The leading German semiconductor manufacturer Infineon is currently warning the public about counterfeit semiconductor products. In addition to microchips (often also IC or integrated circuit), even simple products such as diodes are affected. Additionally, fraudsters are increasingly counterfeiting power electronics components.
Infineon has been running its own anti-counterfeiting program for some years now and is counting on a strategy of collaboration. For example, as a member of the World Semiconductor Council, the Munich-based DAX company works together with other manufacturers against counterfeit goods. In addition, Infineon also works directly with customs authorities and provides information and advice on suspected cases to authorities.
Educating its customers is also of crucial importance to Infineon, often with a focus on purchasing semiconductor components on the internet, explains Martin Robl, Senior Manager Corporate Security Programs & Investigations at Infineon. “Fake semiconductors are [available on] online auction and sales platforms such as ebay or Aliexpress.” Thousands of online brokers specialize in buying parts cheaply and selling them worldwide – a business environment that counterfeiters take advantage of.
Acting against counterfeit IC is hampered by the fact that the outer casings of many components are standardized – only imprints or engravings tell what product is integrated inside, and these can easily be faked. This way, fraudsters can mask scrap-ready semiconductors as allegedly new products or cheap standard parts as expensive special items. “The simplest method is sanding down or repainting the type designation and date code,” says Robl. “From the outside you cannot see what the component is actually made of. If the [external] imprint corresponds with the ordered goods, [the items] do not draw suspicion.”
The deception creates a significant risk for users. For example, Robl cites a case in which an Australian train manufacturer unwittingly installed fake power modules that exploded during a test drive and caused considerable damage. Fake semiconductor components have also been found in vehicles, aviation, medical technology and even in the military sector.
A Europe-wide action by OLAF (European Anti-Fraud Office) last year illustrates the scope of the problem. Within just two weeks, European authorities confiscated more than a million counterfeit semiconductors (we reported). Industry officials suggest that an estimated one to three percent of all semiconductors on the market are counterfeits.
To protect its customers, Infineon has set up its own dedicated website. Among other things, the company recommends acquiring Infineon products exclusively from the manufacturer or through authorized dealers. Users who have received suspicious products can consult Infineon’s experts by phone.
