The proliferation of bogus electronic parts is relatively new, and the problem’s cause is unique compared to most other aircraft components. Fortunately, the aviation industry can turn to labs such as at Integra Technologies.


By David Jensen


Left: This technician is using a relatively low magnification microscope to see if a circuit board has any suspicious workmanship issues. What he is doing is considered a “high-level visual inspection.”


Above: For a close, visual examination, this Integra Technologies technician is using a microscope with 1000X magnification to look inside an integrated circuit package to make sure the identification markings inside match those outside.


lthough counterfeit,


or bogus, parts have long plagued the aviation industry, their existence in airborne electronic systems is relatively new—and unique. Counterfeit parts commonly emerge once the original part is no longer manufactured thus becoming obsolete. Driven by the mile-a-minute changes in the consumer electronics market, components such as integrated circuits (chips), connectors and resistors can become obsolete even before the airborne system that incorporates them is produced—indeed, even before the system is developed and certified.


Aviation Maintenance | avm-mag.com | May 2013 27


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