New semiconductor standards proposed to deter counterfeiters
SEMI seek ways for chip buyers to validate semiconductor authenticity
Jim Carbone -- Purchasing, 11/4/2009 2:08:54 PM
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Electronic component counterfeiters are getting smarter
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Trade association SEMI has published new technical standards designed to help thwart component counterfeiting by validating the integrity of parts of non-authorized distributors.
The new standards help component manufactures use strongly encrypted batch numbers. Using a free authentication service, buyers considering the purchase of a batch of parts can use the encrypted batch number as the basis for a validation check. Secure serialization is a major deterrent to counterfeiters and an early warning system if theft of codes occurs, according to SEMI.
James Amano, director, SEMI International Standards, says selling counterfeit parts is profitable, so it likely will continue. However, the new standards give the industry "an early warning system if counterfeiting occurs and will result in more counterfeiters being caught and punished," he says.
"Plus, reduced counterfeiting will result in increased downstream manufacturing yield and less down time," says Amano.
The new standards were developed by technical experts from equipment and materials suppliers, device manufacturers and other companies participating in the SEMI International Standards Program. The standards are available for download at www.semi.org.
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