As the core component of electronic products, the authenticity of IC chips directly affects the performance and reliability of the products. There are a large number of refurbished chips on the market, which have undergone secondary processing and may be similar in appearance to the original chip, but their performance and life expectancy have been greatly reduced. Therefore, it is especially important to learn to recognize the authenticity of IC chips. So when buying IC chips, many people often encounter a problem: how to determine whether the IC chip is original or refurbished?
Original IC chip refers to the brand-new chips directly provided by manufacturers in the production and sales process, which guarantee the quality, performance, reliability and certain after-sales service. Refurbished IC chips, on the other hand, refer to chips that have already been used for processing, such as re-welding, erasing, implanting and other repair measures, so that these chips can be used again. However, due to various uncertainties in the processing, the quality and stability of refurbished IC chips are not completely equal to that of original IC chips, and special care is needed when purchasing them.
Although it is not easy to identify the authenticity of IC chips, you can make preliminary judgment through the following aspects:
Ⅰ. Visual Inspection
Chip surface: the original chip surface is smooth and flat, no obvious scratches or wear marks. Refurbished chips may have sanding marks, scratches, traces of secondary packaging.
Pins: The original chip pins are neatly arranged, no oxidation or bending phenomenon. Refurbished chip pins may be oxidized, bent, solder residue and so on.
Package: the original chip package is complete, no damage or deformation. Refurbished chip package may be damaged, deformed, glue overflow and so on.
Marking: The original chip logo is clear, uniform font, not easy to erase. Refurbished chip logo may be fuzzy, unclear, easy to erase, and even the existence of secondary printing traces.
Ⅱ. Function Test
Professional equipment testing: the use of professional test equipment to test the function of the chip, you can detect whether the performance of the chip meets the original specifications.
Circuit board test: Install the chip on the circuit board and observe whether the circuit board works properly.
Ⅲ. Source Channels
Official Sources: Purchasing chips from authorized distributors greatly reduces the risk of purchasing refurbished chips. Perceptive sells chips from authorized resellers, distributors, or original manufacturers, and the source of the components is guaranteed by the official authorization.
Comparison of quotation: If the price of the same chip varies too much from one channel to another, you need to consider it carefully.
Ⅳ. Anti-counterfeit Labeling
Anti-counterfeiting labels: Chips from legitimate manufacturers usually have anti-counterfeiting labels or QR codes, which can be verified to confirm the authenticity of the chip.
Cautions
Limitations of visual inspection: It is difficult to accurately determine the authenticity of the chip by visual observation alone, and it is necessary to combine a variety of methods to make a comprehensive judgment.
Continuous updating of refurbishment technology: Unscrupulous elements will continue to improve the refurbishment technology, making it more and more difficult to recognize the refurbished chips.
Importance of professional knowledge: A certain understanding of the internal structure and working principle of the chip can more accurately determine the authenticity of the chip.
In short, to identify the authenticity of IC chips need to take into account a number of factors, there is no one way to ensure 100% accuracy. In order to avoid purchasing refurbished chips, it is recommended that consumers buy from regular channels and choose products with brand recognition as much as possible. It should be noted that it is most important to ensure that the quality and performance of the chips purchased as well as the after-sales service are reliable.
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About Perceptive Components Limited
We are one of the world's leading distributors of semiconductor and electronic components. With 21 years of business experience in the electronic components industry, we have in-depth cooperative relations with thousands of brand manufacturers and agents, focusing on TI, Microchip, NXP, Infineon, Intel, onsemi, ST, Micron.
To learn more about Perceptive, visit perceptive-ic.com. 
