How to spot counterfeit electronic components when sourcing obsolete parts

1. How to spot counterfeit electronic components when sourcing obsolete parts? Military electronic systems and equipment have a long life cycle as it may take a long time to completely change and upgrade the older military equipment with new technology. Thus, military personnel often need to source obsolete parts. Sourcing obsolete parts can be challenging in itself, but finding obsolete parts suppliers is not the only challenge they face. Unfortunately, many almost accurate-looking counterfeit electronic components usually circulate in the supply chain. Therefore, when the military wants to buy electronic components that have become obsolete, the biggest challenge is finding authentic parts. Counterfeit electronic parts may look the same, but their performance is significantly reduced and may even lead to machinery failures. Thus, the airforce and the military have set standards that suppliers must meet to buy and sell military components in the industry. In addition, there are different counterfeit mitigation methods that they use to identify any counterfeits. Following are the various methods used by the military to spot counterfeit electronic components: Visual inspection Visual examination of the product packaging and labels is the top method used to detect any signs of spelling errors, fake numbering, date codes, blacktopping, and incorrect information.

2. These are various ways that illegitimate suppliers utilize to imitate the original product packaging to sell their counterfeit products as new ones. X-ray testing Visual inspection has many limitations. Therefore, the electronic components need to undergo various examinations to screen the counterfeits. X-Ray testing is a non-destructive method used to compare the size and internal structure of the electronic component. The x-ray images are compared with original product images from the original manufacturer to ensure authenticity. Detailed inspection of the component Next, a detailed inspection of the component is conducted by a certified expert. During the detailed inspection, a number of non-destructive and destructive tests are done, such as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Mechanical testing, Solderability testing, and Decapsulation testing as needed to detect and mitigate any counterfeit components. If you are looking for legitimate and trusted military components suppliers to buy electronic components, contact our team at Resion for expert assistance. We are the largest independent suppliers providing the best quality, authentic electronic components and supply chain solutions for the military, defense, aerospace, and medical industries. Reach out to our team to discuss your component requirements today!