How fake chips are made, and how to distinguish real and fake chips

Have you ever encountered a fake chip? Amid a global shortage of semiconductors, more fake chips are beginning to circulate in the supply chain. The global chip shortage has created a golden window for counterfeit chips to enter the market. This will bring quality risks to more electronic products and harm the interests of complete machine manufacturers and end consumers. Therefore, it is particularly important to judge the quality of the chip. Today, the editor will show you what fake chips there are, how fake chips are made, and how to distinguish real and fake chips.

There are several ways to judge whether a chip is original:

1. Printing font

The printing font of an original chip is clear and complete, while the printing font of a refurbished chip may be blurred, incomplete, or even have traces of reprinting.

2. Surface grinding marks

The surface of an original chip is smooth and flat, with no grinding marks. The surface of a refurbished chip may have grinding marks, or even the previous printing can be seen.

3. Chip pins

The pins of an original chip are neat and bright, with no obvious oxidation or scratches. The pins of a refurbished chip may have scratches, oxidation, or be bent.

4. Production date and packaging factory number

The production date and packaging factory number of an original chip are clearly marked, and the marking is clear and standardized. The production date and packaging factory number of a refurbished chip may be  unclear, or even unmarked.

5. Chip thickness and edge

The thickness of an original chip is uniform and the edges are neat. The thickness of a refurbished chip may be uneven and the edges may have burrs or nicks.

6. Outer packaging

The outer packaging of an original chip is complete and regular, with clear brand and anti-counterfeiting marks. The outer packaging of a refurbished chip may be damaged, incomplete, or even non-existent.