Is the component really difficult to distinguish? Siege lions should have eye-catching eyes

The focus of this article is primarily on distinguishing between authentic goods and newly manufactured items. However, another pressing issue exists: numerous counterfeit low-end brands directly imitate the logos of high-end brands, selling them alongside genuine products. This situation is increasingly problematic, as it leads to consumer confusion and potential financial loss.

When discussing authenticity, the primary concern is determining whether the components are original or merely refurbished. Refurbished goods, often referred to as 'new pieces' in the industry, involve recycled or disassembled parts that are processed and reassembled. Naturally, consumers prefer purchasing new products because they come with updated features. Thus, developing an understanding of how to differentiate between authentic and refurbished goods becomes essential.

Firstly, inspect the surface of the integrated circuit chip for signs of sanding. Polished chips typically exhibit fine lines or faint traces from previous prints. Some counterfeiters may apply a thin coating over the chip, making it appear shiny and lacking texture.

Secondly, examine the printing. Modern chips are usually laser-marked or printed using specialized equipment, resulting in clear, subtle text that is difficult to remove. Counterfeit chips often display irregularities such as jagged edges, excessive prominence, misalignment, or text that can be easily erased. Additionally, the screen printing process has largely been phased out by IC manufacturers due to cost considerations. Yet, many refurbished chips still use this outdated technique, which can be felt as slight unevenness under the fingers. Recently, however, the affordability of small laser marking machines has led to their increasing use in refurbishing chips. This makes identification more challenging, requiring keen observation—what we might call "the eyes of fire." The key lies in assessing overall consistency: mismatched text or pin conditions relative to the stated age of the chip suggest potential issues. However, certain small factories, particularly some Chinese IC firms, intentionally alter chip markings, complicating the process. Despite these challenges, identifying mainstream branded chips remains valuable. Furthermore, laser marking is now commonly used to modify chip labels, especially in memory and high-end chips. Uneven laser printing or letter placement inconsistencies strongly indicate counterfeit goods.

Thirdly, pay close attention to the pins. Bright, tin-plated pins are almost always indicative of refurbished goods. Authentic IC pins should appear dull silver with a uniform color and show no signs of oxidation. For DIP and similar plug-in types, there should be no signs of wear or scratches unless repackaged. Even then, any marks should be neat, aligned in the same direction, and free of oxidization.

Fourthly, check the device's manufacturing date and packaging label. Labels, including those on the bottom of the chip, should align with the product’s production timeline. Counterfeit goods often feature mismatched labels or dates that don’t correspond to the item itself. Although remark chips may bear identical front labels, their values or dates can be unreasonable or incongruous with the device. If the label at the bottom appears inconsistent, it is likely a counterfeit.

Lastly, measure the device's thickness and inspect its edges. Many refurbished laser-printed chips require polishing to remove original markings, reducing the overall thickness significantly. While this discrepancy may not be immediately obvious to the untrained eye, examining the front edge of the device can reveal clues. Plastic-sealed devices naturally have rounded edges (with a slight R-angle), but grinding processes often create sharp corners. A right-angled edge suggests a refurbished product. Additionally, checking for uniform packaging materials, such as cartons and anti-static bags, can provide further insight into a product’s authenticity. Combining multiple methods enhances the accuracy of identification.

If a chip cannot be confidently assessed visually, tools like magnifying glasses or digital microscopes can help reveal microscopic details that are invisible to the naked eye. Tiny imperfections, such as minute pits, become evident only through precise equipment.

To summarize, here are some key points:

• Look for erasable text, as refurbished goods often use chemical agents to remove markings.
• Inspect the pin angles. Original goods exhibit perfectly aligned pins, whereas refurbished ones may show unevenness or awkwardness.
• Check the positioning holes. Original goods typically have consistent holes, while refurbished ones may appear shallow or smoothed out, revealing traces of original holes.

In real-world scenarios, counterfeiters employ sophisticated techniques, making careful scrutiny crucial during purchases. Trust your instincts and never hesitate to seek expert assistance when necessary.