Procurement of critical components and confirmation of authenticity in an AS6081 / AS6171 accredited laboratory.
A component that has been removed from a system and then modified to misrepresent it as a new original part from an authorized manufacturer.
A part whose associated documents have been substituted or modified to misrepresent information pertaining to that part.
A part from an authorized manufacturer which has had the legitimate part marking replaced with a forged marking without authority from the authorized manufacturer.
A reproduction of a part produced by an unauthorized manufacturer without approval or design authority that replicates the authorized manufacturer’s part.
A part which has been modified for sabotage or malfunction.
A part identified as nonconforming by the authorized manufacturer in accordance with the specification and represented as conforming.
The SAE Aerospace Standard AS6081A standardizes practices to identify reliable sources for procuring electrical, electronic, and electromechanical (EEE) parts. It addresses assessing and mitigating the risk of distributing suspect counterfeit or counterfeit EEE parts, controlling these parts, and reporting incidents. This standard is designed for use by Independent Distributors (brokers) or any entity involved in "open market" transactions.
The requirements are intended to be applied throughout the supply chain to all such distributors or entities, regardless of type, size, or product provided, ensuring the integrity of EEE parts procurement and distribution.
When sourcing electronic and electromechanical (EEE) parts, ensuring their legitimacy and authenticity is crucial. The AS6171 standard, a gold standard for testing and authenticating these components, is especially important for parts from the open or gray market. It provides guidelines for inspecting, testing, and certifying EEE parts to detect counterfeits, ensuring they match original part numbers from the manufacturer. The AS6171 standard uses a risk-based approach, allowing for varying degrees of testing.
Counterfeit components under AS6171 include recycled, remarked, out-of-specification/defective, cloned, and tampered parts, each presenting unique challenges in maintaining component integrity.
In January 2022, the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency mandated that all electronic components purchased outside of franchise sales or directly from OEMs must be tested to the AS6171 standard.
Our partner is among the first companies to invest heavily in anti-counterfeiting test labs and is a pioneer in detecting counterfeits and clones.
ISO 17025-accredited electrical testing as part of a component authentication process or as a stand-alone testing service.
Cloned microcontroller in external view (Hardly any difference to the original)
Cross-section of the cloned microcontroller (Bad and Incorrect Processing)
POS (Point of Sale) device in which data can be read out by the cloned microcontroller.
Real device
Cloned device
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has learned that mission computers for Terminal High Attitude Area Defense (THAAD) missiles contain counterfeit memory chips.
Image Source: US Senate Armed Services 2012 Report on Counterfeit Electronics
An estimated 15 percent of all electronic spares and replacements purchased by the Pentagon are counterfeit.
Image Source: US Senate Armed Services 2012 Report on Counterfeit Electronics
Counterfeit parts were found in Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) for the C-5AMP transport aircraft, C-12 logistics aircraft and Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft.
Image Source: US Senate Armed Services 2012 Report on Counterfeit Electronics
L3Harris Technologies reported that the U.S. Air Force Joint Cargo Aircraft C-27J program had experienced four instances of suspect counterfeit electronic parts since the program's inception.
Image Source: US Senate Armed Services 2012 Report on Counterfeit Electronics
If you require assistance with the procurement of rare and discontinued components, then contact our team directly or arrange a callback.
If you would like support with a specific project, please contact our team directly or schedule an appointment for a consultation
