Saelig – Counterfeit detector automatically verifies ICs from database or known sample (ABI Sentry)

Saelig has introduced ABI Sentry, a simple to use counterfeit IC detector. The novel solution quickly and easily detects the authenticity of ICs and components using a combination of electronic parameter settings (voltage, frequency, source resistance and waveform) to generate a PinPrint for each pin of the IC being checked. It then compares the ‘unique’ electrical signature of known components with suspect components.

The ABI Sentry can quickly detect missing or incorrect dies, lack of bond wires, inaccurate pin outs and pin impedance variations. Simple pass or fail results are returned after testing, offering a high level of confidence in the authenticity of components.

PC-driven ABI Sentry’s device library can be built up by adding specific known good devices. Each device can have documents associated with it, such as photos of device markings, data sheets, and other documents to further help in confirming the integrity of a device. ABI Sentry contains all the hardware required to analyze the electrical characteristics of ICs with up to 256 pins. 256 pins+ devices can also be tested by rotating the device (BGA, QFP) to allow all pins to be learned and compared ABI Sentry is supplied with four 48 pin dual in line (DIL) zero insertion force (ZIF) sockets; these can be used directly for older DIL components but can also be used to accommodate a variety of additional socket adapters available for different package types. The socket adapter can contain multiple IC sockets if required, to allow testing several ICs at the same time or comparing one IC with another. An expansion connector allows custom socket adapters with up to 256 pins to be attached.

Unfortunately, not all ICs on the market are genuine. The counterfeit IC industry worldwide is worth billions of dollars, and many companies are suffering losses, delays, and inconvenience because of the infiltration of counterfeit ICs made from empty packages or cheap ICs re-marked to resemble actual expensive ICs. It is getting more and more difficult to ensure that purchased components are genuine, even when dealing with franchised distributors. Controlled via USB using the provided PC software, ABI Entry is suitable for all device and package types ranging from simple two pin devices to more complex packages such as QFP and BGA. It provides easy-to-understand ‘good/ suspect / fail’ results, with a full analysis report available – and no operator training is required. ABI Sentry is housed in a sturdy metal box measuring 10.6 x 10 x 3.6 inches and weighs 8lbs.

Ideal for component distributors or manufacturers’ receiving departments for sample testing, other application areas include electronics components suppliers using ABI Sentry in their quality assurance programs. Detailed reports can be saved to provide quality assurance traceability. ABI Sentry guards production facilities from the infiltration of counterfeit devices, identifying bad parts before they are mounted on PCBs, saving time, money and frustration. The ABI Sentry is made in Europe by ABI Electronics.