Astrodyne Combats Counterfeit Components

30th October 2009

ES Admin

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Counterfeit parts represent a threat to legitimate manufacturers of electronic equipment around the globe and aggressive measures are mandatory if product integrity is a priority. Many of the industry’s best known companies have ended up with these parts without being aware that their well managed supply chain had holes in it. This is a particular problem in the current economic downturn as suppliers have reduced inventories in order to deal with uncertainty in the demand channel. Reduced inventories mean increased lead-times and purchasing professionals are often sent scrambling for components.

Counterfeit parts can take many forms such as knockoff lookalikes with pirated logos, rejected components salvaged from scrap bins, parts pulled off of boards that were rejected or “third shift” components that, despite assurances, have not undergone required inspection and test. Regardless of the source, an uncompromising prevention program has become a requirement for electronic manufacturers.

At Astrodyne we have implemented a comprehensive procedure to deal with the counterfeit parts phenomenon:

* Only authorized distributors, validated by original manufacturers are utilized.

* Regular audits are conducted at distributor sites where parts, packaging and manufacturer invoices are inspected.

* Product documentation is examined in great detail where evidence of counterfeiting such as broken English, printing errors, inaccurate specification references and incorrect part numbers may be identified.

* Incoming visual AQL inspection checks of logos, part numbers, date codes etc are compared for accuracy and authenticity.

* Physical dimensions and weight are checked.

* For some component types, small sample destructive analysis is performed.

* Pins and leads are checked for signs of prior insertion.

* Components are examined for signs of modification such as irregular surfaces around logos.

If the company suspects the possibility of counterfeiting, many options are available including:

* X-Ray or other noninvasive analysis.

* Chemical analysis of mold compound.

* Leak testing sealed components.

* Inspection of internal elements such as die device for critical dimensions.

* Electrical testing to compare performance to specification.

In summary, Astrodyne employs strict adherence to an approved vendor list and active inspection programs to greatly reduce the likelihood of counterfeit components entering our inventory. This is not only our process; it is our commitment to our customers that we will do everything in our power to insure the integrity of our power products.