The counterfeit issue within the semiconductor industry has been a hot topic throughout the United States more recently than in years past due to the increase in reported cases.
In a recent article, CBC News in Canada reported about Canada's most recent encounter with fake parts in a major military aircraft, which, to our surprise, has not pushed for immediate replacement of the questionable components.
The Canadian military was quoted in the article as saying: "At this point in time, other than continuing to be vigilant, we don't have any particular concerns in this country..." It is messages like this that are discouraging to members of the semiconductor supply chain who have been diligent in providing the required traceable devices to help out customers, both domestically and internationally.
Fortunately, there are "messengers" all over the world talking about the dangers of counterfeit. In Canada, one of them is Mark Tayles. Below is an excerpt from his latest article, "Still Clear, Still Present, Still Dangerous":
A follow-on CBC News report this week doesn't reassure me that we appreciate the intrinsic nature of electronics and the potential danger from counterfeit devices.
Quoted is Martine Simard-Normandin (president and founder of Ottawa-based laboratory, MuAnalysis, a leading test facility for suspect counterfeit parts). 'I would not feel comfortable flying that aircraft, knowing they have used parts of essentially unknown traceability.'
Are you willing to be one of the industry's "messengers" about the dangers of counterfeiting? Let us know.
UPDATE - DNA AUTHENTICATION MARKING ON ITEMS IN FSC 5962
DNA Marking requirements are unique to FSC 5962 and are being instituted for the safety of our service men and women. Effective immediately, only trusted sources who comply with Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) marking requirements in DLAD 52.211-9074 are eligible to receive FSC 5962 awards from DLA. There are no exceptions.
Trusted sources are defined as either an original component manufacturer (OCM), a supplier on the qualified suppliers list of distributors (QSLD), an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), an authorized distributor, a manufacturer on the qualified manufacturers list (QML), a supplier on the qualified testing suppliers list (QTSL), or the manufacturer of generalized emulated parts (SRI). All trusted sources except those listed on the QTSL must have full traceability documentation for the item being procured.
DLA recognizes there are situations where small businesses and other trusted sources of FSC 5962 are not prepared to comply with the new DNA marking requirements within the cost constraints and time frames required for product deliveries. Therefore, DLA is implementing a strategy to reimburse trusted sources who receive awards for the direct costs of the annual DNA marking license that must be obtained from Applied DNA Sciences (unique DNA mark, ink, authentication program, monthly reports, detector set (UV and IR), and training). Trusted sources will be reimbursed through a CLIN for "Contractor DNA Marking" in the award document. DLA will track reimbursements to ensure that trusted sources are only reimbursed for one license per year.
One small component of an important part of a plane that is fake can cause a serious disaster and that is why counterfeit cannot be allowed to grow out of country.
A Jumbo jet has more than 6 million components so I wonder on average how many are fake in each plane. That is why when I fly I take the precaution of having a nice glass of wine before during and after ;-)
One of the scariest parts of watching and tracking discussions on counterfeits is the reality that a disaster could happen anytime as we wait and we may not be aware it is building up. By keeping quiet we assume the problem will go away or that it will not impact us. It's the quiet before the storm that can be most regrettable.
As the US honors those who gave their lives to defend freedom, it’s time for the electronics industry to take meaningful steps to reduce the use of dangerous counterfeit parts in military equipment.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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