Force Tech Talk Ep21: How Counterfeits Affect Military and Aerospace Subsystems

In Episode 21 of Force Tech Talk, Ben Savage MIIOM sits down with Eder to explain exactly how counterfeiting works in the semiconductor industry, what detection methods are available, and why the industry standards that govern testing, AS6081 and AS6171, exist for good reason.

They cover:

• How black topping works and why it is difficult to detect without specialist equipment
• Why industry-standard packages make remarking so straightforward for counterfeiters
• The testing hierarchy from visual and dimensional checks through to X-ray, decapsulation, and electrical testing
• How AS6171 defines risk levels and what moderate versus high risk testing actually involves
• Why rigorous supplier qualification matters more than downstream detection

Ben has been at Force Technologies for 20 years. In that time, a genuine counterfeit device getting through is something he cannot recall happening. That is not luck. It is the result of a consistent process.

Watch/Listen to Episode 21