Rochester Electronics emphasises the value of purchasing from the authorised supply chain, from guaranteed manufacturer warranties to safe stocks of obsolete parts.
In 2022 authorised distributors accounted for just 25 to 29 per cent of global semiconductor revenue, with most sourcing coming from non-authorised channels. These non-authorised channels make up the ‘grey market’. Unauthorised semiconductor distributors function without official agreements with original component manufacturers (OCMs). They often obtain products through channels such as excess inventory, outdated stock or counterfeit devices. Dealing with unauthorised distributors poses risks of receiving inferior or counterfeit products.
Purchasing from non-authorised sources can lead to no access to manufacturer-backed warranties or technical support, an inconsistent supply chain and increased risk of supply chain disruptions. Likewise, there is no guarantee of compliance with industry standards, which increases the risks of substandard and counterfeit products.
The consequences of allowing substandard or counterfeit products to enter the supply chain include: reduced production yields; increased rework; the introduction of malware or changes that enable third parties to access the software; increased in-service failures/reduced reliability; heightened risks and financial liability associated with catastrophic system failure; and potential reputational damage.
It is safer to assume all semiconductors sourced outside authorised channels are potentially counterfeits.
Purchasing from 100 per cent authorised semiconductor suppliers offers guaranteed product authenticity and reliability, plus manufacturer-backed warranty and support. It helps buyers avoid the risks of counterfeit components, while adhering to industry quality standards and certifications. Other benefits include a fully traceable supply chain and safe stock of obsolete components.
SAE’s AS6496 is a robust anti-counterfeiting measure that sets guidelines to combat counterfeit products within the authorised distribution supply chain.
Authorised after-market suppliers and manufacturers, such as Rochester Electronics, comply with AS6496. The OCM authorises them to provide traceable and guaranteed products, and no quality or reliability testing is required because the parts are only sourced from the OCM.
Providers not fully authorised may market themselves as AS6171/4-compliant. This indicates they follow standardised inspections and test procedures but may have minimum training and certification requirements to detect suspicious or counterfeit components. If AS6171 testing is being done, the product is not being tested to the original OCM test program.
Rochester Electronics offers an authorised continuous source of supply with over 15 billion devices in stock encompassing 200,000-part numbers, providing the world’s most extensive range of EOL and the broadest range of active semiconductors.
Over 10 billion of Rochester’s in-stock devices are classed as EoL by the OCM, from which the product is directly supplied. Components are 100 per cent authorised, traceable and guaranteed direct from the OCMs. As a result, Rochester can offer the original component warranties and guarantees.
As a licensed semiconductor manufacturer, Rochester offers ongoing solutions using information and technology transferred directly to Rochester from the OCM. Rochester utilises the original manufacturer’s die and fab processes, matching the original designs, assembly solutions and test protocols. The resulting product is 100 per cent certified, guaranteed and sold with full approval under the original manufacturer’s part number. With over 12 billion die in stock, Rochester has manufactured over 20,000 device types.
Rochester invests in design solutions to extend the life of semiconductor products, providing drop-in solutions that minimise new qualification costs and allow system software to remain unchanged.