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How To Identify & Avoid Fake Electronic Components?
Monday, April 29th, 2024

Identifying and avoiding fake electronic components on PCB is crucial for ensuring the reliability and performance of your electronics. But with the development of electronics, the replacement cycle of various electronic components, including plastic integrated circuits, is getting shortage in resourcing, which brings the big difficulties to the component management supply chain.

For some components has been updated and may no longer to produced, especially for equipment manufacturers with small components consumption, many varieties and high reliability requirements. Due to small procurement volume, they often cannot be purchased directly from originally manufacturers and much be purchased through agents, thus proving the opportunities for fake components to enter the market. Herein, Best team would like to share some information about definition of fake components and methods to verify & identify fake parts, hope this is helpful for everyone that has demands on components.

What Are Fake Components and How Does It Affect Industry?

Fake components, also known as counterfeit electronic components, are parts that are misrepresented by sellers as genuine, but are actually inferior in quality and may not meet the specifications of the original manufacturer.  The U.S. Department of Energy /SAE AS5553 defines counterfeit components as copies or substitutes produced without legal authorization, or components whose materials, properties, or specifications are falsely advertised. These components can be refurbished parts, parts with altered date codes or markings, or completely fabricated units that mimic real products. They are introduced into the supply chain through various illegal means, including unauthorized factories and distributors.

Counterfeiting is a violation of the legal rights of intellectual property owners. The economic cost of counterfeit components far exceeds the cost of replacement, including safety costs, lost performance, repair or replacement, and important is reputational impact. For example, a $2 component used on a printed circuit board (PCB) can cost up to $20 to replace once it is detected to be a counterfeit component. More importantly, counterfeit components have the potential to cause serious consequences. A case in point is the crash of a chartered Convair580 near the Danish coast on September 8th, 1989. In addition, counterfeit goods may be used in some sabotages, which is likely to pose a serious challenge to national security. Therefore, identifying counterfeit components at the initial stage appear to be particularly important during the initial stage, especially before the PCBA assembly process.

best pcba

How to Identifying Fake Electronics Components at Initial Stage?

At present, the fake integrated circuits on the market can be divided into refurbished integrated circuits and counterfeit integrated circuits. The mass entry of fake and inferior devices into the market or the supply chain of military products has seriously affected the quality and reliability of our country’s equipment products. Here are some methods to confirm whether you are using a counterfeit component.

  • Visual inspection

    There will be polished marks or traces on the surface of fake electronic components, and some sellers will apply a thin film on the surface of fake electronic components, so that people cannot see the polishing marks. This kind of smearing fake electronic components look brighter than the genuine one. In addition, observing the edge of electronic components also is a good way, due to the polishing process, refurbished electronic components are easily changed to right angles from rounded corners. So, if you see that the edge of electronic components is a “Right Angleâ€, then you can think that it is refurbished goods!

    Visual inspection
    • Silkscreen or texts on surface

      To ensure the high-quality of products, most of chips use laser printing or marking technology with a dedicated printer to print silkscreen or text. By this method, its silkscreen is clear, neither conspicuous, nor fuzzy and difficult to erase. But the refurbished chip either has a “jagged” feeling because the writing edge is corroded by the cleaning agent, or the printing is fuzzy, different in depth, wrong in position, easy to erase or too conspicuous. During the verifying process, acetone can be used to wipe the silkscreen as well to confirm whether it is remark part.

      check silkscreen or texts on surface
      • Pin-legs on the chips

        The pins of genuine parts always in silver powder with darker and uniform color, and they are not easy to have oxidation traces. If it is a refurbished electronic component, then its pin is generally tinned and brighter like a new one. In addition, DIP parts and other plug-ins should not have scratched pins, even if there is scratch should be neat and the metal exposure is clean and no oxidation.

        Pin-legs on the chips
        • Documentation and traceability

          Genuine parts will have proper documentation including batch numbers, date codes, and traceability. And the labels of the genuine parts including the labels on the bottom side of the chip, should be consistent and the date code should be consistent with the device product, while the labels of the refurbished pieces without Remark are confused and the production date is different. Verify these details with the manufacturer’s records if possible.

          Documentation and traceability
          • Thickness measurement

            Because of the silkscreen on the electronic components, if you want to refurbish it is must to be polished, which will affect the thickness of electronic components. If you are a layman in electronic components industry, it is easy to ignore this.

            Thickness measurement
            • Function test

              Conduct electrical testing to verify that components meet the specifications claimed. This can include check if the electronic parameters align with what’s expected from the datasheet.

              Function test

              Above are the measurements about how to identify the fake components, however, last but not important is looking for a reliable reputable distributor or buy from original manufacturers directly. These sources are less likely to stock counterfeit parts. Best Technology not only provides PCB & PCBA assembly services, but also offers components sourcing and purchasing from original manufacturers. If you are looking for a reliable supplier, welcome to contact with us or send e-mail to us.

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              How Does Thermal Resistance of Solder Mask Effect Ceramic PCBs?
              Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024

              In the printed circuit board (pcb) fields, thermal management is a key consideration especially in industries such as automotive, aerospace, tele-communications and power electronics. Ceramic PCBs are known for their excellent thermal conductivity and mechanical properties and are becoming increasingly popular in applications where efficient heat dissipation is essential. Under this situation, solder resistance materials play a vital role not only in protecting the circuit, but also in influencing thermal behavior.

              ceramic pcb

              What is Thermal Resistance in Ceramic Circuit Board?

              Ceramic PCBs are usually composed of materials such as alumina (Al2O3) or aluminum nitride (AlN), which have superior thermal conductivity compared to traditional glass fiber PCB substrates. This inherent thermal conductivity promotes the efficient transfer of heat from heating components, improving the reliability and performance of electronic devices. However, while substrate materials make an important contribution to thermal management, the thermal resistance of solder resistance materials must also be considered.

              Solder mask materials are mainly used to isolate conductive wires on the pcb, prevent unexpected electrical connections, and protect the circuit from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and chemical contaminants. Although solder mask is not generally praised for their thermal conductivity, their thermal resistance can affect the heat dissipation within the PCB components.

              ceramic pcb

              What Factors Influencing Solder Mask Thermal Resistance?

              Solder resistance thermal resistance is an important feature in the design and performance of printed circuit boards, especially when considering thermal management of electronic devices. There are several factors that affect the thermal resistance of solder pads, and understanding these factors can help optimize the thermal design of the PCB. Here are the key factors:

              Solder Mask Composition

              The type of resin and fillers used in the solder mask can significantly affect its thermal properties. Epoxy resins are common, but other materials may offer better thermal conductivity.

              Thickness

              Thicker layers of solder mask can increase thermal resistance because they add more insulating material between the heat source (such as electronic components) and the ambient environment. Thinner layers might improve heat dissipation but could be less effective in protecting against physical damage or corrosion. Generally, solder mask has around 20-25um thickness and has 0.2W/m.k thermal conductivity.

              Curing Process

              The process conditions under which the solder mask is cured (temperature, time, and environment) can impact its mechanical and thermal properties. Improper curing can lead to reduced heat transfer efficiency.

              Dielectric Constant

              The dielectric constant of the solder mask material influences its ability to conduct heat. Materials with higher dielectric constants may provide higher thermal resistance.

              Interface with Substrate

              The interface between the solder mask and the ceramic substrate can affect thermal resistance. Poor adhesion or air gaps may decrease heat transfer between the layers.

              ceramic pcb

              What are the Importances of Thermal Resistance in Ceramic PCBs?

              Efficient thermal management is crucial for maintaining the reliability and longevity of electronic devices, especially in applications where high temperatures can degrade components or compromise performance. In ceramic PCBs, where heat dissipation is a key advantage, minimizing thermal resistance throughout the assembly is essential.

              While ceramic substrates inherently offer excellent thermal conductivity, the solder mask layer presents a potential bottleneck for heat transfer. Therefore, selecting solder mask materials with optimal thermal properties and ensuring proper application are critical steps in PCB design and manufacturing.

              Applications and Considerations:

              Ceramic PCBs find applications in various industries, including power electronics, LED lighting, automotive systems, and telecommunications infrastructure. In these applications, where thermal management is critical, careful consideration of solder mask thermal resistance is essential for meeting performance requirements and ensuring reliability under challenging operating conditions.

              Designers and engineers must balance the need for thermal management with other considerations such as cost, manufacturability, and compatibility with assembly processes. Collaboration with experienced PCB manufacturers and material suppliers can help optimize the selection of solder mask materials and design solutions tailored to specific application requirements.

              The thermal resistance of solder mask materials is an important consideration, especially in applications where heat dissipation is a concern, such as high-power electronics or devices operating in harsh environments.

              Solder mask materials are designed to withstand the temperatures encountered during the PCB fabrication process, including solder reflow, typically ranging from around 220°C to 280°C (428°F to 536°F), depending on the specific materials and processes used.

              ceramic pcb

              However, when it comes to the thermal resistance of solder mask materials in terms of their ability to dissipate heat away from components or traces on a PCB, they generally have lower thermal conductivity compared to materials like copper or aluminum. This means that they are not as effective at transferring heat away from heat-generating components.

              In high-power applications or those where thermal management is critical, additional measures may need to be taken, such as incorporating heat sinks, thermal vias, or selecting solder mask materials with improved thermal properties. Some manufacturers offer solder mask materials with enhanced thermal conductivity for specific applications where heat dissipation is a concern.

              As electronic devices continue to evolve with increasing power densities and miniaturization, the demand for advanced thermal management solutions will grow. In the realm of ceramic PCBs, ongoing research and development efforts aim to enhance the thermal properties of solder mask materials, enabling more efficient heat dissipation and further improving the reliability and performance of electronic systems.

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              What Uses Would Ultra-Thin Printed Circuit Boards Find?
              Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024

              This category of ultrathin printed circuit boards is characterized by a thickness lesser than standard FR4 PCBs and generally finer than 0.60mm. But sometimes, due to space or margin limitation, or even design purposes, people need much thinner thickness such as 0.25 mm, 0.20 mm, or even 0.15 mm, so that it can be used by the PCB, such as SIM Card, Sensor Card, and so on. Due to thin thickness, extra thin PCB or very thin PCB name has been coined.

              ultrathin pcb

              What are the Applications of Ultra-thin PCB?

              Ultra-thin printed circuit boards (PCBs) are quite specialized items, helpful to find applications in several industries due to their flexibility, reduced weight, and space requirements. Given below are a few areas wherein ultra-thin PCBs would add more value:

              1.   Wearable Technology

              With wearables dictating minimalist designs, thin PCBs offer just the right solution. Their thinness ensures a perfect fit in wristbands, smart clothing, and medical patches for an improved user experience in comfort and battery life.

              2.   Mobile Devices

              The same can be said about PCBs as the relentless race continues for ever-thinner smartphones and tablets. Being thinner will continue enabling engineers to shove more processing power into a tight space.

              3. Aerospace and Defense

              In the world of satellites and drones, weight is critical. Besides being rugged, thin PCBs are lightweight; they allow intensive avionics systems to function faultlessly without adding their own unwarranted heft.

              ultrathin pcb

              4.   Flexible and Foldable

              Innovators can easily create new product designs using flexible PCBs that bend and flex. From foldable phones to curved displays, the product will survive repeated cycles of bending and yet have low impedance.

              5.   Medical Devices

              Miniature implantable medical devices require PCBs that are both small and biocompatible. Thin PCBs fulfill this need because they assist medical devices in being used in minimally invasive procedures and, besides, by way of example, give patient comfort since such patients can wear these devices for long periods.

              Which Kind of Surface Finishing Can be Used on Ultra-thin PCB?

              Common surface treatments used in extra thin PCB often include OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative), ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold), or hard gold plating for the very best durability, conductivity, and environmental resistance. Now, thin PCB technology becomes a great enabler for industries that have an unparalleled level of miniaturization and functional density.

              As we continue to shrink the world of electronics, the role of thin PCBs is set to expand exponentially.

              Stay tuned for the latest thin PCB manufacturing developments that will have real potential to completely change how thin PCBs are conceptualized and used in modern electronics design. If you would like to harness the power of thin PCBs for your next project, feel free to engage a trusted PCB expert to unlock unparalleled benefits in size, weight, and performance. Learn more about the capabilities of thin PCB fabrication and the applications they are used in industry. Ensure that the Anchor Text is keyword-rich: Discover More About Thin PCB Fabrication Capabilities and Industry Applications.

              ultrathin pcb

              We hope this comprehensive article has been able to clarify doubts about Ultrathin PCBs. If you require any other service or have any question, do not hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated staff with 18 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing field is ready to present unbeatable service to you and make your dream for Ultrathin PCB come true. Talk to us for all your custom solutions and the best customer service. We are committed to making sure you get satisfaction and are bound to offer you nothing short of the best for your Ultrathin PCBs. Get in touch with us today and let us take your project to the next level.

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              We Will Be Exhibiting at New-Tech Israel 2024
              Friday, April 12th, 2024

              Best Technology, a China-based PCB & PCBA manufacturer will be exhibiting at New-Tech 2024 in EXPO Tel-Aviv, Israel at booth No. 66 from May 28, 2024 to May 29, 2024(Western Time). Actually, we have participated in such exhibition for several years. At our exhibition booth, attendees will be able to learn more about our company for PCB manufacturing and PCB assembly technology. Here are some pictures for your reference.

              pcb exhibition
              AEMS show
              pcb exhibition
              pcb exhibition
              ceramic exhibition
              Ceramic exhibition
              pcb exhibition
              pcb exhibition
              pcb exhibition
              pcb exhibition

              For interested professionals, Best Technology had on hand experts to offer detailed insights and experience on PCB assembly, covering PCB prototype and low/high-volume production. For more information on PCB assembly and fabrication, welcome to visit our booth.

              You will see 10mm to 1,500 mm flexible circuit board, from 2layer rigid-flex circuit to 50 layers, 1/2 OZ copper to 3 OZ, 0.15mm extra thin FR4 PCB to 30 OZ heavy copper, various ceramic PCBs (thick film, thin film, DPC, DBC, HTCC, AMB, LTCC). Our new products also will be shown in this exhibition, like copper/aluminum busbar PCB, transparent/PI/rubber silicone flexible heating film, semi-flexible PCB, semi-flexible aluminum PCB.

              best products

              In Best Technology, you will enjoy one-stop service from components sourcing, board fabrication (FPC, PCB, MCPCB, Ceramic PCB) and final assembly with programming and testing and metal dome that is used in conjunction with a printed circuit board, flex circuit, or membrane switch, become normally-open tactile switches. we have four types of metal domes: four legs with size from 5mm-20mm; triangle with size 4mm-12mm; round dome with size 4-16mm, oblong dome with size 3.7mm-58.1mm, and we also make dome with adhesive, named dome array, custom membrane switches also available in Best Tech.

              You are warmly welcome to see how we can manage the components wastage and efficiency to help save your time, money and energy.

              About New-Tech:

              The New-Tech Exhibition is the largest and major exhibition of the Hi–Tech & Electronics in Israel. More than 150 companies, who lead these fields in Israel and around the world, will take part and exhibit in this trade show.

              This exhibition shows a comprehensive array of electronic components, production processes, subcontracting services, clean room equipment, electro-optic devices, test equipment, printed circuit boards, industrial materials, computerization solutions, robotics, power systems, RF/microwave technologies, and more. Attendees can explore cutting-edge innovations in development, design, engineering, and procurement across various industries.

              It is important to note:

              1. Participation in the exhibition is conditional on prior registration, even for invited customers.

              2. After registration and before the conference, a code will be sent to the mobile to confirm participation in the conference.

              For more details and registration: https://www.new-techevents.com/exhibition-registration-form/

              Welcome to visit us at Booth #66 from May 28, 2024 to May 29, 2024 (Western Time).

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