. Rochester hosted a symposium with our OCM partners to raise awareness of this critical risk which was attended by representatives from our customer base, industry experts, and government officials. Rochester initiated the formation of the Semiconductor Industry Association's Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force and is an active participant in promoting best procurement practices combating counterfeit and substandard products working collaboratively with Customs and Border Protection, Department of Justice, and other legal entities.
Authorized after-market suppliers and manufacturers, such as Rochester Electronics, as named by the United States Department of Defense DFARS, provide 100% guaranteed and counterfeit-free sources for active-shortage and obsolete semiconductors.
Finished devices stored and supplied by authorized sources are guaranteed to come only from the OCM and to have been stored in line with the OCM’s recommendations. These products offer a 100% conformance guarantee.
As a licensed manufacturer, Rochester Electronics is able to offer ongoing production of obsolete devices. Built from known-good die, these products are tested using the OCM’s test procedures and, in many cases, the original test equipment. Devices are guaranteed to be 100% compliant with the original specifications.
All the resulting products are 100% certified, licensed, guaranteed, and sold with full approval under the original manufacturer’s part number.
Learn more about Rochester’s quality standards
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