As kids, we were often challenged to “Spot the Difference” in two side-by-side pictures.

At first glance, the images look identical. But of course, there are slight variations - differences in the background, or the color of a hat, or how many fingers the cartoon character has. The challenge is to spot those differences, to see if you’re observant enough to catch the tricks. These types of children’s games are often used to prepare kids for problems they will encounter in adult life.

One such adult problem: spotting a counterfeit.

The difference in adulthood, however, is that not being observant enough to spot such differences can result in huge losses. Especially in the world of electronics.

As a need for electronic parts increases and availability decreases, counterfeit parts come into play. These knock-off parts can, at first glance, appear to get the job done. Under the surface, however, these parts bring long-term reliability concerns front and center.

Sometimes these parts are purposefully created to act as counterfeits. Other times, the counterfeit is a piece of a bad batch that got scrapped. Instead of the inferior batch making its way to the dumpster where it belongs, someone retrieved, relabeled, and sent it out into the world to fill demand. These days, when demand for parts is so high, the temptation to sell inferior parts gains momentum. Thus, extra diligence is needed to ensure reliability.

A way to combat this problem: know what to look for and how to spot the fake. There are always tell-tale signs of counterfeit products. Usually, these parts are close in appearance and design, but never a perfect replica. Here are a few key ways to gain insightful observations.
Look at the print.

Comparison is key here. Study a known good part, and check to see if the written font is the same. Often counterfeits don’t get such little details right. A small error like this will clue you in quickly and efficiently.

Dig Deeper

Examining the structural standpoint of the product will allow you to look deeper than surface-level discrepancies. One simple way to do this is through x-ray. Does the product have wire bonds? Are there any other noticeable differences between this product and a known good product?

XRF to Observe Metalization

For the last 18 years, good parts have been made with tin only. So if you check the metalization and find traces of lead, you most likely have a counterfeit product on your hands. Most counterfeits will at least attempt to strip off the lead and add tin, but the traces of lead still remain. And those remnants, when mixed with a lead-free solder joint, will cause a huge quality issue.

To confirm the metalization, use the analytical tool XRF to measure the elemental response based on x-ray or fluorescence.

FTIR

Another analytical tool to spot a fake: FTIR. This process measures organics and carbon bonding. You can look at a raw material and discover if, for example, the plastic molding doesn’t match. This fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy is a technique that gathers an infrared spectrum of absorption or emission of a solid, liquid, or gas. This can tell us a great deal about the material and whether or not it matches.

As the market fluctuates, leaving supply and demand skewed, the need for these parts will continue to drive counterfeits. Not everyone will have access to all of these methods in order to distinguish between good and bad parts. At Foresite, not only do we have the methods, but we have the expertise. We can work with you to sort through the good parts and, in the end, keep the quality of your electronics to the highest standard possible.