Counterfeit components have become the scourge of the electronics industry. Most assemblers are either not aware of the extent of the problem or have a false sense of assurance regarding their immunity to this. Counterfeit components have become the scourge of the electronics industry. Most assemblers are either not aware of the extent of the problem or have a false sense of assurance regarding their immunity to this.
Counterfeit components are defined as components which violate any intellectual property rights, trademark, logo or are not authentic to the requirements of the component ordered or identified by the markings on them.
Holding component suppliers and distributors responsible for screening out counterfeit components is an ineffective and very dangerous practice. Every assembler, regardless of their component acquisition source, is susceptible to inclusion of counterfeit components into their electronic assemblies. Problems will affect production, reliability, warranty costs and safety and may ultimately culminate in damaged company reputation and most likely costly litigation.
The ITM Printed Circuit Board Assemblers Counterfeit Material Avoidance Program (CMAP) was created to assist electronic assemblers in defining and understanding the practices necessary up and down the supply chain and in-house to avoid incorporating counterfeit and otherwise non-authentic components and other material into the assemblies being built. Whether the assembler is an OEM, ODM or CEM, the procedures ITM will put in place will provide the assembler with solid due diligence practices.
ITM will begin by initially auditing the assembly facility to assess procedures currently in place including procurement, quality and general assembly. ITM can also assess distributors and other component sources be used with regard to their testing and validation procedures — 3rd party or other. Based upon its findings, ITM will recommend specific actions and help put together a strategy to prevent the influx of counterfeit components.
When all the ITM recommendations are implemented, ITM, as an independent third party, will certify that the assembly facility has, indeed, done proper due diligence and that practices and methodologies are in place to safeguard against infiltration of counterfeit components and other material into the assemblies produced there.
ITM will provide an on-site workshop that describes the counterfeit component problem in detail. The workshop will also outline the steps that must be taken by the assembler to prevent acquisition of counterfeit components and other materials including procedures, equipment and strategies as well as requirements from component and other procurement sources.
ITM will examine the current sources of components and related materials currently being used by the assembly facility. Specific distributors, brokers and resellers will be reviewed and assessed.
Using ITM's research resources and data-bases, the specific distributors will be assessed in terms of safeguards they have taken (if any), any third-party counterfeit component certifications (i.e. CCAP) they may have in place. ITM will present a risk-assessment report regarding procurement and recommendations to rectify vulnerable areas.
ITM will audit your facility and evaluate your facility including product(s), processes and procedures with regard to safeguarding against counterfeit components. Detailed recommendations specific to your requirements and facility will be made.
Which components to sample at what frequency appropriate to the risk factor. Optimum rates to ensure comprehensive yet expeditious coverage.
Methods of determining whether the component is new or used as well as the authenticity of the markings (i.e. barcode, date code, logo) and evidence of component identity changes. Determining whether the component has been altered (i.e. re-balled BGAs). Using microscopes and digital cameras to inspect and document components in a practical and comprehensive manner.
An in-house non-destructive methodology that is extremely important in discerning counterfeit components. Examination of die, wire bonds, die size and position as well as known-good-component comparison are all methodologies that will be assessed as well as the proper choice of equipment.
X-ray Fluorescence is a relatively low-cost and very effective tool that should be used in incoming screening. Known-good-component fingerprinting methodologies and other aspects, as well as proper equipment selection will be recommended.
Original component manufacturers generally have "permanent" markings - counterfeiters usually do not. Appropriate tests (per JESD22-B107C and/or MIL-STD-883 will be considered as well as the Acetone test and clear-coat detection.
When and what electrical testing may be appropriate for ICs, passives and solid state components. How electrical tests can be done (with minimal equipment) in-house for both compliance to specifications as well as functionality. Parametric and functional testing will be assessed for application.
Based upon both the factors assessed and the recommendations made, ITM will assist in putting together a strategic plan to ensure protection against infusion of counterfeit components. The plan will include, in addition to equipment and in-house inspection procedures, supplier documentation, insurance requirements as well as testing and reporting requirements.
Upon completion of the recommendations and successful and complete implementation of the ITM Counterfeit Material Avoidance Plan, ITM shall certify that that assembly facility has done complete due diligence with regard to building electronic printed circuit board assemblies that are free from counterfeit components.
The certifying organization is ITM Consulting which has full ownership to the Printed Circuit Board Assembler Counterfeit Avoidance Program, its documentation, audit procedures and materials. ITM is the only organization that has the authority to provide training on the implementation of this Program, approve Assembler Counterfeit Avoidance practices and grant Certification to PCB Assemblers.
ITM will maintain on its website a list of PCB Assemblers that have been certified to this Program. The site will also list PCB Assemblers that have been De-Certified or had Certification suspended and the cause for such action. The Certified PCB Assembler list will be promoted to the industry at large. PCB Assemblers have the right to link their web site to the ITM list of Certified PCB Assemblers.
For more information, please contact: itm@itmconsulting.org
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