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Counterfeit Detection for Electronic Parts

At PSI we've put together a comprehensive couterfeit detection process that utilizes our Failure Analysis equipment and expertise to ensure counterfeit parts stay out of your supply chain.

At the heart of our counterfeit detection process is the Nisene Jet Etch Automated Decapsulator.
The Nisene Jet Etch automatically dispenses heated acid (Sulfuric / Nitric) on the area of the package that needs to be removed until the silicon die is exposed.

Nisene decapsulator

Part before decapsulation Die exposed after decapsulation
Part before decapsulation exposed silicon die

counterfeiting process flow chart

Sample Counterfeit Detection Report


"Counterfeiting accounts for more than 8% of the global merchandise trade and is resulting in lost sales of $600B and is expected to grow to $1.2T by 2009."   -US Department of Commerce

What is a counterfeit electronic part?

  • A part whose identity (e.g. manufacturer, part number, date code, lot code) has been deliberately misrepresented.
  • Copied (reverse engineered) parts that may not perform to OCM specifications.
  • Used parts that are recycled and sold as new.
  • Defective parts sold as new or working used parts.
  • Fake parts that do not function (e.g. incorrect die or no die at all)
A few real world examples of Counterfeit Electronic Parts
Case 1: Black topped / remarked part        Case 2: Incorrect Silicon Die          
blacktop demarked part correct die
demarked part black topped incorrect die

Case 1: Black topped / remarked part; During visual inspection is was noticed that the part had been black topped (top picture). Upon removal of the black top material; the original part markings were uncovered. (bottom picture)
Case 2:Incorrect Silicon Die; Two sample parts with same OCM part number, date and lot code were sent in for analysis. When the parts were decapsulated we discovered they contained completely different silicon dice. Although an engineering change to the OCM's part number could be the reason for a different die, production protocol requires a change in lot code.


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