Zero Tolerance for
Counterfeits
In high-reliability industries like automotive, medical, and industrial automation, a single counterfeit component can compromise entire product lines. Our multi-stage verification process ensures every component meets original manufacturer specifications before reaching your assembly line.
Why Authorized Sourcing Alone Is Not Enough
Even authorized distributors can inadvertently receive counterfeit or remarked components. With global supply chain complexity and component shortages, relying solely on supplier reputation is insufficient for mission-critical applications.
Remarked ICs
Lower-grade chips relabeled as industrial/automotive grade, failing under stress conditions.
Recycled Parts
Salvaged components from e-waste with unknown thermal/electrical history.
Gray Market Mixing
Authentic parts mixed with counterfeits in the same reel during distribution.
Out-of-Spec Dies
Chips that failed original QC but were repackaged and sold through unofficial channels.
Industry Reality
According to industry reports, up to 10% of components in the global supply chain may be counterfeit or non-conforming. For automotive and medical applications requiring IATF16949 or ISO13485 compliance, this risk is unacceptable. Our verification process provides the additional layer of protection your brand reputation demands.
Our 3-Stage Component Verification Process
Every incoming component undergoes rigorous inspection before entering our production floor. This systematic approach has maintained our 99.8% first-pass yield rate across 15+ years.
Stage 1: Visual Inspection
Stage 2: Electrical Testing
Stage 3: X-Ray Analysis
Visual Inspection
- Package Integrity: Check for physical damage, dents, scratches, or discoloration indicating recycled parts.
- Marking Verification: Inspect date codes, lot numbers, and manufacturer logos under microscope for printing quality and consistency.
- Lead Inspection: Examine solder leads for signs of re-tinning or oxidation that suggests prior use.
- Datasheet Comparison: Verify package dimensions and pin configurations against official manufacturer specifications.
Electrical Testing
- LCR Measurement: Test passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) for actual values vs. marked specifications.
- Curve Tracing: Analyze semiconductor junction characteristics to detect remarked or out-of-spec devices.
- Functional Testing: For critical ICs, perform basic functional tests to verify core operation before assembly.
- Tolerance Verification: Ensure all parameters fall within datasheet tolerance ranges, flagging marginal parts.
X-Ray Analysis
- Die Verification: Non-destructive imaging to confirm presence of actual silicon die (detects empty packages or wrong dies).
- Wire Bond Inspection: Check internal wire connections for proper bonding and absence of voids or cracks.
- BGA Void Analysis: For ball grid array packages, measure solder ball uniformity and void percentage.
- Comparison Database: Match X-ray images against known-good reference samples from manufacturer databases.
Traceability & Documentation
All test results are logged with batch numbers and stored for full traceability. Non-conforming parts are immediately quarantined and reported to the sourcing team. For automotive and medical projects, we provide Certificate of Conformance (CoC) with detailed inspection reports upon request.
Lab Capabilities & Standards
Our IQC lab is equipped with industry-standard testing equipment and operates under IATF16949 and ISO9001 quality management systems.
X-Ray Inspection System
High-resolution imaging for die verification and BGA void analysis.
LCR Meter Station
Precision measurement of passive component values and tolerances.
Digital Microscope
High-magnification inspection of package markings and lead conditions.
Curve Tracer
Semiconductor characterization to detect remarked or counterfeit ICs.
IATF16949
Automotive quality management system certification for component verification processes.
ISO9001
International standard for quality management systems and continuous improvement.
ISO13485
Medical device quality management system for healthcare electronics production.
Verification Success Stories
How our IQC process protected client product lines and prevented costly field failures.
Motor Controller Counterfeit Detection
1 Client Profile
European automotive tier-1 supplier producing motor control units for electric power steering systems. Annual volume: 50,000 units with zero-defect requirements under IATF16949.
2 Challenge
During a component shortage, client sourced MOSFETs from an alternative distributor. Initial visual inspection showed no obvious issues, but our X-ray analysis revealed inconsistent die sizes across the batch--indicating mixed authentic and remarked parts.
3 ACE Solution
We quarantined the entire lot and performed 100% X-ray screening. Out of 10,000 pieces, 847 were identified as non-conforming (8.47% counterfeit rate). We coordinated with our verified supplier network to source replacement parts within 72 hours, preventing production delays.
4 Result
Portable Diagnostic Device MCU Verification
1 Client Profile
Medical device startup developing a portable blood analysis system requiring ISO13485 compliance. First production run of 5,000 units for clinical trials.
2 Challenge
Client provided microcontrollers from their own sourcing. Our LCR testing revealed that 12% of the ICs had electrical characteristics outside datasheet specifications--specifically, higher leakage current suggesting recycled or temperature-stressed parts.
3 ACE Solution
We halted production and provided detailed test reports to the client's engineering team. After cross-referencing with the original distributor, it was confirmed that the batch was from gray market channels. We sourced replacement MCUs from authorized distributors and implemented incoming lot sampling for future orders.
4 Result
Cumulative Impact
Over 15 years, our IQC process has identified and prevented the use of over 250,000 non-conforming components across all client projects. This proactive approach has saved our clients an estimated $8.7M in potential warranty claims, field failures, and regulatory penalties--while protecting their brand reputation in mission-critical applications.
Contact Our
Sourcing Expert
Concerned about component authenticity in your supply chain? Upload your BOM and our sourcing team will provide a free risk assessment with recommendations for verified suppliers and verification protocols.
Free BOM Risk Assessment
We'll flag high-risk components and suggest verification protocols
24-Hour Response Time
Our sourcing team reviews submissions within one business day
Confidential & Secure
Your BOM data is protected under NDA and never shared