Components of risk: Counterfeit electronic parts

Counterfeit electronic parts pose safety, security, and economic risks to end users and to the companies that own the rights to genuine parts. Counterfeiters can remark parts to appear as higher-grade versions of the same product. They can also remark one part to masquerade as a different, more-valuable component with the same package and pin count. Beyond testing its permanence, one must check the placement, clarity, and content of a part's markings. One should always look for misspellings on manufacturers' labels. They must verify that the date code on the package label and the parts agree. People must check that the packaging conforms to part-specific requirements, such as for ESD or humidity protection. When in doubt, people must look to their part supplier or the ODM for support.